Juniper Networks, Inc.
MULTICAST REPLICATION IN 5G NETWORKS

Abstract:

An Access Gateway Function (AGF) node can receive requests to join a multicast stream from a computing device. If the request is the first request to join the multicast stream, the AGF can forward the request to the UPF node. The multicast stream is then received via a tunnel between the AGF node and UPF node that is associated with the computing device. The tunnel associated with the first computing device to request joining the multicast stream can be a primary tunnel for the multicast stream. Subsequent requests to join the same multicast stream can cause the AGF node add tunnels associated with the requesting computing devices as secondary tunnels. The multicast stream is received via the primary tunnel and replicated to computing devices associated with the secondary tunnels. A secondary tunnel may be promoted to a primary tunnel in response to a failure or disconnection of the primary tunnel.