Tikrit University

College of Computer Science & Mathematics

Computer Science Department

COMPUTER NETWORK

MULTICAST ROUTING

By:
Yasin Ajmy Abd
Mustafa Mohammad Soliman

Supervised By:
Lect. Majid Hamid Ali

1
Table of contents Page

Subject 1

Table of Contents 2

List of Figures 3

Abstract 4

Introduction 5
1- Types of Data Transmission 6

2- Multicast Routing 8
2.1 Multicast Routing Mechanism 9
2.2 Advantages Multicast Routing 10
2.3 Disadvantages of Multicast Routing 11
2.4 Multicast Routing and Layers 12
2.5 Multicast Routing Protocols 14
2.6 Applications 16

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 List of Figures
Page
Figure No. Figure Title
No.

1. F1. Data Transmission Techniques 7

2. F2. Multicast Routing 8

3. F3. Multicast Relationship 10

4. F4. Layer 2 Multicast 12

5. F5. Layer 3 Multicast Protocol 13

6. F6. Layer 2,3 Multicast Protocol 13

7. F7. Multicast Routing Protocol 15

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 Abstract
Multicast Routing is a fundamental concept in computer networks that enables
efficient and advanced group communication over IP networks. Instead of individual
communication (Unicast), where data is sent from a source to a single destination,
multicast routing directs the traffic to disseminate data to a group of interested
receivers. This helps reduce network congestion, provide higher bandwidth
utilization, and optimize network resources. The essence of multicast routing lies in
selecting efficient paths for disseminating group data to receivers, taking into
consideration network constraints such as network availability and resource costs.
There are several protocols and algorithms used in multicast routing, including PIM-
SM, DVMRP, and MOSPF. Understanding multicast routing helps improve the
performance of computer networks and enables efficient group communication for
applications such as live streaming, interactive applications, and online collaborative
communication.

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 Introduction
Multicast Routing is a fundamental concept in computer networks that
contributes to enabling efficient and advanced group communication in IP-based
data networks. Multicast routing is an innovative means of disseminating data from
a single source to a group of interested receivers without the need to send a copy of
the data to each receiver individually. In multicast routing, data is directed from the
source (such as a live streaming server or data sender) to a pre-defined group of
receivers who share an interest in the transmitted information. This helps reduce
network congestion, provide higher bandwidth utilization, and optimize network
resources, as data is only sent once instead of making individual copies for each
recipient. To effectively achieve multicast routing, appropriate paths must be chosen
for disseminating data to the intended group of receivers. This choice requires
considering various factors such as network availability and conditions, resource
costs involved in the dissemination, and the network's ability to deliver data correctly
and efficiently to the receivers. Several protocols and algorithms are used in
multicast routing, including the Protocol Independent Multicast-Sparse Mode (PIM-
SM), Distance Vector Multicast Routing Protocol (DVMRP), Multicast OSPF
(MOSPF), and others. These protocols differ in the ways they form and manage
receiver groups and route data to them. Understanding multicast routing is crucial
for improving the performance of computer networks and enabling efficient group
communication for various applications. Multicast routing is widely used in
applications such as live streaming (e.g., online video and audio streaming),
interactive applications including multiplayer games, and online collaborative
communication.

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3- Types of Data Transmission

There are three main types of data transmission in computer networks:

1- Unicast: This is the most common type and is used to send data from a single
source to a single destination. In this type of transmission, a copy of the data is sent
to each recipient individually, making it the most resource-intensive in terms of
network utilization and bandwidth usage. [1]i

2- Multicast: This type is used to send data from a single source to a group of
interested recipients. In this type, the data is sent only once and reaches the recipients
who are subscribed to the group. This provides higher efficiency in bandwidth
utilization and reduces network congestion. [2]ii

3- Broadcast: This type is used to send data from a single source to all connected
devices on the network. In this type, a single copy of the data is sent to all devices,
resulting in a significant increase in bandwidth usage and network resources. [3]iii

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< F1. Data Transmission Techniques >

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4- Multicast Routing

Multicast Routing is the process of sending data from a single source to a

group of interested recipients in a computer network. Multicast routing is an
effective approach for synchronously delivering data to multiple receivers. In
Multicast Routing, all devices in the network use the same Multicast destination
address associated with the recipient group to report their location and send group-
related packets. The routing device in the network determines the best path to
transmit Multicast packets from the source to the intended receivers. Multicast
Routing techniques and protocols vary based on the network's structure and
standards. Some commonly used Multicast Routing protocols include Protocol
Independent Multicast (PIM), Multicast Open Shortest Path First (MOSPF), and
Distance Vector Multicast Routing Protocol (DVMRP). Multicast Routing is widely
used in applications such as live streaming, online conferencing, and multimedia
content distribution, enabling efficient data transmission and bandwidth savings
across multiple computer networks.[4]iv

< F2. Multicast Routing >

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2.1 Multicast Routing Mechanism

The following steps are involved in Multicast Routing:

1- Select the recipient group: The desired recipient group to which data will be sent
is determined by the source.
2- Assign an IP Multicast address: An IP Multicast address is assigned to identify
the recipient group. A wide range of IP Multicast addresses is allocated for this
purpose.
3- Location reporting (Join): Each receiving device (node) in the network sends a
location report (Join) to the local routing device. This report indicates the device's
desire to join the recipient group.
4- Inclusion of recipient group addresses in routing tables: The local routing device
updates the routing tables to include the addresses of the recipient group that has
been joined.
5- Source notification: When the routing device receives packets related to the
recipient group, it sends a notification (Prune) to the source, informing it that there
are no interested receivers in the local network.
6- Routing and forwarding: The routing device updates and forwards the packets of
the recipient group based on the routing tables and the recipient group information
contained within. These are some of the key steps that comprise the Multicast
Routing mechanism.

