Operation Manual – Multicast Protocol
H3C S3610&S5510 Series Ethernet Switches
Chapter 1 Multicast Overview
1-5
For a better understanding of the multicast concept, you can assimilate multicast
transmission to the transmission of TV programs, as shown in
.
Table 1-1
An analogy between TV transmission and multicast transmission
Step
TV transmission
Multicast transmission
1
A TV station transmits a TV
program through a channel.
A multicast source sends multicast
data to a multicast group.
2
A user tunes the TV set to the
channel.
A receiver joins the multicast group.
3
The user starts to watch the TV
program transmitted by the TV
station via the channel.
The receiver starts to receive the
multicast data that the source sends
to the multicast group.
4
The user turns off the TV set or
tunes to another channel.
The receiver leaves the multicast
group or joins another group.
Note:
z
A multicast source does not necessarily belong to a multicast group. Namely, a
multicast source is not necessarily a multicast data receiver.
z
A multicast source can send data to multiple multicast groups at the same time, and
multiple multicast sources can send data to the same multicast group at the same
time.
1.1.3 Advantages and Applications of Multicast
I. Advantages of multicast
Advantages of the multicast technique include:
z
Enhanced efficiency: reduces the CPU load of information source servers and
network devices.
z
Optimal performance: reduces redundant traffic.
z
Distributive application: Enables point-to-multiple-point applications at the price of
the minimum network resources.
II. Applications of multicast
Applications of the multicast technique include:
z
Multimedia and streaming applications, such as Web TV, Web radio, and real-time
video/audio conferencing.
z
Communication for training and cooperative operations, such as distance learning
and telemedicine.
z
Data warehouse and financial applications (stock quotes).
