KR100867987B1 - Apparatus and method of providing internet broadcasting service using multicast address learning bridge - Google Patents

Abstract

According to the present invention, when there is a broadcast channel request from each of the receiving terminals, each of the plurality of receiving terminals and broadcast streams generating a channel request frame in which an Ethernet channel address of a multicast address format is set as a source address and an address of a broadcast server is set as a destination address. Forwarding Port Map, which displays the current channel forwarding status for the multicast streams of the learning, and Learning Port Map, which indicates whether multicast address learning is allowed for each output port. Manages a multicast forwarding table that stores the aging time for the output port of the < RTI ID = 0.0 > and Hold Time < / RTI > information for aggregating channel request frames from multiple input ports, and the source address of the channel request frame. Forwarding entries with the same address as the multicast address extracted from If not present, provide Internet broadcasting service providing device and method for including the Ethernet switching device for multicasting to replicate the broadcast stream of the broadcast channel to the subscriber request.

Internet Broadcasting, IPTV, Multicast, Address Learning, Learning Port Map, Learning Port Map, Aging Time, Ageing Time, Channel Request Frame

Description

Apparatus and method of providing internet broadcasting service using multicast address learning bridge}

1 is a block diagram illustrating the provision of an Internet broadcast service through a general subscriber network.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating bit positions for distinguishing between a unicast address and a multicast address format in a 6-byte Ethernet address format defined by the IEEE International Standardization Organization.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an Internet broadcast service of multicasting an Ethernet channel address in a unicast address format to a multicast address.

4 is a view for explaining the operation of the Ethernet switching device in the Internet broadcast service of FIG.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing a channel request frame in the Internet broadcast service of FIG. 3.

6 is a diagram illustrating an internet broadcast service using a multicast address learning bridge according to the present invention.

7 is a view for explaining the operation of the Ethernet switching device in the Internet broadcast service according to the present invention.

8 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing a channel request frame in an internet broadcasting service according to the present invention.

9 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of removing a stream from which a channel reception request from a subscriber is interrupted in the method of providing an Internet broadcasting service according to the present invention.

<Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

600: subscriber station 610: receiving terminal

620: Ethernet switching device 670: broadcast stream processing unit

630: multicast forwarding table 600: broadcast server

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for providing an internet broadcast service, and more particularly, to an apparatus and method for providing an internet broadcast service using a multicast address learning bridge.

An internet broadcasting service refers to a service that provides multimedia data, ie, video or audio data, to a user in real time or through a video on demand (VOD) service through an internet network.

The internet broadcasting service is not guaranteed to have a fast connection speed so that a large amount of video or audio data can be transmitted immediately. The total data to be transmitted is divided into several files and transmitted in real time. Even before it is sent, it uses a streaming service that allows the browser or plug-in program to start presenting (playing) the received data on the client system.

As a method of providing a streaming service, it is common to use a unicast transmission method and a multicast transmission method.

The unicast transmission method is a method in which one sender transmits data to only one receiver and is widely used in general Internet applications or Internet broadcasts.

Multicast transmission is a method in which one sender transmits data to a specific group of recipients and is used in Internet video conferencing.

Although the unicast transmission method among streaming services is simple in its construction, it is easy to implement, but at the same time, the Internet broadcasting service to which a large number of users are connected, especially in the case of live broadcasting, separately transmits data packets to each receiver. Since there is a need to transmit, the load on the broadcast server side becomes large.

As the number of receivers increases, the problem that the load on the broadcast server side increases becomes greater.

On the other hand, the multicast transmission method among streaming services can transmit data packets to multiple receivers at the same time on the broadcast server side, thereby minimizing waste of network resources due to redundant transmission of data, thereby making it more suitable for Internet broadcasting. It can be called a song method.

In general, a subscriber network for providing Internet access service to a corporate or home subscriber includes an access device such as a digital subscriber access multiplexer (DSLAM) for connecting a receiving terminal and a service provider, and a concentrator for interconnecting multiple access devices. And an access server such as a BRAS (Broadband Remote Access Server) connecting the subscriber network and the core backbone network of the service provider.

In the Ethernet-based subscriber network environment, the broadcast stream multicast transmission method using the Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) protocol responds to the subscriber's request because the channel change signal (IGMP signal) generated by the subscriber is processed through the control system of intermediate nodes. It is slow and irregular, which can cause complaints to users.

And the effects of computer viruses on the intermediate nodes are a potential threat to service stability.

