Planning and Preparing for Using IP Multicast

Planning and Preparing
for Using IP Multicast
You now know that multicast networks behave differently from unicast networks. It is important
to keep this in mind when planning the deployment of an IP multicast network. You should
take several factors into consideration, including bandwidth implications, use of multicast
applications, application requirements, user requirements, the location of the recipients,
required equipment, cost, and, most importantly, what multicast source(s) will be used.
All these factors require attention and planning for a successful deployment of IP multicast
throughout the network. You must also think upside down when thinking about multicast routing.
As discussed in the preceding chapter, distribution trees are built based on the position of
the root (source) of the tree. Therefore, when planning the routing for the multicast network,
you must know where your sources or RPs will be located.
By taking the time to plan and prepare for a multicast deployment, you will avoid headaches
later. You must become familiar with the customer’s requirements as well as the effects that
multicast will have on the existing network.
There are many methods of implementing multicast on a network. Commonly, institutions
will want to connect with the multicast backbone (MBONE) multicast sessions; therefore, they
must implement multicast through a Distance Vector Multicast Routing Protocol (DVMRP)
620 Chapter 19  Understanding and Configuring Multicast Operation
tunnel or with Multicast Border Gateway Protocol (MBGP). If the multicast source is within the
network and meant to stay within the confines of the network, other design issues come into
play. It is important that you understand what each multicast routing protocol brings to the
table when it comes to operational functionality.
By better understanding the many protocols and possible implementations of multicast, you
will be able to better plan and prepare for its deployment. With so many options, there is bound
to be a solution for almost any requirement. Through understanding requirements and through
preparing and planning, you can successfully implement an IP multicast network.