Providing scalable Web service using multicast delivery

Abstract

The recent growth in use of the World-Wide Web in the Internet has caused a significant increase in the demand placed on Web servers. This increased load results in noticeably longer response times for users. We propose an approach to using multicast in the delivery of Web resources that reduces the load on servers as well as the networks that connect them. We analyze the issues involved in using multicast in the Web, especially those related to routing and addressing. We also discuss the design and implementation of a system based on the existing WWW client and server architecture and the multicast support provided within IP.<>