That is, in the Internet broadcasting service serviced in the same manner or under the same environment as the Internet communication service, the error caused by the virus invasion from the outside into the IGMP protocol control system, the error caused by the large number of IGMP protocol attacks due to the virus invasion on the user's computer, etc. And it can lead to harmful phenomena that damage the communication network control system can lead to serious broadcast service failures, which can cause a fatal blow to service reliability.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and when processing an internet broadcasting service using multicast in an Ethernet-based subscriber network environment, multicast stream control based on a broadcast channel change request of a user is performed. It does not depend on the data forwarding layer, but it can be processed directly at the data forwarding layer to prevent the delay of channel change, etc., and it is fundamentally a factor that can be a potential risk factor for the service stability that can occur when the signal transmitted from the subscriber is processed in the control system. An object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for providing an internet broadcast service that can be removed.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of providing an internet broadcast service, the method including: (a) generating an Ethernet channel address of a predetermined multicast format corresponding to a broadcast channel for which reception is requested; Receiving a channel request frame having the Ethernet channel address as a source address and a broadcast server address providing a broadcast data stream as a destination address; (c) extracting the source address and the destination address from the channel request frame; (D) checking whether the extracted source address is included in an address entry configured to provide a multicast service; (e) a port entry for which the port that has received the channel request frame is permitted to receive the broadcast channel; Checking whether it is included in; And (f) checking whether the extracted source address is included in a multicast forwarding address entry.

One embodiment of an apparatus for providing an internet broadcast service according to the present invention for achieving the above technical problem is an address entry configured to provide a multicast service, a port entry allowed to receive a broadcast channel, and a multicast forwarding address entry. A multicast forwarding table that stores information about the multicast forwarding table; And receiving a channel request frame having an Ethernet channel address of a predetermined multicast format corresponding to the broadcast channel requested to be received as a source address and a broadcast server address providing a broadcast data stream as a destination address. The source address is extracted, and the extracted source address is included in an address entry configured to provide a multicast service stored in the multicast forwarding table, and the port receiving the channel request frame is permitted to receive the broadcast channel. If the source address is included in the port entry, and the source address is not included in the multicast forwarding address entry, the broadcast stream processing unit for copying the data of the broadcast channel requested for reception and transmitting the channel request frame to the received port. It includes;

Hereinafter, a method and apparatus for providing Internet broadcast service according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a block diagram illustrating the provision of an Internet broadcast service through a general subscriber network.

Referring to FIG. 1, a subscriber network for providing an Internet broadcasting service to a subscriber includes a plurality of receiving terminals 100, 105, 110, and 115 receiving the service, and each receiving terminal 100, 105, 110, 115 and a plurality of IP-TV set-top boxes 120 to be connected between each access device 160, a concentrator 150 for condensing the plurality of access devices 160, the connection between the concentrator 150 and the network An access server 140 such as a BRAS (Broadband Remote Access Server), and a broadcast server (not shown) connected to the access server 140 through a network to provide an Internet broadcast service.

Referring to the case of providing a multi-channel Internet broadcasting service based on Ethernet in the subscriber network as shown in FIG. 1 using the Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) protocol, as follows.

The first subscriber who wants to use the Internet broadcasting service transmits the IGMP signal according to the first IGMP protocol signal through the IP-TV set-top box 120-4 using the receiving terminal 115.

When the first access device 160-1 receives the first IGMP signal from the first subscriber, the first access device 160-1 transmits the multicast forwarding state for transmitting the broadcast stream 130 of the channel requested by the subscriber to the Ethernet forwarding table 125-1. Set to.

At this time, if the multicast stream (broadcast stream) 130 of the broadcast channel requested by the first subscriber does not reach the first access device 160-1, the first access device 160-1 receives the received first access device 160-1. 1 transmits the IGMP signal to the upper concentrator 150.

When the first IGMP signal is received, the concentrator 150 sets the multicast forwarding state for transmitting the broadcast stream 130 of the channel requested by the first subscriber to the Ethernet forwarding table 125-3.

In addition, when the broadcast stream 130 requested by the first subscriber does not arrive, the concentrator 150 transmits the received first IGMP signal to the higher access server 140 again.

Through this process, when the first IGMP signal transmitted by the subscriber reaches the device in which the broadcast stream 130 is finally requested, the broadcast stream corresponding to the broadcast channel is connected to the access server 140, the aggregation device 150, The first receiving device 115 reaches the connected IP-TV set top box 120-4 via the first access device 160-1.

On the other hand, while receiving the broadcast stream of the broadcast channel requested by the first subscriber, when the second subscriber wants to receive the broadcast stream of the same broadcast channel, the second subscriber uses the second receiving terminal 110 to receive the first stream. 2 Generates an IGMP signal.

When the second IGMP signal is received from the second subscriber, the first access device 160-1 transmits the broadcast stream since the broadcast stream corresponding to the broadcast channel requested by the second subscriber is already transmitted to the first subscriber. The multicast forwarding state is set in the Ethernet forwarding table 125-1 so that it can be replicated and transmitted to the second subscriber.

When the first access device 160-1 receives a broadcast stream requested by the first subscriber and the second subscriber, the first access device 160-1 copies the broadcast stream by referring to the Ethernet forwarding table 125-1. The first subscriber and the second subscriber will receive the same broadcast stream.

In this case, the second IGMP signal of the second subscriber is no longer transmitted to the higher level device because the broadcast stream reaches the first access device 160-1.

Each access device 160, the concentrator 150, and the access server 140 process the received IGMP signal according to the IGMP protocol.

