METHOD OF MULTICAST FILE DISTRIBUTION AND SYNCHRONIZATION

摘要

The present invention involves a method for multicast file distribution and synchronization in data networks. Specifically, the present invention includes a mechanism for efficient and reliable distribution of data file from a single source (server) to a large number of receivers (clients) using multicast distribution in wide area networks. The multicast file distribution is done by designating a receiver as an active receiver (401). The active receiver is selected using a novel token granting procedure. Once selected, the active receiver is responsible for generating retransmission requests (403) as well as providing flow control feedback (402) to the server during data transfer. All receivers on the network are offered a chance to become an active receiver at any given time. This process continues until there are no receivers in the group with missing data segments (405). The second part of the protocol provides synchronization of the file version to ensure that all receivers have the last distributed version of the data file. In addition, the protocol allows newly joined receivers to request the file from the server.