Protocol negotiation for a group communication system

摘要

Methods and systems are provided in a group communication system for dynamically changing a version of a group communication protocol from a first version to a second version transparently to external sources and destinations. The system accommodates newly joining members that can only support versions of the protocol other than the version currently in use without interruption in service. Similarly, the system can upgrade its operating version of the group communication protocol to improve performance when a member having relatively low capabilities exits the group.