However, in the Ethernet-based subscriber network environment, in the multicast transmission method of a broadcast stream using a protocol such as IGMP, since a channel change signal (IGMP signal) generated by a subscriber is processed through a control system of intermediate nodes, The slow and irregular response to requests can cause user complaints.

In other words, the cable TV service, which provides a similar type of multi-channel broadcasting service, enables almost instant channel change and channel search, and has almost no service change depending on the usage type of users, while Ethernet multicast control using IGMP signals is provided. The method not only generates channel change delays that are tens of times to hundreds of times more than cable TV, but also may cause irregular response time due to signal processing delay of the control system when the channel change demands of users are congested. Viewers who are used to cable TV services can feel relatively frustrated.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating bit positions for distinguishing between a unicast address and a multicast address format in a 6-byte Ethernet address format defined by the IEEE International Standardization Organization.

It shows how to distinguish a multicast address from a unicast address in a 6 octet-sized Ethernet address defined by the IEEE International Standardization Organization, which is multicast if the last bit of the first octet of the Ethernet address is 1 If it is 0, it is recognized as a unicast address.

Therefore, the process of converting an Ethernet channel address in unicast address format to a multicast address means converting the last bit value of the first octet of the Ethernet address to 1.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an apparatus for providing an Internet broadcast service that converts an Ethernet channel address in a unicast address format into a multicast address and multicasts.

In the multicasting Internet broadcast service apparatus of FIG. 3, a plurality of subscriber stations 300-1, 300-2, and 300-3 are connected to each of the subscriber stations 300-1, 300-2, and 300-3. Terminals 310-1, 310-2, 310-3, and Ethernet switching devices 370 connected to the receiving terminals 310-1, 310-2, 310-3 are included.

Each subscriber station 300-1, 300-2, 300-3 denotes an apparatus for providing an Internet broadcasting service to each subscriber, and each receiver terminal 310-1, 310-2, 310-3 represents an IP- It refers to a terminal that connects the Ethernet switching device 370 and each of subscriber stations 300-1, 300-2, and 300-3, like a TV set-top box.

The Ethernet switching device 370 includes a plurality of tables 372 and 373, among which the receiver table 372 stores receiver status information of the current Internet broadcast service and received channel information of each receiver, and multicast forwarding. The table 373 stores entries corresponding to port maps, current channel forwarding state information, and multicast address information that allow forwarding for each multicast stream of each broadcast stream.

The Ethernet switching device 370 manages entries of the receiver table 372 and the multicast forwarding table 373 according to the broadcast channel request received from the subscriber and the current broadcast stream forwarding state.

The Ethernet switching device 370 may verify whether the subscriber is allowed to receive based on the receiver table 372, or process a broadcast reception blocking function, a reception desired channel selection function, and the like.

When the reception terminals 310-1, 310-2, and 310-3 are requested to receive broadcast channels from the subscriber stations 300-1, 300-2, and 300-3, the receiver terminals 310-1, 310-2, and 310-3 are set in advance with respect to the input channel number of the integer type. The channel address mapping function is applied to generate an Ethernet channel address in the form of a 6 byte unicast address.

In this case, the channel address is an identification number in the form of an Ethernet address used by the Ethernet switching device 370 to control the multicast channel stream, and the receiving terminals 310-1, 310-2, and 310-3 are previously received from the service provider. The channel address matching function is preferably set.

That is, the service provider preferably provides a channel address matching function embedded in each of the receiving terminals 310-1, 310-2, and 310-3.

For example, a case in which the first subscriber station 300-1 requests a broadcast channel will be described.

When a broadcast channel is requested from the first subscriber station 300-1, the first receiving terminal 310-1 receives a channel address of the requested broadcast channel as a destination address and a source address of the receiving terminal 310-1. Ethernet frame 380 is set to, that is, generates a channel request frame and transmits to the Ethernet switching device 370.

When the channel request frame is received, the Ethernet switching device 370 extracts a destination address and a source address from the received channel request frame, and converts the extracted unicast destination address (channel address) into a multicast address type. .

In this case, the Ethernet switching device 370 may convert some of the channel numbers in the form of Ethernet unicast addresses into the form of multicast addresses, thereby converting them to multicast addresses used for actual broadcast channel stream transmission.

The Ethernet switching device 370 searches the built-in multicast forwarding table 373 and checks whether an entry corresponding to the converted multicast address exists.

If the Ethernet switching device 370 does not have a corresponding entry in the multicast forwarding table 373, the channel requested from the first subscriber station 300-1 may cause the current Ethernet switching device 370 to provide a multicast service. Since it is not set, the received channel request frame is discarded.

On the other hand, if the entry exists in the multicast forwarding table 373, the Ethernet switching device 370 checks the allowed port map stored in the multicast address entry.

If the port receiving the channel request frame of the first subscriber requesting the broadcast channel is not registered in the port map stored in the entry, the Ethernet switching device 370 indicates that the first subscriber does not have permission to receive the requested broadcast channel. Meaning, discard the channel request frame.

