CHAPTER
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Configuring IP Multicast Routing
This chapter describes how to configure IP multicast routing on the Cisc o ME 3 400 Et herne t A cce ss
switch. IP multicasting is a more efficient way to use network resources, especially for
bandwidth-intensive services such as audio and video. IP multicast routing enables a host (source) to
send packets to a group of hosts (receivers) anywhere within the IP network by using a speci al 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 members of the multicast group.
Any host, regardless of whether it is a member of a group, can sent to a group. However, only the
members of a group receive the message.
To use this feature, the switch must be running the metro IP access image.
Note For complete syntax and usage information for the commands used in this chapter, see the Cisco IOS IP
Command Reference, Volume 3 of 3: Multicast, Release 12.2.
This chapter consists of these sections:
•Understanding Cisco’s Implementation of IP Multicast Routing, page 34-2
•Configuring IP Multicast Routing, page 34-7
•Configuring Advanced PIM Features, page 34-21
•Configuring Optional IGMP Features, page 34-25
•Configuring Optional Multicast Routing Features, page 34-31
•Monitoring and Maintaining IP Multicast Routing, page 34-34
For information on configuring the Multicast Source Discovery Protocol (MSDP), see Chapter 35,
“Configuring MSDP.”