Multicast Common Notations; Multicast Advantages And Applications - HP A6600 Configuration Manual

For a better understanding of the multicast concept, you can compare multicast transmission to the
transmission of TV programs.
Table 1 An analogy between TV transmission and multicast transmission
TV transmission
A TV station transmits a TV program through a
channel.
A user tunes the TV set to the channel.
The user starts to watch the TV program
transmitted by the TV station via the channel.
The user turns off the TV set or tunes to another
channel.

Multicast common notations

The following notations are commonly used in multicast transmission:
(*, G)—An RPT or a multicast packet that any multicast source sends to multicast group G. The
•
asterisk represents any multicast source and the G represents a specific multicast group.
(S, G)—An SPT or a multicast packet that multicast source S sends to multicast group G. The S
•
represents a specific multicast source and the G represents a specific multicast group.
For more information about the concepts RPT and SPT, sees
PIM."

Multicast advantages and applications

Advantages of multicast include:
Enhanced efficiency—Reduces the processor load related to information source servers and network
•
devices.
Optimal performance—Reduces redundant traffic.
•
Distributed application—Enables point-to-multipoint applications using minimul network resources.
•
Applications of multicast include:
• Multimedia and streaming applications, such as web TV, web radio, and realtime video/audio
conferencing.
Communication for training and cooperative operations, such as distance learning and
•
telemedicine.
Data warehouse and financial applications (stock quotes).
•
Any other point-to-multipoint application for data distribution.
•
Multicast transmission
A multicast source sends multicast data to a multicast
group.
A receiver joins the multicast group.
The receiver starts to receive the multicast data that the
source is sending to the multicast group.
The receiver leaves the multicast group or joins another
group.
"Configuring
4
PIM" and "Configuring IPv6