Method and server for fast channel change in unicast-multicast IPTV networks

摘要

An object with embodiments of the present invention is to achieve a solution for fast channel change that improves bandwidth utilization, wherein the fast channel change is accomplished by initiating a unicast stream until a multicast stream can provide the desired media. The bandwidth utilization is achieved by delaying the multicast session and by terminating the unicast session at the latest when the multicast session starts. The delay of the multicast session is dependent on the network latency. Latency in this context refers to the time passed from when the client sends an IGMP JOIN message until it receives the first packet of the multicast stream.

主权项

1. A method in a server for fast channel change, FCC, in an Internet Protocol TV, IPTV, network, wherein said method facilitates a fast channel change to a channel and comprises:
constructing a unicast stream from an original multicast stream of the channel and facilitating the fast channel change by temporarily providing the unicast stream before starting a FCC multicast stream; determining a delay in dependence on a difference between a maximum network latency and a minimum network latency associated with joining multicast channels, constructing the FCC multicast stream by delaying the original multicast stream by the determined delay, and controlling the unicast stream to terminate at the latest when the FCC multicast stream starts.