muSwitch Multicast-to-Unicast Converter

Product Overview

muSwitch is a Multicast-to-Unicast stream converter designed to operate in IPTV infrastructure. Within a service provider network, muSwitch sits between the network backbone and the last mile infrastructure. It receives Multicast streams from the network backbone, converts them to Unicast format, and routes them to the set-top-boxes of end-users over the last mile infrastructure. By separating the network backbone from the last mile infrastructure, muSwitch prevents multicast streams from entering and cluttering the last mile.

Multicast to Unicast to Multicast

Multicast to Unicast

Multicast-to-Unicast Conversion

muSwitch receives Multicast streams from the network backbone, converts them to Unicast format, and routes them to the set-top-boxes of end-users over the last mile infrastructure (e.g. DSL, Ethernet, WiFi). When an end-user wants to watch a particular IPTV channel, he sends a request to his set-top-box via a remote controller. The set-top-box in turn sends content request to muSwitch via the Internet Group Management Protocol (UDP) or TCP. Upon receiving such request, muSwitch captures the requested IPTV Multicast stream, converts it into Unicast format and routes it to the set-top-box of the end-user.

UDP/TCP Broadcast Support

UDP Broadcast is another alternative subscription method supported by muSwitch. That method allows each UDP/TCP compatible set-top-box to subscribe to a specific Multicast stream. Limitation of the UDP/TCP protocol is that it requires a Multicast LAN support and a direct connection between the UDP device and the set-top-box of the end-user.

Remote UDP/TCP Subscription Support

muSwitch also supports subscription of remote devices via UDP/TCP Subscription method. That method enables remote devices to subscribe to a muSwitch which is physically located outside the range of the local area network or the last mile infrastructure. That functionality is particularly useful in situations where the service provider needs to re-distribute broadcasted content to external networks.

Multicast-Unicast IPTV Conversion

muSwitch allows TCP and UDP channel conversion using Broadcaster technology. The server will listen to multicast traffic, create channels and distribute channels using UDP or TCP protocol. This will allow WAN distribution of IPTV using protocol conversion.