All things related to multicast

[Dov Zimring <>]

I work in the world of commercial IP Video deployments over DSL and
Fiber, both of which utilize multicast for distribution of  "broadcast"
content.  Today the set top boxes are typically IGMPv2 and the service
provider's subscriber interface performs the function of an IGMP
router.  Most of the equipment used in this space has per port interface
statistics which allow you to collect tracking info as a function of
network management.  To validate bandwidth engineering assumptions
studies have been done which look at per device group membership
regularly throughout the day.  Viewing trends are available per channel
and at a given time of day.  To date I've only seen this info used for
network monitoring and engineering purposes but it clearly lends itself
to Nielsen market research type opportunities.  The statistics cover
100% of your viewing population, if you want to know exactly how many
impressions a certain add made - you'd have the info at your fingertips.

The DSL Forum is hashing out a new architecture for migrating from
legacy low capacity ATM networks to IP/Ethernet networks in the telco
carrier markets.  Conditional access, admission control and security are
a few of the many issues they attempt to address in this.  Fast channel
change times are critical for end user enjoyment and thus more important
then conditional access so encryption is required end to end for content
security and electronic program guides on a set top box won't allow the
remote to select a channel that is not included in the purchased package
but nothing prevents a hacker from plugging in a laptop and scanning all
available multicast groups to see what's really there.  They can join
groups but will end up with encrypted content.  Admission control is the
most interesting problem right now.  With HDTV, DVR, VoD, VoIP and
gaming all contending for last mile bandwidth, how do you inform the end
user that the TV upstairs can't switch from that standard def to that
high def channel because Johnny just purchased a time slot on a network
intensive multi-player game?

--
--
Dov Zimring
Triple Play Architect
Occam Networks
work:   (805) 692-2903
mobile: (805) 705-8813
http://www.occamnetworks.com


David Devereaux-Weber wrote:

> So, we've invented this wonderfully scaleable way to support almost 
> unlimited viewers...how can we count them?  Are there tools for 
> tracking multicast viewers?
>
> Dave