Methods and apparatus to optimize delivery of multicast content using probabilistic feedback

Apparatus for use in a receiving terminal to receive data transmitted to a plurality of receiving terminals from a server, the apparatus comprising:

• receiving logic to receive the data and an acknowledgement value transmitted from the server;
• generating logic to generate a random response value;
• processing logic to compare the response value to an acknowledgement value;
• and
• transmitting logic to transmit an acknowledgment signal to the server from the receiving terminal if the response value has a selected relationship to the acknowledgement value.

A method for use in a receiving terminal to receive data transmitted to a plurality of receiving terminals from a server, the method comprising:

• receiving the data and an acknowledgement value transmitted from the server;
• generating a random response value;
• comparing the response value to the acknowledgement value;
• and
• transmitting an acknowledgment signal to the server if the response value has a selected relationship to the acknowledgement value.

Apparatus for use in a receiving terminal to receive data transmitted to a plurality of receiving terminals from a server, the apparatus comprising:

• means for receiving the data and an acknowledgement value transmitted from the server;
• means for generating a random response value;
• means for comparing the response value to the acknowledgement value;
• and
• means for transmitting an acknowledgment signal to the server if the response value has a selected relationship to the acknowledgement value.

A computer-readable media comprising instructions, which when executed by processing logic in a receiving terminal, operate to receive data transmitted from a server to a plurality of receiving terminals, the computer-readable media comprising:

• instructions for receiving the data and an acknowledgement value transmitted from the server;
• instructions for generating a random response value;
• instructions for comparing the response value to the acknowledgement value;
• and
• instructions for transmitting an acknowledgment signal to the server if the response value has a selected relationship to the acknowledgement value.

Apparatus for use in a receiving terminal to receive data transmitted to a plurality of receiving terminals from a server, the apparatus comprising:

• receiving logic to receive the data and an acknowledgement value transmitted from the server, and wherein the receiving logic operates to detect a data reception error;
• generating logic to generate a random response value;
• processing logic to compare the response value to an acknowledgement value;
• and
• transmitting logic to transmit a negative acknowledgment signal to the server from the receiving terminal if a data reception error is detected and the response value has a selected relationship to the acknowledgement value.