Multicast IP Routing protocols are used to distribute data (for example, audio/video streaming broadcasts) to multiple recipients. Using multicast, a source can send a single copy of data to a single multicast address, which is then distributed to an entire group of recipients.

What is multicasting used for?

A multicast is a transmission of data from a single source to multiple recipients. Multicasting is similar to broadcasting, but only transmits information to specific users. It is used to efficiently transmit streaming media and other types of data to multiple users at one time.

What applications use multicast?

Examples on applications that use multicasting are video conferencing applications, applications that simultaneously transfer files to a group of receivers and radio and TV transmissions over the Internet.