Fast-response receiver-driven layered multicast

In this paper, a new layered multicast protocol, called fast-response receiver-driven layered multicast (FRLM), is proposed. The differences between our FRLM and the original RLM are only at the receivers. Our design allows the receivers to track the available network bandwidth faster; this enables the receivers to converge to their optimal number of subscribed layers quicker, and to respond to the network congestion prompter. An early trigger mechanism for shortening IGMP leave latency is also designed. We show that FRLM can avoid several potential problems with the original RLM, which have been overlooked previously. Last but not the least, FRLM is a practical scheme that can be readily implemented in today´s best-effort Internet.