A large-scale contents distribution architecture based on reliable multicast

Communication networks have matured to realize on-line distribution of digital contents. This paper proposes a contents distribution architecture which makes a large-scale contents delivery available using multicast and emerging broadcast networks. Multicast is a promising network technology to provide large-scale efficient delivery. However, the issues of reliable and restricted data delivery using multicast need to be solved to realize a practical contents distribution. A reliable multicast tool is proposed for error free and confirmed delivery to thousands of users. A contents distribution procedure including service access control and delivery charge is also proposed for commercial distribution services.