The Ethernet switching device 370 verifies whether the subscriber who has requested a broadcast channel is allowed to receive a broadcast, or processes a broadcast reception blocking function and a reception desired channel selection function.

If the port receiving the channel request frame of the first subscriber is registered in the port map, the Ethernet switching device 370 registers the source address (terminal address) extracted from the received channel request frame in the receiver table 372. Check.

If the entry of the terminal address exists in the receiver table 372, the Ethernet switching device 370 checks whether the multicast address stored in the entry matches the converted multicast address, and checks the receiver table 372. If it matches the stored multicast address, it means that it is a duplicated channel request frame. Therefore, only the corresponding entry information is refreshed and the channel request frame is discarded.

Meanwhile, if the converted multicast address and the multicast address stored in the receiver table 372 do not match, the Ethernet switching device 370 indicates that the broadcast channel requested by the first subscriber is changed. The corresponding entry is retrieved to terminate the multicast stream forwarding state for the first subscriber.

In addition, the Ethernet switching device 370 binds and stores the converted multicast address in the receiver table 372, and the multicast stream of the broadcast channel requested by the first subscriber is copied to the multicast forwarding table 373 so that the first multicast stream is replicated. Set the frame forwarding state to be transmitted to the receiving port of the subscriber.

On the other hand, the Ethernet switching device 370 checks whether the multicast stream requested by the first subscriber is currently forwarded from the upper node and is in the forwarding state. If the multicast stream is not being forwarded, the Ethernet switching device 370 has its own address (Ethernet). Address of the switching device 370) as a source address, and a channel request frame having a channel address of a received unicast address format as a destination address is generated and transmitted to the upstream node. That is, the Ethernet switching device 370 requests the multicast stream to the upstream node after the multicast channel transmission state is set, and duplicates the multicast stream of the channel requested by the first subscriber and transmits the multicast stream to the first subscriber.

4 is a view for explaining the operation of the Ethernet switching device in the Internet broadcast service of FIG.

The Ethernet switching device 370 is connected to a broadcast server 300 that provides a broadcast stream through the Internet network, and the broadcast server 300 provides a broadcast stream of a corresponding channel according to the received channel request frame.

The Ethernet switching device 370 includes a receiver table 372, a multicast forwarding table 373, and a broadcast stream processor 371.

The Ethernet switching device 370 includes a first interface means (not shown) that can be connected to the broadcast server 300 through an internet network, and a second interface means (not shown) that can be connected to an IP-TV set-top box.

The broadcast stream processing unit 371 receives a channel request frame from the subscriber stations 300-1, 300-2, and 300-3 through the receiving terminals 310-1, 310-2, and 310-3. The destination address and source address are extracted from the request frame, and the extracted unicast destination address (ie, channel address) is converted into a multicast address type.

The broadcast stream processing unit 371 searches the multicast forwarding table 373 to check whether there is an entry corresponding to the converted multicast address, and if not, the subscriber stations 300-1 and 300-2. 300-3), since the channel requested by the Ethernet switching device 370 is not currently configured to provide a multicast service, the received channel request frame is discarded and, if the corresponding entry exists, the corresponding multicast address. Check the authorized portmap stored in the entry.

The broadcast stream processing unit 371 discards the channel request frame if the port receiving the channel request frame is not registered in the port map stored in the entry. If the port is received, the source address (terminal address) extracted from the received channel request frame is registered. Check whether or not is registered in the receiver table 372.

If there is an entry of the terminal address in the receiver table 372, the broadcast stream processing unit 371 checks whether the multicast address stored in the entry matches the converted multicast address. It refreshes, discards the channel request frame, and if it does not match, retrieves the entry corresponding to the subscriber's previous multicast address and terminates the multicast stream forwarding state for the subscriber. That is, the broadcasting of the previous channel is terminated so that the channel is changed.

The broadcast stream processing unit 371 binds and stores the converted multicast address in the receiver table 372, and the multicast stream of the broadcast channel requested by the subscriber is copied to the multicast forwarding table 373 and transmitted to the reception port of the subscriber. Set the frame forwarding state so that it can be In other words, the broadcast stream of the channel is transmitted by changing to the requested channel.

The broadcast stream processing unit 371 checks whether the multicast stream requested by the subscriber arrives from the current upper node and is in the forwarding state. If the multicast stream is not in the forwarding state, the broadcast stream processing unit 371 receives its own address (Ethernet switching device 370). To the upstream node by generating a channel request frame that uses the channel address of the received unicast address format as the destination address and transmits the multicast stream to the upstream node. Send to the subscriber.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing a channel request frame in the Internet broadcast service of FIG. 3.

Referring to FIG. 5, the subscriber requests a broadcast stream of a desired broadcast channel to the Ethernet switching device 370 (S500).

The subscriber requests broadcast channels to the receiving terminals 310-1, 310-2, and 310-3 using the subscriber terminals 300-1, 300-2, and 300-3, and receives the receiving terminals 310-1, 310. -2, 310-3, when a broadcast channel is requested, generates a 6-byte Ethernet channel address by applying a preset channel address mapping function to an input channel number of an integer type, and converts the channel address of the broadcast channel to a destination address. As such, a channel request frame is set to set the addresses of the receiving terminals 310-1, 310-2, and 310-3 as a source address and transmitted to the Ethernet switching device 370.

