Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, multicast traffic is simultaneously routed via all switches participating in the trunk (can be referred to as partner switches). A respective partner switch synchronizes the local multicast state information with all other partner switches. For a respective multicast group, a plurality of partner switches can be the part of the corresponding multicast distribution tree and obtain multicast traffic from uplink sources. For the multicast group, only one partner switch is elected as the primary forwarder which forwards the multicast traffic via the trunk. Another partner switch can become the primary forwarder for the multicast traffic of another multicast group and provide load sharing of multicast traffic between partner switches. Furthermore, because the partner switches have the multicast traffic and state readily available, in the event of a switch or link failure to the primary forwarder, another partner switch can readily become the primary forwarder.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, multicast traffic is simultaneously routed via all switches participating in the trunk (can be referred to as partner switches). A respective partner switch synchronizes the local multicast state information with all other partner switches. For a respective multicast group, a plurality of partner switches can be the part of the corresponding multicast distribution tree and obtain multicast traffic from uplink sources. For the multicast group, only one partner switch is elected as the primary forwarder which forwards the multicast traffic via the trunk. Another partner switch can become the primary forwarder for the multicast traffic of another multicast group and provide load sharing of multicast traffic between partner switches. Furthermore, because the partner switches have the multicast traffic and state readily available, in the event of a switch or link failure to the primary forwarder, another partner switch can readily become the primary forwarder.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for reducing apparent latency in content-delivery networks are provided. Sources multicast certain ‘preview multicast streams’ to multiple subscribers. These preview multicast streams provide pre-recorded content of multicast streams. When a subscriber switches to a desired multicast stream, pre-recorded content of the desired multicast stream is reconstructed from a preview multicast stream. Thereafter, the pre-recorded content is played during the setup of the new multicast distribution tree to minimize latency. Once the distribution tree is setup, live content of the desired multicast stream is made available to the subscriber.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus are provided for a service provider to stream user-customized information. In an embodiment, the user-customized information includes tickers, advertisements and other types of user-specific information. Users can register for categories that interest them, from an available set of categories. The service provider can then stream the user-customized information on the basis of registration information. A parent service provider streams a main event and gives the service provider control of streaming the user-customized information during still periods of the main event. The service provider can also stream tickers, based on the registered categories, during the main event.

Abstract: Methods and systems have been provided for preempting a secondary service provider from streaming information. The primary service provider sends an Ad-insert control packet for giving control of the streaming to the secondary service provider, during still periods determined on the basis of the Ad-insert control packet. When the primary service provider wants to take back control of streaming from the secondary service provider during the still periods, the primary service provider sends an Ad-insert preempt message. The secondary service provider is then preempted during the periods that are determined on the basis of the Ad-insert preempt message.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, multicast traffic is simultaneously routed via all switches participating in the trunk (can be referred to as partner switches). A respective partner switch synchronizes the local multicast state information with all other partner switches. For a respective multicast group, a plurality of partner switches can be the part of the corresponding multicast distribution tree and obtain multicast traffic from uplink sources. For the multicast group, only one partner switch is elected as the primary forwarder which forwards the multicast traffic via the trunk. Another partner switch can become the primary forwarder for the multicast traffic of another multicast group and provide load sharing of multicast traffic between partner switches. Furthermore, because the partner switches have the multicast traffic and state readily available, in the event of a switch or link failure to the primary forwarder, another partner switch can readily become the primary forwarder.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for reducing apparent latency in content-delivery networks are provided. Sources multicast certain ‘preview multicast streams’ to multiple subscribers. These preview multicast streams provide pre-recorded content of multicast streams. When a subscriber switches to a desired multicast stream, pre-recorded content of the desired multicast stream is reconstructed from a preview multicast stream. Thereafter, the pre-recorded content is played during the setup of the new multicast distribution tree to minimize latency. Once the distribution tree is setup, live content of the desired multicast stream is made available to the subscriber.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for reducing apparent latency in content-delivery networks are provided. Sources multicast certain ‘preview multicast streams’ to multiple subscribers. These preview multicast streams provide pre-recorded content of multicast streams. When a subscriber switches to a desired multicast stream, pre-recorded content of the desired multicast stream is reconstructed from a preview multicast stream. Thereafter, the pre-recorded content is played during the setup of the new multicast distribution tree to minimize latency. Once the distribution tree is setup, live content of the desired multicast stream is made available to the subscriber.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for billing network usage in a network are provided. Statistics of subscribers' network usage and subscriber information are transmitted from a plurality of First Hop Multicast Routers (FHMRs) to a Net Flow Collection Server (NFCS). The NFCS consolidates the statistics received and subscriber information into a report. Thereafter, a Billing Module (BM) prepares subscribers billing information based on the report and policies configured on the BM. Advantageously, subscribers are charged based on their individual network usage.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for reducing apparent latency in content-delivery networks are provided. Sources multicast certain ‘preview multicast streams’ to multiple subscribers. These preview multicast streams provide pre-recorded content of multicast streams. When a subscriber switches to a desired multicast stream, pre-recorded content of the desired multicast stream is reconstructed from a preview multicast stream. Thereafter, the pre-recorded content is played during the setup of the new multicast distribution tree to minimize latency. Once the distribution tree is setup, live content of the desired multicast stream is made available to the subscriber.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for billing network usage in a network are provided. Statistics of subscribers' network usage and subscriber information are transmitted from a plurality of First Hop Multicast Routers (FHMRs) to a Net Flow Collection Server (NFCS). The NFCS consolidates the statistics received and subscriber information into a report. Thereafter, a Billing Module (BM) prepares subscribers billing information based on the report and policies configured on the BM. Advantageously, subscribers are charged based on their individual network usage.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus are provided for a service provider to stream user-customized information. In an embodiment, the user-customized information includes tickers, advertisements and other types of user-specific information. Users can register for categories that interest them, from an available set of categories. The service provider can then stream the user-customized information on the basis of registration information. A parent service provider streams a main event and gives the service provider control of streaming the user-customized information during still periods of the main event. The service provider can also stream tickers, based on the registered categories, during the main event.

Abstract: Methods and systems have been provided for preempting a secondary service provider from streaming information. The primary service provider sends an Ad-insert control packet for giving control of the streaming to the secondary service provider, during still periods determined on the basis of the Ad-insert control packet. When the primary service provider wants to take back control of streaming from the secondary service provider during the still periods, the primary service provider sends an Ad-insert preempt message. The secondary service provider is then preempted during the periods that are determined on the basis of the Ad-insert preempt message.