IP Multicast

What Is IP Multicast?

IP multicast is a way of sending IP packets to a group of hosts, without sending it everywhere, like a broadcast. Hosts that wish to receive packets, must join the multicast group.

Which CS Networks Are Multicast Enabled?

IP multicast is enabled on all CS instructional and office networks. Any questions regarding the availability of multicast should be directed to lab@cs.wisc.edu.

How Do I Create A Multicast Group, Or Get A Multicast Address

You don't have to do anything special to create a multicast group, as soon as the first host sends a multicast join for an address the group is created. Multicast addresses are of limited supply. If you require a static address for continued research send mail to lab@cs.wisc.edu with a description of your project. If you do not require a long term static address, "sdr" or "nsdr" in the Openmash tools will provide you with a dynamic address.

SMASH Multicast Tools

On UNIX systems:

First Add /s/mash-5.2/bin to your path. After this you should be able to start the directory utility. nsdr From there you can join the various multicast groups that are available. After joinging the group you can start the different multicast tool, such as vic and vat, for each media stream.

On Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000 systems:

Start the directory utility, through the "My Computer" icon. The full path is s:/mash-5.2/i386_win2k/bin/nsdr.