The Ethernet switching device 370 extracts a destination address and a source address from the received channel request frame, and converts the extracted unicast destination address (ie, channel address) into a multicast address type (S510).

The Ethernet switching device 370 searches whether an entry corresponding to the converted multicast address exists in the multicast forwarding table 373 (S520).

If the entry does not exist in the multicast forwarding table 373, the Ethernet switching device 370 discards the channel request frame (S530).

On the other hand, if the corresponding entry exists in the multicast forwarding table 373, the Ethernet switching device 370 checks the port map in the corresponding multicast address entry to determine whether the port on which the channel request frame is received is permitted (S540). ).

If the port on which the channel request frame is received from the subscriber who requested the broadcast channel is not registered in the port map stored in the entry, the Ethernet switching device 370 discards the channel request frame (S530).

If the reception port is registered in the port map, the Ethernet switching device 370 checks whether the source address (terminal address) extracted from the received channel request frame is registered in the receiver table 372 (S550).

If the entry of the terminal address exists in the receiver table 372, the Ethernet switching device 370 checks whether the multicast address stored in the entry matches the converted multicast address (S560).

If the multicast address stored in the receiver table 372 and the converted multicast address match, the Ethernet switching device 370 refreshes only the corresponding entry information and discards the channel request frame (S530).

Meanwhile, if the converted multicast address and the multicast address stored in the receiver table 372 do not match, the Ethernet switching device 370 searches for an entry corresponding to the previous multicast address of the subscriber and searches for the previous broadcast channel. The multicast stream forwarding state is terminated (S570).

Then, the Ethernet switching device 370 binds and stores the converted multicast address in the receiver table 372, and the multicast stream of the broadcast channel requested by the subscriber is duplicated in the multicast forwarding table 373, thereby providing a broadcast channel. The frame forwarding state is set to be transmitted to the receiving port of the requested subscriber (S580).

The Ethernet switching device 370 checks whether the multicast stream (broadcast stream) requested by the subscriber is currently forwarding from the upper node (S590), and if the multicast stream is not being forwarded, In step S591, a channel request frame having an address (the address of the Ethernet switching device 370) as a source address and a received channel address as a destination address is generated.

The Ethernet switching device 370 duplicates the broadcast stream received from the upstream node and multicasts the multicast stream to each port included in the port map existing in the corresponding entry of the multicast forwarding table 373 (S592).

3, 4, and 5, the Internet broadcast service of multicasting the Ethernet channel address of the unicast address format into a multicast address is a destination address of a broadcast channel request frame requested by each receiving terminal. Although the unicast address using the preset channel address mapping function is used for the channel number, it is not only complicated in the process of converting the unicast address into a multicast address by the Ethernet device receiving the channel request frame. The implementation is complex, such as managing a separate receiver table that records the channel reception status for each subscriber.

Therefore, in the present invention, the complexity of changing the unicast address format to the multicast address and the complexity of managing the receiver table by using the multicast address of the channel desired to receive the broadcast directly in the source address of the channel request frame are further simplified and efficient. The purpose is to.

6 is a diagram illustrating an internet broadcast service using a multicast address learning bridge according to the present invention.

The Internet broadcasting service includes a plurality of subscriber stations 600-1, 600-2, and 600-3 and receiver terminals 610-1 and 610 connected to each of subscriber stations 600-1, 600-2, and 600-3. -2, 610-3, and an Ethernet switching device 620 connected to each of the receiving terminals 610-1, 610-2, and 610-3.

Each subscriber station (600-1, 600-2, 600-3) refers to a device that provides Internet broadcasting services to each subscriber, each receiver terminal (610-1, 610-2, 610-3) is IP- It refers to a terminal connecting the Ethernet switching device 620 and each subscriber station (600-1, 600-2, 600-3), such as a TV set-top box.

The Ethernet switching device 620 includes a multicast forwarding table 630 composed of a plurality of fields, and a forwarding port map indicating an Ethernet multicast address and a current channel forwarding state for each broadcast channel. A learning port map indicating a port for which multicast address learning is allowed, an aging time for each port, and a hold time for collecting channel request frames arriving from a plurality of receiving terminals. Hold Time) information.

The Ethernet switching device 620 manages an entry of the multicast forwarding table 330 according to the broadcast channel request received from the subscriber and the current broadcast stream forwarding state.

The Ethernet switching device 620 may verify whether the subscriber is allowed to receive based on the multicast forwarding table 630, or process a broadcast reception blocking function and a reception desired channel selection function.

For example, a case in which the first subscriber station 600-1 requests a broadcast channel will be described.

When a broadcast channel is requested from the first subscriber station 600-1, the first receiving terminal 610-1 uses the Ethernet multicast address of the requested broadcast channel as a source address (channel address), and a broadcast server (not shown). Ethernet address 650 is set as the destination address, that is, the channel request frame is generated and transmitted to the Ethernet switching device 620.

