Introduction
IP Multicast, Volume I covers basic IP multicast principles and routing techniques specific to Cisco Systems routers and switches. Included is a pragmatic discussion of common features, deployment models, and field practices for IP multicast networks. The discussion culminates with commands and methodologies for implementing and troubleshooting Cisco IP multicast networks.
Who Should Read This Book?
IP Multicast, Volume I is intended for any professional supporting IP multicast networks. This book primarily targets the following groups, but network managers and administrators will also find value from the included case studies and feature explanations:
IP network engineers and architects
Network operations technicians
Network consultants
Security professionals
Collaboration specialists and architects
How This Book Is Organized
This book is organized in seven chapters. It starts with an introduction to data communication in IP networks. Network access, Layer 2, and Layer 3 multicast is explained, along with protocol independent multicast (PIM). Chapter 5 introduces multicast scoping and covers design considerations. The final chapters explain IPv6 multicast, and the operation and troubleshooting of IP multicast networks. The following are the chapters covered in this book:
Chapter 1, “Introduction to IP Multicast”: This chapter introduces the reader to the basic concepts of multicast through the use of graphics and short explanations. It answers the question: What is multicast and why is it needed? We discuss the basic reasons for using multicast, give some practical examples of multicast applications, and describe the basics of IP multicasting and how it differs from unicasts and broadcasts.
Chapter 2, “Network Access and Layer 2 Multicast”: This chapter introduces the concepts of multicast at the access layer, including layered encapsulation, IGMP group management, and the concept of switching multicast frames. It also discusses Layer 2 switching domains and IPv4 group address to MAC address mapping.
Chapter 3, “IP Multicast at Layer 3”: This chapter introduces the concepts of multicast at Layer 3 of the OSI model. It covers the types of multicast hosts, and gives an introduction to the various modes of PIM.
Chapter 4, “Protocol Independent Multicast”: The PIM discussion includes a description of basic forwarding trees, rendezvous point (RP) mechanics, and ways to propagate RP mapping information. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the different forwarding modes for multicast networks, ASM, SSM, and the PIM Bidir.
Chapter 5, “IP Multicast Design Considerations and Implementation”: This chapter discusses the considerations required for a basic multicast network design. It focuses on properly scoping a multicast enterprise network. It also discusses the concepts of forwarding replication as well as MFIB and MRIB, which allow the reader to make educated decisions about which implementation options to choose. The chapter also covers deployment IP multicast best practices with respect to security and resiliency.
Chapter 6, “IPv6 Multicast Networks”: This chapter introduces the concepts of IPv6 multicast. It provides the reader an overview of Layer 2 and 3 multicast for IPv6. It also explains RP deployment concepts unique to IPv6.
Chapter 7, “Operating and Troubleshooting IP Multicast Networks”: This chapter is a simple guide to operating and troubleshooting basic multicast networks essential for network administrators managing multicast networks.