Abstract: An access point of a communications network is disclosed configured to receive a multicast or broadcast packet from a source. The access point converts the multicast or broadcast packet into a unicast packet addressed to a station associated with the access point. The access point then transmits the unicast packet over the communications network from the access point to the station. The access point further may determine a minimum data rate by which the access point may transmit the multicast or broadcast packet to the station and determines an effective unicast rate for transmitting the unicast packet to the station. If the effective unicast rate does not exceed the minimum data rate, the access point does not transmit the unicast packet to the station and transmits the multicast or broadcast packet.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention provide a method, system, and apparatus for efficiently routing data through multiple applications. Generally, when data is received, the data type is identified or matched with a sequence of one or more applications. The corresponding data is then routed through the identified sequence of one or more applications according to the rules defined in the application stack.