In a method of providing a channel/client status register to enable
improved channel switching in an Internet Protocol network with a
plurality of client nodes each capable of receiving video sessions over a
plurality of channels from at least one video provider system, initially
arranging S1 said plurality client 5 nodes into an associated group. A
first client node, upon switching to or joining a new channel,
transmitting S2 a channel update message to said associated group, said
channel update message comprising an identity of said first client node,
an identity of said new channel and a topological indication for said
channel. Subsequent providing and updating S3 a respective channel/client
10 status register in each of said plurality of client nodes based on
said transmitted channel update message, thereby enabling identification
of what channels the client nodes in said associated group are associated
with or viewing.