Managing multicast sessions

#Multicast communication may refer to a network node sending a single message to a select group of recipients. Examples of a network node may comprise a computer, server or router. Many existing network nodes, however, may not be configured to send multicast communications. Further, managing a multicast session may consume resources from a network node that may be better allocated to other tasks. For this and other reasons, a need may exist to improve multicast communication.

#The subject matter regarded as embodiments of the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. Embodiments of the invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings in which:

#FIG. 1 is a system suitable for practicing one embodiment of the invention;

#FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

#Embodiments of the invention may comprise a method and apparatus to manage multicast communication sessions. One embodiment of the invention may operate to convert requests for unicast connections to responses on multicast connections. The term “unicast” as used herein may refer to communicating a message from one network node to another network node. The term “multicast” as used herein may refer to communicating a message from one network node to multiple network nodes.

#The efficient management of multicast sessions may be desirable when multiple clients request the same information, such as information from a popular website server. Rather than creating the typical unicast connection between each client and the server, the server may communicate the information using a multicast session. The clients may be instructed to join the multicast session to receive the information. By reducing the need for multiple unicast connections, the server may allocate system resources to other tasks that may potentially be more valuable. Further, conventional network nodes configured to perform unicast communications may take advantage of multicast connections without costly modifications to individual network nodes. As a result, users may realize better network performance and services.

#In this detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the invention. It will be understood by those skilled in the art, however, that the embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components and circuits have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments of the invention. It can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and do not necessarily limit the scope of the invention.