Abstract: The group key management scheme that adopts the means of logical key hierarchy (LKH) is introduced, together with several improved schemes based on LKH. According to the needs and limitations of multicast applications in the schemes, the solutions to provide reliable security and high quality service at a minimal cost are analyzed. It is concluded that all these schemes make certain compromises and balances among security, quality of service and cost. The analysis of the motivation as well as the advantages or disadvantages for every improved scheme provides references for designing group key management scheme of specific multicast application according to the actual situation.