Importance

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Abstract

A method of communicating an encrypted data broadcast to a plurality of virtual private network receivers is disclosed. A first communication channel is established between a first one of the receivers and a network node. A private data stream is communicated to the first receiver on the first channel. A request is received from the first receiver to join a broadcast data stream that is directed to a plurality of receivers by a broadcast server. A second encrypted communication channel is established between the first receiver and the network node for purposes of carrying the broadcast data stream. Decryption information, which the first receiver can use to decrypt information that is sent on the second channel, is sent to the first receiver through the first channel. The broadcast data stream is then communicated to the first receiver on the second channel. As a result, a particular receiver can receive an encrypted broadcast that is encrypted as part of a single session for a large plurality of other receivers, without impacting separate, private encrypted communications conducted by the particular receiver.

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First Claim