Receiver-driven Layered Multicast (RLM) is a protocol that allows receivers to adapt to network conditions in a heterogeneous multicast environment. The protocol uses a layered transmission system where each user receives the best quality signal the network can deliver. RLM enables receivers to dynamically adjust their subscription levels by joining or leaving multicast groups, which allows the network to manage congestion and optimize performance. The protocol is designed to work within the existing IP model and requires no new network mechanisms. RLM is compatible with both cumulative and simulcast models, with the cumulative model being more effective in terms of bandwidth usage. RLM uses a state machine to manage receiver adaptation, with states such as steady-state, hysteresis, measurement, and drop. The protocol relies on join-experiments to determine the optimal subscription level, with receivers conducting these experiments to assess network conditions. The results of these experiments are shared among receivers to improve scalability and reduce congestion. RLM also incorporates a detection-time estimator to determine how long it takes for a local layer change to be fully established in the network. Simulations show that RLM performs well in various network topologies, with good throughput and low loss rates. The protocol is scalable and can handle large sessions, with performance remaining stable even as the number of receivers increases. RLM is also compatible with different types of network conditions, including bandwidth heterogeneity and varying link latencies. The protocol is designed to work with existing network mechanisms, such as IP Multicast, and can be integrated with other components of a comprehensive multimedia communication system. RLM is particularly well-suited for real-time, loss-tolerant multimedia applications, where the quality of the signal is critical. The protocol allows receivers to adapt to network conditions in real-time, ensuring that the best possible quality is delivered to each user. RLM is also compatible with other network mechanisms, such as Random Early Detection (RED) and Fair Queuing (FQ), which can be used to improve aggregate performance. Overall, RLM provides a flexible and efficient solution for layered multicast transmission in heterogeneous networks.Receiver-driven Layered Multicast (RLM) is a protocol that allows receivers to adapt to network conditions in a heterogeneous multicast environment. The protocol uses a layered transmission system where each user receives the best quality signal the network can deliver. RLM enables receivers to dynamically adjust their subscription levels by joining or leaving multicast groups, which allows the network to manage congestion and optimize performance. The protocol is designed to work within the existing IP model and requires no new network mechanisms. RLM is compatible with both cumulative and simulcast models, with the cumulative model being more effective in terms of bandwidth usage. RLM uses a state machine to manage receiver adaptation, with states such as steady-state, hysteresis, measurement, and drop. The protocol relies on join-experiments to determine the optimal subscription level, with receivers conducting these experiments to assess network conditions. The results of these experiments are shared among receivers to improve scalability and reduce congestion. RLM also incorporates a detection-time estimator to determine how long it takes for a local layer change to be fully established in the network. Simulations show that RLM performs well in various network topologies, with good throughput and low loss rates. The protocol is scalable and can handle large sessions, with performance remaining stable even as the number of receivers increases. RLM is also compatible with different types of network conditions, including bandwidth heterogeneity and varying link latencies. The protocol is designed to work with existing network mechanisms, such as IP Multicast, and can be integrated with other components of a comprehensive multimedia communication system. RLM is particularly well-suited for real-time, loss-tolerant multimedia applications, where the quality of the signal is critical. The protocol allows receivers to adapt to network conditions in real-time, ensuring that the best possible quality is delivered to each user. RLM is also compatible with other network mechanisms, such as Random Early Detection (RED) and Fair Queuing (FQ), which can be used to improve aggregate performance. Overall, RLM provides a flexible and efficient solution for layered multicast transmission in heterogeneous networks.