- #1
djeipa
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What is multicast ? I heard people say multicast but why isn't there unicast ?
What is Multicast? Why Not Unicast?
- Thread starter djeipa
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Multicast is a networking protocol that allows a single packet of information to be sent to multiple users simultaneously, contrasting with unicast, where separate packets are sent to each user. This efficiency is particularly beneficial in scenarios like live streaming, where a DJ might have many listeners; using multicast significantly reduces the required upload bandwidth. Despite its advantages, multicast has seen limited development and business adoption, which has slowed its integration into mainstream networking solutions.
- #2
mezarashi
Homework Helper
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Correction: There is unicast! You are using it right now ^_^!
Multicast is a networking term used to mean a protocol in which one packet of information can be send to multiple users instead of sending x packets to all x users (unicast). Suppose your DJing at home and have 30 people tuning in at 64kbps, that's something like 2MB/sec upload on your side, which is not realistic. But while using multicast, this isn't a problem. You just need to send it once. Unfortunately, I haven't seen much development or business incentive with multicast and that's why it's a bit slow to be adopted by companies.
Edit: Oh, lookie what I found on Wikipedia :P
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multicast
Multicast is a networking term used to mean a protocol in which one packet of information can be send to multiple users instead of sending x packets to all x users (unicast). Suppose your DJing at home and have 30 people tuning in at 64kbps, that's something like 2MB/sec upload on your side, which is not realistic. But while using multicast, this isn't a problem. You just need to send it once. Unfortunately, I haven't seen much development or business incentive with multicast and that's why it's a bit slow to be adopted by companies.
Edit: Oh, lookie what I found on Wikipedia :P
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multicast
- #3
djeipa
- 47
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Blew,blew, thanks 
Last edited:
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