Apparatus and methods for multicast delivery of content in a content delivery network

摘要

Methods and apparatus for providing persistent multicast delivery of content to devices within a network. In one embodiment, a webserver is provided to determine whether requested content is to be provided via a persistent multicast. If a multicast is not to be provided, the requesting device is instructed to query a unicast server. If a multicast is to be provided, the requesting device is instructed to query an entity for joining the multicast. After joining the multicast, the entity processes and provides the content to the requesting device as a unicast stream. In one variant, a web persistent port which is assigned by the entity to receive the multicast comprises a WebSocket compatible TCP port and the requesting device runs a WebSocket compatible media player. The webserver tracks requests to identify “popular” content to be delivered as a multicast. Content protection schemes and trick mode functions are also provided.

主权项

1. A method for providing Internet Protocol (IP) packetized content to a client device, said method comprising:
receiving at a gateway apparatus a request for access to said IP packetized content from a client device, said request comprising a request for access to a document object associated to said IP packetized content; assigning a transmission control protocol (TCP) port for a persistent socket connection to provide said requested IP packetized content; providing to said client device, in response to said request, a uniform resource locator (URL) for said persistent socket connection; receiving a request to enable said TCP port and access said requested IP packetized content from said client device; in response to receiving said request, said gateway apparatus joining a multicast for providing said requested IP packetized content; processing said requested IP packetized content received via said multicast; and providing said requested IP packetized content to said client device as a unicast thereto.