When the channel request frame is received, the Ethernet switching device 620 extracts a destination address and a source address (channel address) in a multicast form from the received channel request frame.

The Ethernet switching device 620 searches the built-in multicast forwarding table 630 to determine whether an entry corresponding to the multicast channel address exists.

If the Ethernet switching device 620 does not have a corresponding entry in the multicast forwarding table 630, the channel requested from the first subscriber station 600-1 may cause the current Ethernet switching device 620 to provide a multicast service. Since it is not set, the received channel request frame is discarded.

If the corresponding entry exists in the multicast forwarding table 630, the Ethernet switching device 620 checks a learning port map stored in the corresponding multicast address entry.

If the port receiving the channel request frame of the first subscriber requesting the broadcast channel is not registered in the Learning Port Map stored in the entry, the Ethernet switching device 620 permits the reception of the requested broadcast channel. Means that is not set, discarding the channel request frame.

The Ethernet switching device 620 verifies whether a subscriber who has requested a broadcast channel is allowed to receive a broadcast, or processes a broadcast reception blocking function and a reception desired channel selection function.

If the port receiving the channel request frame of the first subscriber is registered in the running port map, the Ethernet switching device 620 checks the forwarding port map stored in the corresponding multicast address entry.

If the port receiving the channel request frame of the first subscriber is not registered in the forwarding port map stored in the entry, the Ethernet switching device 620 duplicates the multicast stream of the broadcast channel requested by the first subscriber. The forwarding port map and the frame forwarding state are set to be transmitted to the reception port of the first subscriber.

The Ethernet switching device 620 refreshes an aging time corresponding to a port for receiving the channel request frame of the first subscriber in the corresponding entry of the multicast forwarding table 630.

Meanwhile, the receiving terminal 610-1 of the first subscriber transmits a duplicate channel request frame before the preset aging time expires, so that the aging time is continuously updated. The multicast forwarding state through the receiving port is continuously maintained.

The Ethernet switching device 620 checks the hold time stored in the corresponding entry of the multicast forwarding table 630.

If the hold time value is 0, after setting the hold time value, the channel request frame is transmitted to an upstream node where a broadcast server (not shown) exists.

The Ethernet switching device 620 prevents too many channel request frames flooding upstream nodes when multiple receiving terminals 610-1, 610-2, and 610-3 transmit channel request frames simultaneously for the same channel. Hold time is set to prevent, and one channel request frame is forwarded only when the set hold time automatically decreases to 0, preventing too many channel request processing frames from being transmitted to the upstream node. do.

The Ethernet switching device 620 periodically decreases all aging time values stored in the multicast forwarding table by one.

When the aging time value of a port reaches 1, the bit value mapped to the port is deleted from the forwarding port map of the corresponding entry as 0, and the port to the corresponding port is deleted. Stop multicast stream forwarding.

That is, since the first subscriber 600-1 no longer receives a channel, the first receiving terminal 610-1 stops transmitting the periodic channel request frame or transmits another channel request frame to the previous channel. If the aging time is not updated, the information on the previous channel is automatically deleted after a certain time has elapsed, and the multicast stream forwarding to the port of the first subscriber is stopped.

7 is a view for explaining the operation of the Ethernet switching device in the Internet broadcast service according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, the Ethernet switching device 620 is connected to a broadcast server 600 that provides a broadcast stream through an internet network, and the broadcast server 600 broadcasts a broadcast stream of a corresponding channel according to a received channel request frame. To provide.

The Ethernet switching device 620 includes a multicast forwarding table 630 and a broadcast stream processor 670.

The Ethernet switching device 620 includes a first interface means (not shown) that can be connected to the broadcast server 600 through an internet network, and a second interface means (not shown) that can be connected to an IP-TV set-top box.

The broadcast stream processor 670 receives a channel request frame from the subscriber stations 600-1, 600-2, and 600-3 through the receiving terminals 610-1, 610-2, and 610-3. Extract the destination address and source address from the request frame.

The broadcast stream processing unit 670 searches the multicast forwarding table 630 to check whether there is an entry corresponding to the multicast address extracted from the source address portion of the channel request frame, and if there is no entry, the subscriber station ( Since the channel requested from 600-1, 600-2, and 600-3 is not currently configured to provide the multicast service by the Ethernet switching device 620, the received channel request frame is discarded, and the corresponding entry is If present, the Learning Port Map stored in the corresponding multicast address entry is checked.

If the port receiving the channel request frame is not registered in the Learning Port Map stored in the entry, the broadcast stream processing unit 670 discards the channel request frame and, if registered, forwards the port forwarding port map stored in the entry. Check the Port Map.

If the port receiving the channel request frame is not registered in the forwarding port map stored in the entry, the broadcast stream processing unit 670 sets the corresponding bit of the forwarding port map to 1, and the subscriber Sets the frame forwarding state so that the multicast stream of the broadcast channel requested by the UE can be copied and transmitted to the subscriber's receiving port.

