MULTICASTING METHOD AND APPARATUS

摘要

A scalable architecture is disclosed for delivery of real-time information over a communications network. Embedded into the architecture is a control mechanism (10) that provides for the management and administration (60) of users (40) who are to receive the real-time information. Preferably, there are multiple channels of information available simultaneously to be delivered to users, each channel consisting of an independent stream of information. A user (40) chooses to tune in or tune out a particular channel, but does not choose the time at which the channel distributes its information. Advantageously, interactive (two-way) information can be incorporated into the system, multiple streams of information can be integrated for delivery to a user (40), and certain portions of the information being delivered can be tailored to the individual user (40).