Layered multicast and fair bandwidth allocation and packet prioritization

摘要

Embodiments include an overlay multicast network. The overlay multicast network may provide a set of features to ensure reliable and timely arrival of multicast data. The embodiments include a congestion control system that may prioritize designated layers of data within a data stream over other layers of the same data stream. Each data stream transmitted over the network may be given an equal share of the bandwidth. Addressing in routing tables maintained by routers in the may utilize summarized addressing based on the difference in location of the router and destination address. Summarization levels may be adjusted to minimize travel distances for packets in the network. Data from high priority data stream layers may also be retransmitted upon request from a destination machine to ensure reliable delivery of data.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
receiving data in a single multi-layered stream; storing sequence data of a packet within the packet on an accessible storage device, wherein the sequence data includes:
a layer identifier indicating a relative location of the packet within a hierarchy of virtual layers, anda packet identifier of a most recently received packet in a virtual layer in the stream, the layer identifier further indicating a relative importance of the packet, wherein the relative importance of the packet reflects relative priority of the packet and influences a probability that the packet will be selected to be reprioritized; forwarding the data over a packet-switched network via a network interface; detecting, by a processor in communication with the accessible storage device, a condition in response to which there is a need to reprioritize the importance of delivery of packets within the stream; and selecting a virtual layer of high priority packets from the hierarchy of virtual layers in the stream to forward to a destination based upon criteria that includes the layer identifier.