Forming multicast distribution structures using exchanged multicast optimization data

A method comprising:

• sending with a device a message to one or more downstream devices located between the device and a receiver for a multicast group, wherein the message includes multicast optimization data that specifies at least one criterion for selecting an upstream device;
• and
• receiving a join request from at least one of the downstream devices to join the multicast group in response to the sent message.

A network device comprising:

• an interface to receive a message from an upstream device, wherein the message contains multicast optimization data (MOD) that specifies at least one criterion for selecting an upstream device;
• and
• a control unit to generate an appropriate multicast action request with respect to a multicast distribution structure within a network based on the MOD, wherein the interface outputs the multicast action request to at least one other device in the network.

A computer-readable medium comprising instructions for causing a programmable processor to:

• receive messages containing multicast optimization data pertaining to a plurality of upstream devices for a multicast group, wherein the multicast optimization data specifies at least one criterion for selecting an upstream device;
• and
• issue an appropriate multicast action request based on the data.