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Planning and Preparing for Using IP Multicast
Dec 18,2008 00:00
by
alperen
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. |