CHAPTER 3
IP Multicast Routing Technology Overview
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Finding Feature Information, page 21
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Information About IP Multicast Technology, page 21
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Additional References, page 28
Finding Feature Information
Your software release may not support all the features documented in this module. For the latest caveats and
feature information, see Bug Search Tool and the release notes for your platform and software release. To
find information about the features documented in this module, and to see a list of the releases in which each
feature is supported, see the feature information table at the end of this module.
Use Cisco Feature Navigator to find information about platform support and Cisco software image support.
To access Cisco Feature Navigator, go to www.cisco.com/go/cfn. An account on Cisco.com is not required.
Information About IP Multicast Technology
Role of IP Multicast in Information Delivery
IP multicast is a bandwidth-conserving technology that reduces traffic by delivering a single stream of
information simultaneously to potentially thousands of businesses and homes. Applications that take advantage
of multicast include video conferencing, corporate communications, distance learning, and distribution of
software, stock quotes, and news.
IP multicast routing enables a host (source) to send packets to a group of hosts (receivers) anywhere within
the IP network by using a special form of IP address called the IP multicast group address. The sending host
inserts the multicast group address into the IP destination address field of the packet and IP multicast routers
and multilayer switches forward incoming IP multicast packets out all interfaces that lead to the members of
the multicast group. Any host, regardless of whether it is a member of a group, can send to a group. However,
only the members of a group receive the message.
IP Multicast Routing Configuration Guide, Cisco IOS XE Release 3.6E (Catalyst 3850 Switches)
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