Methods and systems for efficient multicast across a mesh backplane

摘要

The present invention relates to communications networks, and more particularly to packet switching and routing devices used in communication networks that provide efficient multicast services. The invention provides methods and systems for switching and routing of multicast data packets in two stages. In particular, in the first stage a received multicast data packet is in an internal multicast operation by an ingress line card across a switching fabric to a plurality of egress line cards through which multicast destinations of the packet are reachable. In a second stage each egress line card further replicates the data packet to the actual transmission links across which the multicast group are reachable. This invention also includes system performing this method. The invention reduces the service time for the multicast packets making it the same as for the unicast packets, and provides for better system throughput in comparison to traditional systems.