Efficient architectures and algorithms for multicasting data in computer communication networks

This paper presents two network architectures with associated routing and m ulticast algorithms for improved performance under multicasting traffic con ditions. A conditionally nonblocking network, referred to as a Clos network , forms the basis for the development of efficient multicast communication networks. The Clos network is first analyzed under multicast traffic condit ions for blocking and multicast overflow probability. The analysis determin es the overflow probability under two different multicast distribution assu mptions. The first distribution assumes all packets request the same number of copies and the second distribution uses a random number of requested co pies. An analysis of an extension of the presented network to multiplexed p arallel planes of a network shows a significant improvement on the network performance and particularly on the carried traffic load when compared with previously published multicast architectures using different buffering str ategies. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.