The broadcast stream processing unit 670 refreshes an aging time corresponding to a port for receiving a channel request frame in a corresponding entry of the multicast forwarding table 630.

The broadcast stream processor 670 checks the hold time stored in the corresponding entry of the multicast forwarding table 630. If the hold time value is 0, the broadcast stream processor 670 sets the hold time value. After that, the channel request frame is transmitted toward the upstream node where the broadcast server 600 exists.

The broadcast stream processor 670 periodically decreases all aging time values stored in the multicast forwarding table 630 by one.

When a port's Aging Time value reaches 1, the corresponding port's forwarding port map is deleted as 0, and the multicast stream to that port is deleted. Stop forwarding.

8 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing a channel request frame in an internet broadcasting service according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8, the subscriber requests a broadcast stream of a desired broadcast channel to the Ethernet switching device 620 (S800).

That is, the subscriber requests a broadcast channel to the receiving terminals 610-1, 610-2, and 610-3 using the subscriber stations 600-1, 600-2, and 600-3, and receives the receiving terminal 610-1. When the broadcast channel is requested, the Ethernet switching device 620 generates a channel request frame in which the channel address of the broadcast channel is set as the source address and the address of the broadcast server 600 is set as the destination address. To be sent).

The Ethernet switching device 620 extracts a destination address and a source address (ie, a channel address) of a multicast form from the received channel request frame (S810).

The Ethernet switching device 620 searches whether an entry corresponding to the extracted multicast address exists in the multicast forwarding table 630 (S820).

If the corresponding entry does not exist in the multicast forwarding table 630, the Ethernet switching device 620 discards the channel request frame (S830).

If the entry exists in the multicast forwarding table 630, the Ethernet switching device 620 checks a learning port map in the corresponding multicast address entry to determine whether the port on which the channel request frame is received is permitted. Check (S840).

If the port in which the channel request frame is received from the subscriber who requested the broadcast channel is not registered in the learning port map stored in the entry, the Ethernet switching device 620 discards the channel request frame (S830).

If the receiving port is registered in the learning port map, the Ethernet switching device 620 checks whether the receiving port is also registered in the forwarding port map (S850).

If the receiving port is not registered in the forwarding port map, the Ethernet switching device 620 may duplicate the multicast stream of the broadcasting channel requested by the subscriber and transmit the duplicated broadcast channel to the receiving port of the subscriber who requested the broadcasting channel. A forwarding port map and a frame forwarding state are set (S860).

The Ethernet switching device 620 refreshes an aging time corresponding to a port that receives a channel request frame in a corresponding entry of the multicast forwarding table 630 (S870).

The Ethernet switching device 620 checks the hold time stored in the corresponding entry of the multicast forwarding table 630 (S880).

If the hold time value is not 0, the channel request frame is discarded (S 830). If the hold time value is 0, the hold request value is reset and the channel request frame is reset. The broadcast server 600 transmits to the existing upstream node (S890).

The Ethernet switching device 620 duplicates the broadcast stream received from the upstream node and multicasts the multicast stream to each port included in the port map existing in the corresponding entry of the multicast forwarding table 630.

9 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of removing a stream from which a channel reception request from a subscriber is interrupted in the method of providing an Internet broadcast service according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 9, the receiving terminals 610-1, 610-2, and 610-3 of the subscriber periodically transmit duplicate channel request frames toward the Ethernet switching device 620 while the subscriber receives the broadcast channel. As a result, the aging time is continuously refreshed, and the multicast forwarding state through the corresponding receiving port is continuously maintained.

If the subscriber receives another channel or stops receiving the broadcast, the channel request frame is no longer requested, and the Ethernet switching device 620 periodically checks an aging time field of the multicast forwarding table 630. Check (S900).

The Ethernet switching device 620 performs initialization to check all aging time fields of the multicast forwarding table 630 (S910).

The Ethernet switching device 620 extracts an aging time field from the multicast forwarding table 630 (S920), and if the value is greater than 0 (S930), reduces the aging time by one. .

If the Aging Time value is 1, the Ethernet switching device 620 stops the multicast stream forwarding state to the corresponding port, and deletes the corresponding bit of the Forwarding Port Map to 0 ( S950).

The Ethernet switching device 620 repeats the above process for all Aging Time fields (S970).

The invention can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium includes all kinds of recording devices in which data that can be read by a computer system is stored.

Examples of computer-readable recording media include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage, and the like, and may also be implemented in the form of a carrier wave (for example, transmission over the Internet). Include. The computer readable recording medium can also be distributed over network coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion.

So far I looked at the center of the preferred embodiment for the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be implemented in a modified form without departing from the essential features of the present invention. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should be considered in descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. The scope of the present invention is shown in the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope will be construed as being included in the present invention.

As described above, according to the present invention, in providing an Internet broadcasting service based on Ethernet, the channel change request requested by the subscriber is not processed according to the IGMP protocol, but is handled in hardware by a simplified procedure. This allows the subscriber to change channels in real time.

