A transfer systems for multi-media group communication

This paper highlights the need for sophisticated multicast mechanisms to be provided by transfer protocols in order to support group communication. This need becomes even more evident in the light of the special QOS requirements imposed by multi-media applications. Today´s protocols do not provide the broad range of functionality required by these upcoming new applications. Taking XTP as an example, we show how some of the identified demands are met by this protocol. Furthermore, some severe shortcomings of XTP are identified and appropriate enhancements are suggested