Chapter 7. IP Multicast

A multicast is a single data stream sent from one source to a group of recipients. Examples might be a stock ticker or live video feed. Figure 7-3 shows an example multicast topology, as contrasted to unicast and broadcast.

Multicast Topology

Figure 7-1. Multicast Topology

In contrast, a unicast is traffic from one source to one destination (see Figure 7-2).

Unicast Topology

Figure 7-2. Unicast Topology

A broadcast is traffic from one source to all destinations (see Figure 7-3). Broadcasts are not routed!

Figure 7-3. Broadcasting

Some features of multicast traffic ...

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