Multi-network operation for multicast groups
AssigneeItron, Inc.
InventorsJerome Bartier, James Laurence Taylor, Viet-Hung Nguyen, Hartman Van Wyk
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Techniques for bridging communication between multiple networks to facilitate distribution of multicast data are described herein. For example, the techniques may identify a particular node that is able to communicate with each network and instruct the particular node to act as a bridge between the networks. The particular node may forward data from either network to the other network. This may allow data for a multicast group to be distributed to members of the multicast group that are located in separate networks.
Claims20
One or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a central agent, cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising:
- receiving, from a first root node of a first network, information indicating that the first network includes a member of a multicast group;
- receiving, from a second root node of a second network, information indicating that the second network includes a member of the multicast group;
- based at least in part on the information from the first root node and the information from the second root node, determining that the first network and the second network each have at least one member of the multicast group;
- determining to bridge communication between the first network and the second network to allow distribution of data to members of the multicast group;
- and
- sending a message requesting that communication be bridged between the first network and the second network to allow distribution of data to the members of the multicast group.
A root node of a first network, the root node comprising:
- one or more processors;
- and
- memory communicatively coupled to the one or more processors, the memory storing one or more instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising:
- determining that the first network includes a member of a multicast group;
- determining that a node of the first network able to communicate with a node of a second network;
- sending, to a central agent, information indicating that the first network includes a member of the multicast group and that the first network is able to communicate with the second network;
- receiving, from the central agent, a message requesting that the root node bridge communication between the first network and the second network to allow distribution of data to members of the multicast group;
- selecting the node of the first network that is able to communicate with the node of the second network to bridge communication between the first network and the second network for the multicast group;
- and
- sending, via the first network, a message instructing the selected node to bridge communication between the first network and the second network for the multicast group.
A first node of a first network, the first node comprising:
- one or more processors;
- and
- memory communicatively coupled to the one or more processors, the memory storing one or more instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising:
- communicating with a second node of a second network;
- sending, to the second node, a first message destined for a root node of the second network, the first message indicating that the first node is a member of the first network;
- receiving a second message instructing the first node to bridge communication between the first network and the second network for a multicast group;
- and
- configuring the first node to bridge communication between the first network and the second network for the multicast group.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.