Multicast in deflection networks

Multicasting in deflection networks is more difficult than in store-and-forward networks, because of the difficulties in sending multiple copies of the same packet on several output ports. On the other hand, deflected packets stray from their optimal paths and may visit the multicast recipients “accidentally”, not necessary in the order envisioned by the sender. We compare a number of simple multicast strategies for deflection networks based on a few simple rules and assumptions. In particular, we never buffer packets that cannot be relayed immediately