MULTICAST
ROUTING
PRUNING METHOD
CONTENTS
01 02 03
THE PURPOSE PRUNING REAL LIFE
OF MULTICAST METHOD AND EXAMPLES OF
ROUTING AND ITS TYPES. MULTICAST
ITS WORKING. ROUTING.
What is the purpose of
multicasting?
The principal purpose Multicasting sends only one copy of a data packet to selective destinations so that only devices
that request the information receive it. Before getting there, routing tables identify endpoints to ensure they have the
correct address.
In contrast, unicasting sends one packet to one source, while broadcasting sends one packet to all sources
simultaneously.
The purpose of this selective delivery is multifold. First, it optimizes loop-free topology, allowing the protocol to discover
the shortest paths for data reception. Second, it only attempts to send data packets one time, hitting nodes again if
they submit requests.
In general, multicast has low bandwidth requirements because it only sends one information stream. This makes it ideal
for large quantities of data hitting several software and technologies, like media.
There’s potential to increase or decrease bandwidth use, because not every recipient will make persistent requests if
they miss the multicast. However, repeated attempts from a few users could increase traffic.
Finally, multicasting is extremely scalable, as it makes data accessible to large numbers of people without the
cumbersome nature of a broadcast. It should disperse traffic so it’s easy to oversee, preventing congestion and allowing
room for support interference when needed.
How multicast routing works
Sending a message to a group is called multicasting, and its routing
algorithm is called multicast routing.
Multicasting requires group management. Some way is needed to create
and destroy groups, and to allow processes to join and leave groups.
To do multicast routing, each router computes a spanning tree covering
all other routers.
For example, in figure(A) we have to groups 1 and 2.
Some routers are attaches to hosts that belong to one or both of these
groups, as indicated in the figure.
Multicast routing diagram
Pruning method
A spanning tree for the leftmost router is shown in fig(B).
When a process sends a multicast packet to a group, the first
router examines its spanning tree and prunes it, removing all the
lines that do not lead to hosts that are members of the group.
Algorithm
Source computes spanning tree – by removing loops
Remove lines that do not lead to hosts of group ( = PRUNING)
In our example, figure(C) shows the pruned spanning tree for
group 1.
Simillarly, figure (D) shows the pruned spanning tree for group 2.
Multicast packets are forwarded only along the appropriate
spanning tree.
Pruning types
Pruning:
Link state routing:
Each router knows full topology
Distance vector routing:
Reverse path forwarding +
PRUNE messages to remove arcs
4 real life examples of
multicasting
Streaming: This is one of the most widely used multicasting applications,
allowing video or other media to be delivered to users across a corporate
campus, school, or hotel property. Live streaming of events and concerts is
also sometimes done via multicast.
Videoconferencing: From Zoom calls to mass video training sessions,
multicasting allows many entrants to participate in the same event without
overwhelming the server.
File distribution: Over-the-air patch management, operating system
imaging, and even financial stock tickers can all be multicast over corporate
networks.
IoT devices: The sensors embedded into IoT devices translate and send
information to databases, AI, and countless other sources when it collects
info. These systems may rely on multicasting to keep tabs on cybersecurity
and ensure the correct recipients.