Importance

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Abstract

Method and system for multicast routing in an ATM network including a multicast tree having a plurality of nodes interconnected by links wherein a weight representative of traffic congestion level is assigned to each link and at least one algorithm is utilized to find routes from a source node of the tree to multiple end nodes of the tree which minimize the sum-total of link weights. The method and system are disclosed with a 3-stage Clos switching network. One optimal and two heuristic algorithms are disclosed. The heuristic algorithms can find multicast routes that are close to optimal within a response time that is significantly lower than that of the optimal algorithm. A hybrid implementation in which the optimal and heuristic algorithms are run in parallel with a set time limit is also disclosed. Although the method and system are disclosed with the Clos switching network, the algorithms also apply to communications networks with a two-hop structure.

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First Claim