
8-2
Chapter 8: APPENDIX
1. BASIC KNOWLEDGE ABOUT NETWORKS
1.1. Unicast vs. Multicast Communications
When making paging calls via multiple exchanges, multi interface units, or IP stations connected to a network,
either "unicast" or "multicast" may be selected as the communication method. For unicast communications,
separate data packets are created and sent individually to each destination IP address. For multicast
communications, however, a single data packet is transmitted to a special IP address, which offers the
advantage of allowing the communication band to be compressed. Note, however, that multicast
communications require routers and other networking equipment connected to the network (excluding non-
intelligent hubs and switches) that support appropriate protocols like the Internet Group Management Protocol
(IGMP) to enable packet transmission to special multicast addresses. The valid multicast address range for
the AN-8000 System is from 225.0.0.0 to 238.255.255.255.
• Consult your network administrator regarding the details of setting the multicast address, including
confirming whether or not such communications are possible.
To use the unicast method, the number of transmission source communication bands must equal the
number of transmission destination exchanges, multi interface units, or IP stations.
1.2. Network Paging Restrictions
When performing unicast or multicast paging via a network, the numbers of paging destinations are restricted
as follows.
• Multicast Paging:
Up to 79 destinations
• Unicast Paging:
Up to 16 destinations
• Multicast/Unicast Combined paging: Up to 79 destinations combined (including up to 15 unicast
destinations)
AN-8000EX (Z)
AN-8000EX (B)
AN-8000EX (A)
(A)
(B)
(C)
Packet to AN-8000EX (A)
AN-8000MI (C)
Switching hub,
router, etc.
Switching hub,
router, etc.
Packet to AN-8000EX (B)
Packet to AN-8000EX (C)
AN-8000EX (Z)
AN-8000EX (B)
AN-8000EX (A)
Packet to multicast
address (225.0.0.0
-238.255.255.255)
AN-8000MI (C)
[Unicast]
[Multicast]
• Networking equipment
copy data and transmit
copied data.
(Multicast settings
need be performed for
routers, etc.).
• The number of transmission
source communication bands
must equal the number of trans-
mission destination exchanges.
Summary of Contents for AN-8000EX
Page 225: ...Chapter 8 APPENDIX ...