Reliable multicast protocols: a practical view

The subject of reliable multicast protocols is a popular research topic today. Many applications exist which can use a reliable multicast protocol to great benefit, and there are many approaches to solving the problems. The paper discusses some of the issues from a pragmatic view and also some of the prospects for improvements now being discussed in the Internet research community. Additionally, actual applications being used commercially are discussed based on StarBurst Communications' two years of experience in shipping reliable multicast products based on its own reliable multicast protocol, MFTP.