METHODS FOR MANAGING A POOL OF MULTICAST ADDRESSES AND ALLOCATING ADDRESSES IN A COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM

摘要

In a communications system having a plurality of endpoints each including a logical entity and its physical counterpart, a method for managing a pool of multicast addresses. The method including the steps of: generating a pool of available multicast addresses; receiving a request for a multicast address; allocating a multicast address for usage subject to at least a first limitation; monitoring the usage of the allocated multicast address; and reclaiming the allocated multicast address if as a function of the monitoring it is detected that a first condition is met, and causing the allocated multicast address to be placed into the pool of available multicast addresses.