The protocols and techniques of Multicast Routing may vary in terms of

implementation and details, but ultimately, the goal is to efficiently route Multicast
packets to the intended receivers without sending them to devices uninterested in the
packets.[5]v

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 < F3. Multicast Relationship >
2.2 Advantages Multicast Routing

1️- Efficient network utilization: Multicast Routing technology allows data packets
to be shared among multiple receivers in the multicast group. This reduces network
traffic and overall bandwidth usage.

2️- Reduced server and resource burden: Instead of the server sending individual
copies of the packet to each subscriber in the multicast group, Multicast Routing
directs the packet once to all interested receivers.

3️- Support for collaborative applications: Multicast Routing enables applications to

share data and content among multiple users in real-time, such as network television
broadcasting, online conferences, and multiplayer games. [6]vi

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2.3 Disadvantages of Multicast Routing

1️- Configuration complexity: Configuring Multicast Routing requires advanced

knowledge and expertise in network setup, which can be challenging for beginner or
non-specialist administrators.

2️- Compatibility with existing networks: Some networks that were established
before the adoption of Multicast Routing may face challenges in supporting this
technology without significant changes to the network infrastructure.

3️- Delivery and replication issues: Multicast Routing may occasionally fail to
deliver data packets to all receivers, leading to problems with packet replication and
delivery.[7]vii

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2.4 Multicast Routing and Layers

Multicast Routing operates at the second layer (Data Link layer) and the third layer
(Network layer) of the OSI model. The specific Multicast Routing protocol
determines how data packets are routed in the network. In the Data Link layer,
Multicast Routing protocols are used to route data packets between devices in the
local network (such as Ethernet).
MAC addresses are used to identify the devices within the multicast group. In the
Network layer, Multicast Routing protocols are used to determine Multicast
addresses and route data packets between different networks. One of the popular
protocols for Multicast Routing in this layer is the Protocol Independent Multicast
(PIM). Multicast Routing at the second and third layers is interconnected to achieve
efficient routing and delivery of data packets to interested receivers in the multicast
group.

< F4. Layer 2 Multicast >

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< Layer 3 Multicast Protocol >

< Layer 2,3 Multicast Protocol >

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2.5 Multicast Routing Protocols

1- Protocol Independent Multicast (PIM): PIM is one of the most popular

protocols used for routing Multicast packets across IP networks. It relies on IP's
link-state routing to determine the optimal routing path for Multicast packets.

2- Distance Vector Multicast Routing Protocol (DVMRP): DVMRP is a Multicast

routing protocol that uses the Distance Vector algorithm to update routing tables
and route Multicast packets across the network.

3- Multicast Open Shortest Path First (MOSPF): MOSPF is based on the Open
Shortest Path First (OSPF) protocol, and it is a Multicast routing protocol that
delivers Multicast packets across the network using the best possible path.

4- Core-Based Trees (CBT): CBT utilizes a routing tree that extends from the root
of the tree to all interested receivers. The source sends packets to the tree's root,
and they are then routed to receivers using the optimal path in the tree.

These are some of the well-known protocols used for Multicast routing.
Additionally, there are other protocols like Border Gateway Multicast Protocol
(BGMP) and Multicast Source Discovery Protocol (MSDP) that are used for
specific purposes based on network configuration and specific routing
needs.[8]viii[9]ix

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< F7. Multicast Routing Protocol >

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2.6 Applications

Multicast Routing is used in various applications, including:

1- Multimedia delivery such as network television and audio broadcasting: Multicast
routing enables sending data packets to large groups of receivers simultaneously,
making it widely used for delivering network television and audio to multiple
scattered receivers.

2- Professional applications for live streaming and online conferences: Multicast

routing is utilized in delivering live streaming and online conferences, allowing
participants to subscribe to the event and efficiently receive the broadcast.

3- Network traffic reduction: Multicast routing works towards minimizing network

traffic by avoiding the transmission of duplicate packets to every device on the
network and instead, forwarding them only to specific receivers who request them.

4- Online gaming and interactive applications: Multicast routing is employed in

delivering data to players in online games and other interactive applications that
require simultaneous delivery to a group of users.

5- Distribution of updates and data in internal networks: Multicast routing can be

used for distributing updates and important data across internal networks of
enterprises and organizations.[10]x

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References

i
Data Communication and Network/4th Edition/Behrouz A.Forouzan.

ii
Computer Network/ 5th Edition /Andrew S. Tanenbaum.

iii
Data Communication and Network/4th Edition/Behrouz A.Forouzan.

iv
Packet Guide to Core Network Protocol/ First Edition /Bruce Hartpence

v
Data Communication and Network/4th Edition/Behrouz A.Forouzan.

vi
Computer Network / James F. Kurose

vii
Computer Network / James F. Kurose

viii
Data Communication and Network/4th Edition/Behrouz A.Forouzan.

ix
Computer Network/ 5th Edition /Andrew S. Tanenbaum.

x
Packet Guide to Core Network Protocol/ First Edition /Bruce Hartpence

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