A data packet structure capable of efficiently propagating a payload
through a multi-user, digital video distribution system. The system is
capable of delivering multimedia data (video and audio information) using
the Moving Picture Expert Group (MPEG) packets as payload within a unique
packet structure. The packet structure enables routing of the packets
through a variety of network topologies. Specifically, the packet
structure comprises a packet header, a routing information field, a
private data field, digital data payload, and an error correction code
field. Such a packet structure enables the network to deliver digital
video through a point-to-point, star, ring, dual ring, and other network
topologies to a user that is identified in the routine information field.
