Chapter 21. Multicasting
In the previous chapter, we discussed using broadcasting to transmit a UDP message to all hosts on the local area network. The examples in that chapter revealed two of broadcasting's greatest limitations: the fact that it cannot be routed beyond the local subnet and its inability to be targeted to selected hosts. Broadcasting is strictly an all-or-nothing affair and works only across the local subnetwork.
This chapter discusses multicasting, a newer technology designed specifically for streaming video, audio, and conferencing applications. Unlike broadcasting, multicast messages are routable; that is, they can be transmitted across subnet boundaries or even across the Internet. Furthermore, multicasting gives you great ...
Become an O’Reilly member and get unlimited access to this title plus top books and audiobooks from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers, thousands of courses curated by job role, 150+ live events each month,
and much more.
Read now
Unlock full access