Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to establishing a PIM tree to a source that is reachable over a unicast tunnel in a packet switched network. Advantageously, a Reverse Path Forwarding (RPF) Vector TLV to establish a PIM tree may be used in cases where there is an absence of source reachability in the core of a network.

Abstract: A capability is provided for modifying association of a Multicast Label Distribution Protocol (MLDP) tunnel with Protocol Independent Multicast (PIM). Information associated with a multicast source and multicast group (multicast SG) is received. The multicast SG is associated with an MLDP tunnel. Association of the MLDP tunnel with an outgoing interface list of the multicast SG is modified by faking an Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) local membership operation for the multicast SG on the MLDP tunnel. Modifying association of the MLDP tunnel with the outgoing interface list of the multicast SG includes adding the MLDP tunnel to the outgoing interface list of the multicast SG by faking an IGMP local membership join for the multicast SG on the MLDP tunnel or removing the MLDP tunnel from the outgoing interface list of the multicast SG by faking an IGMP local membership prune for the multicast SG on the MLDP tunnel.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus to resolve join packet RPF vector attribute conflicts in a network by adding an identified proxy to a proxy list, the proxy being valid if it is reachable and if a valid PIM adjacency exists on one of the next route hops, and selecting one of multiple valid proxies within the proxy list according to a hierarchy of selection mechanisms.

Abstract: A capability is provided for dynamically determining the root node of a Multicast Label Distribution Protocol (MLDP) tunnel. A request to join a multicast group is received, where the multicast group is supported by a multicast source. A route to the multicast source is determined. A next-hop node associated with the route and a routing protocol used to advertise the route to the next-hop node are determined based on the route. An advertising node that used the routing protocol to advertise the route to the next-hop node is determined based on the routing protocol and the next-hop node. The advertising router is the root of the MLDP tunnel.

Abstract: A capability is provided for modifying association of a Multicast Label Distribution Protocol (MLDP) tunnel with Protocol Independent Multicast (PIM). Information associated with a multicast source and multicast group (multicast SG) is received. The multicast SG is associated with an MLDP tunnel. Association of the MLDP tunnel with an outgoing interface list of the multicast SG is modified by faking an Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) local membership operation for the multicast SG on the MLDP tunnel. Modifying association of the MLDP tunnel with the outgoing interface list of the multicast SG includes adding the MLDP tunnel to the outgoing interface list of the multicast SG by faking an IGMP local membership join for the multicast SG on the MLDP tunnel or removing the MLDP tunnel from the outgoing interface list of the multicast SG by faking an IGMP local membership prune for the multicast SG on the MLDP tunnel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to establishing a PIM tree to a source that is reachable over a unicast tunnel in a packet switched network. Advantageously, a Reverse Path Forwarding (RPF) Vector TLV to establish a PIM tree may be used in cases where there is an absence of source reachability in the core of a network.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus to resolve join packet RPF vector attribute conflicts in a network by adding an identified proxy to a proxy list, the proxy being valid if it is reachable and if a valid PIM adjacency exists on one of the next route hops, and selecting one of multiple valid proxies within the proxy list according to a hierarchy of selection mechanisms.