
STAR README
===========

STAR is a simple, centralized endhost-multicast protocol.  One node is
the center node and all other nodes are connected to it.  When the
center receives a packet from a node, it forwards it to all nodes
other than the source node.  To send a packet itself, the center
forwards the packet to all nodes connected to it.  For a non-center
node to send a packet, it forwards it to the center node.

STAR is meant primarily for testing and demonstration.  However, it
would be a good protocol for small groups where all members nearby one
another.  But it will not scale well and does not attempt to improve
the topology.

The center node is determined by the URL.  That is, if the URL is
"star://speak.eecs.umich.edu:5678", the center is speak.eecs.umich.edu
port 5678.  The default port is 5748.  The URL resource is not used.
