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 packetized content to a client device, said method comprising:
receiving a request for said packetized content from said client device; determining whether said requested packetized content is to be provided via a multicast to a group of devices; and when it is determined that said requested packetized content is to be provided via a multicast, providing said client device an instruction to query a gateway device configured to, in response to said query, join a multicast group for receiving said requested packetized content and provide said requested packetized content as a unicast stream thereto.