SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR UTILIZING MULTICAST IP AND EHTERNET TO LOCATE AND DISTRIBUTE A SATELLITE SIGNAL

摘要

A system and method for distributing satellite television program signals utilizes IP and Ethernet multicast addresses to define and allow the acquisition and/or distribution of a particular satellite television program signal. The satellite program identification data or parameters for the particular satellite program signal are encoded by an IP multicast address assigned to the particular satellite television program signal from a block of IP multicast addresses, preferably by a mini head end (40). The assigned IP multicast address is mapped to an Ethernet IP address for distribution to an Ethernet compatible component such as a satellite signal receiver or set top box. In this manner, any and all satellite program signals may be provided to one or more satellite signal receivers (32) through IP multicasting.