This paper describes the issues that arise when using satellites for IP multicast, with the emphasis on multicast protocols and how their implementation depends on the satellite communications platform. Various link layer standards such as DVB-S, DVB-RCS and ATM can be used in satellites with on-board processing, and applied to meet user and network requirements for IP multicast. The paper provides an overview of the networking issues and their interactions. Specifically, we show how multicast networking protocols have to be modified to take into account the satellite link characteristics: these protocols include IGMP, multicast routing protocols and reliable multicast protocols. We also discuss how security systems support IP multicast.
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