Multicast Protocols - HP 6125G Configuration Manual

Figure 7 An example of IPv6-to-MAC address mapping

Multicast protocols

Generally, Layer 3 multicast refers to IP multicast working at the network layer. The corresponding
multicast protocols are Layer 3 multicast protocols, which include IGMP, MLD, PIM, IPv6 PIM, MSDP,
MBGP, and IPv6 MBGP. Layer 2 multicast refers to IP multicast working at the data link layer. The
corresponding multicast protocols are Layer 2 multicast protocols, which include IGMP snooping, MLD
snooping, PIM snooping, IPv6 PIM snooping, multicast VLAN, and IPv6 multicast VLAN.
IGMP snooping, PIM snooping, multicast VLAN, IGMP, PIM, MSDP, and MBGP are for IPv4, and MLD
snooping, IPv6 PIM snooping, IPv6 multicast VLAN, MLD, IPv6 PIM, and IPv6 MBGP are for IPv6.
This section provides only general descriptions about applications and functions of the Layer 2 and Layer
3 multicast protocols in a network. For more information about these protocols, see the related chapters.
Layer 3 multicast protocols
Layer 3 multicast protocols include multicast group management protocols and multicast routing
protocols.
Figure 8 Positions of Layer 3 multicast protocols
Multicast group management protocols
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Typically, the Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) or Multicast Listener Discovery Protocol
(MLD) is used between hosts and Layer 3 multicast devices that directly connect to the hosts. These
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