Means and a method in a packet switched network for forming multicast groups for applications with the same group identity

摘要

The present invention provides means and methods allowing end users of multimedia terminals in a cellular mobile packet switched network to dynamically create real time duplex communication channels to other terminals forming communication groups. The invention also provides efficient multicast functionality in cellular mobile packet switched networks. According to the invention, all applications sharing the same group identity are allocated virtual communication paths between them. This is made possible by letting end users register group identities in specific virtual switching nodes, said group identities being associated with particular applications. In one embodiment, the virtual switching nodes are placed inside the operators cellular packet switched network on a private address known by all applications and interconnected through complementary switching nodes through a private backbone network. In this way, a very high degree of security and reliability for the offered group communications and services is obtained.