Exploring multicast IP in Linux

Many Listeners

© James Thew, Fotolia.com

© James Thew, Fotolia.com

Article from Issue 102/2009
Author(s): , Author(s): , Author(s): , Author(s):

We show you the practical side of multicasting, including a sample configuration that uses the free XORP routing protocol suite.

IP networks have supported multicast transmission for nearly 20 years, but the technology has only recently entered the realm of widespread use. As the name implies, multicasting is a technique for transmitting data from a single source to a predefined collection of recipients. This concept poses some special challenges that aren't seen in more conventional transmission techniques, such as broadcasting, in which the message is sent to all computers on a network segment, and unicasting, in which a message passes from a single source to a single recipient.

Efficient use of multicasting can significantly reduce traffic load, especially on networks that support streaming-style multimedia transmissions. Multicasting applications and technologies have received increased attention with the rise of audiovisual technologies; however, multicasting remains a mystery to many software developers, system admins, and end users who might benefit from more extensive use of this promising technique. In this article, we offer a glimpse at the practical side of multicasting, including a sample configuration that uses the free XORP routing protocol suite.

What Is IP Multicasting?

Figure 1 shows the idea behind multicast transmission. Source A generates a data stream with throughput of 1Mbps, and the data stream is received by three recipients. Figure 1a shows a unicast transmission between the source and the receivers. The transmission results in three independent, but identical, data streams, which means that a bandwidth of 3Mbps is consumed on the link between the source and distribution networks. In contrast, a multicast scenario (see Figure 1b) requires only one data stream from the source, so the load on the link is constant and independent of the number of receivers.

[...]

Use Express-Checkout link below to read the full article (PDF).

Buy this article as PDF

Express-Checkout as PDF
Price $2.95
(incl. VAT)

Buy Linux Magazine

SINGLE ISSUES
 
SUBSCRIPTIONS
 
TABLET & SMARTPHONE APPS
Get it on Google Play

US / Canada

Get it on Google Play

UK / Australia

Related content

  • LocalSend

    LocalSend lets you quickly and conveniently exchange data between devices on the same wireless network without the need for cables.

  • IPv6 Pen Testing

    If you have enabled IPv6 on your network without considering basic security issues, you might have opened up a hole for attackers. In this article, we demonstrate a successful attack on a server via IPv6 and explain how the popular security tools handle IPv6.

  • Video Streaming

    Thanks to protocols such as UPnP and DLNA, video, audio, and photos are distributed to TVs, gaming consoles, PCs, and smartphones without the need for configuration. Linux as a central media server is a welcome guest.

  • IPv6

    Is the world ready for the next generation Internet Protocol? We take a look at Linux with IPv6.

  • Graylog

    System logs offer clues for tracking intruders and troubleshooting problems. If you're in charge of a whole network, wouldn't you rather monitor all your logs from a single central point? Graylog and its companion components let you manage all your logs from a single interface.

comments powered by Disqus
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters

Support Our Work

Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

Learn More

News