Protocol for multicast communication

摘要

The invention provides a method, data processing system and software application program for the efficient dissemination of information to multiple recipients over one or more communication channels in a communications network, for instance the multicast Internetwork. The method comprises the steps of:-defining at least one primary data set for transmission over at least one primary communications channel in the network, where the or each primary data set comprises data relating to at least one secondary data set associated therewith and provided for transmission over a secondary communications channel; transmitting the primary data set or sets over primary communications channel(s); modifying at least one primary data set in response to modifications to at least one secondary data set; and repeating the transmission step to provide potential recipient(s) of said primary data set or sets with an indication that at least one secondary data set has been modified independently of said recipient(s) receiving the modified secondary data set or sets.