Multi-network operation with member node 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, a node that is able to communicate with its network and an adjacent network may send a subscription message indicating that the node is a member of a multicast group. The subscription message may be forwarded up both networks. The node may then forward, between the networks, data that is destined for members of the multicast group.
Claims20
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:
- sending, to a second node of the first network and a third node of a second network, a subscription message indicating that the first node is a member of a multicast group;
- and
- forwarding data between the first network and the second network for the multicast group, the data being destined for members of the multicast group, the forwarding including at least one of:
- receiving the data from the second node of the first network and sending the data to the third node of the second network;
- or
- receiving the data from the third node of the second network and sending the data to the second node of the first network.
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:
- receiving, from a second node of a second network, a subscription message indicating that the second node is a member of a multicast group;
- sending the subscription message within the first network to reach a root node of the first network;
- and
- forwarding data between the first network and the second network for the multicast group, the data being destined for members of the multicast group, the forwarding including at least one of:
- receiving the data from a third node of the first network and sending the data to the second node of the second network;
- or
- receiving the data from the second node of the second network and sending the data to the third node of the first network.
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:
- sending, to a central agent, information indicating that the first network includes a member of a multicast group and that the first network is able to communicate with a 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;
- determining that at least one of (i) a node of the second network that is able to communicate with the first network is a member of the multicast group, or (ii) a node of the first network that is able to communicate with the second network is a member of the multicast group;
- and
- based at least in part on the determining, refraining from selecting a node to bridge communication between the first network and the second network.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.