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MLD proxying
As shown in
, in a simple tree-shaped topology, it is not necessary to configure IPv6
multicast routing protocols, such as IPv6 PIM, on edge devices. Instead, you can configure MLD
proxying on these devices. With MLD proxying configured, the edge device acts as an MLD proxy:
•
For the upstream MLD querier, the MLD proxy device acts as a host.
•
For the downstream receiver hosts, the MLD proxy device acts as an MLD querier.
Figure 108 Network diagram
The following interfaces are defined in MLD proxying:
•
Host interface
—An interface that is in the direction toward the root of the multicast forwarding
tree. A host interface acts as a receiver host that is running MLD. MLD proxying must be
enabled on this interface. This interface is also called the "proxy interface."
•
Router
interface
—An interface that is in the direction toward the leaf of the multicast
forwarding tree. A router interface acts as a router that is running MLD. MLD must be configured
on this interface.
An MLD proxy device maintains a group membership database, which stores the group
memberships on all the router interfaces. The host interfaces and router interfaces perform actions
based on this membership database.
•
The host interfaces respond to queries according to the membership database or sends
join/done messages when the database changes.
•
The router interfaces participate in the querier election, send queries, and maintain
memberships based on received MLD reports.
MLD support for VPNs
MLD maintains group memberships on a per-interface basis. After receiving an MLD message on an
interface, MLD processes the packet within the VPN to which the interface belongs. MLD only
communicates with other multicast protocols within the same VPN instance.
Protocols and standards
•
RFC 2710,
Multicast Listener Discovery (MLD) for IPv6
Query from Router A
Report from Router B
Ethernet
Router interface
Host interface
Proxy
Router B
Querier
Router A
Host B
Receiver
Host A
Receiver
Host C
Query from Router B
Report from Host
IPv6 PIM domain