Further, by directly processing the stream processing for the channel change request of the subscriber in the data transmission system, it is possible to provide a more stable Internet broadcasting service without depending on the signal processing process of the control system.

In addition, the Ethernet switching device manages the receiver table and provides the Internet broadcast service to the subscriber based on the receiver table, thereby verifying whether or not the subscriber is allowed to receive the reception, and furthermore, the reception blocking function, which is harmful to minors, is received. It is possible to provide an enhanced service such as a desired channel selection function.

Claims (24)

(a) generating an Ethernet channel address of a predetermined multicast format corresponding to a broadcast channel for which reception is requested; (b) receiving a channel request frame using the Ethernet channel address as a source address and a broadcast server address providing a broadcast data stream as a destination address; (c) extracting the source address and the destination address from the channel request frame; (d) checking whether the extracted source address is included in an address entry configured to provide a multicast service; (e) checking whether a port receiving the channel request frame is included in a port entry permitted to receive the broadcast channel; And (f) checking whether the extracted source address is included in a multicast forwarding address entry. The method of claim 1, In step (d), the extracted source address is included in an address entry configured to provide a multicast service, and in step (e), a port that receives the channel request frame is a port that is permitted to receive the broadcast channel. If the extracted source address is not included in the multicast forwarding address entry in step (f), the data of the broadcast channel requested for reception is duplicated to receive the channel request frame. Internet broadcasting service providing method characterized in that the transmission to the port. The method of claim 2, Periodically receiving the channel request frame and updating an aging time to maintain a transmission state of data of the broadcast channel for which the reception is requested, to a port receiving the channel request frame. Method of providing broadcast service. The method of claim 1, And setting a hold time for collecting the ports when at least one port having received a frame having the same address information as the channel request frame exists. The method of claim 1, And discarding the channel request frame if the extracted source address is not included in an address entry configured to provide a multicast service in step (d). The method of claim 1, In step (d), the extracted source address is included in an address entry configured to provide a multicast service, but in the step (e), the port that receives the channel request frame is a port entry that is permitted to receive the broadcast channel. If not included in the method, characterized in that for discarding the channel request frame. The method of claim 3, wherein When the reception of the channel request frame is stopped, the Internet broadcast service providing method characterized in that the transmission of the data of the broadcast channel requested to receive. The method of claim 3, wherein And receiving a channel request frame having a multicast channel address of a broadcast channel different from the channel request frame as a source address, stopping transmission of data of the broadcast channel on which the reception is requested. The method of claim 4, wherein And when the hold time expires, transmit the channel request frame to the broadcast server. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for executing the Internet broadcast service providing method on a computer.  A multicast forwarding table that stores information about an address entry configured to provide a multicast service, a port entry allowed to receive a broadcast channel, and a multicast forwarding address entry; And Receiving a channel request frame having an Ethernet channel address of a predetermined multicast format corresponding to a broadcast channel requested to be received as a source address and a broadcast server address providing a broadcast data stream as a destination address, and receiving the source request frame from the channel request frame Extracts an address, the extracted source address is included in an address entry configured to provide a multicast service stored in the multicast forwarding table, and a port that receives the channel request frame is a port that is permitted to receive the broadcast channel A broadcast stream processor configured to copy the data of the broadcast channel for which the reception is requested and to transmit the channel request frame to a port that is received if the source address is included in the entry and the source address is not included in the multicast forwarding address entry; Characterized in that it comprises Internet broadcast service providing apparatus. The method of claim 11, And a subscriber station which receives the reception request broadcast channel information from the subscriber or provides an internet broadcast service of the requested broadcast channel. The method of claim 11, And a receiving terminal for generating an Ethernet channel address of a multicast format corresponding to the broadcast channel on which the reception is requested. The method of claim 13, And the receiving terminal generates the channel request frame and transmits it to the broadcast stream processor. The method of claim 11, And discarding the channel request frame if the extracted source address is not included in an address entry configured to provide a multicast service. The method of claim 11, If the extracted source address is included in an address entry configured to provide a multicast service, but the port receiving the channel request frame is not included in the port entry permitted to receive the broadcast channel, discarding the channel request frame. Internet broadcast service providing apparatus, characterized in that. The method of claim 11, The multicast forwarding table may further include information about an aging time for periodically receiving the channel request frame and maintaining a transmission state of data of the requested broadcast channel to a port receiving the channel request frame. An apparatus for providing an internet broadcasting service. The method of claim 11, The multicast forwarding table may further include information on a hold timemer that aggregates the ports when at least one port receiving a frame having the same address information as the received channel request frame exists. Internet broadcast service providing apparatus. The method of claim 17, And when the reception of the channel request frame is stopped, the transmission of data of the broadcast channel for which the reception is requested. The method of claim 17, And receiving a channel request frame having a multicast channel address of a broadcast channel different from the channel request frame as a source address, and stops transmitting data of the broadcast channel on which the reception is requested. The method of claim 18, And when the hold time counted by the hold timer expires, transmit the channel request frame to the broadcast server. delete delete delete

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