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IP Multicast Routing: PIM Sparse Mode

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Multicast routing: trees, not broadcasts

IP multicast sends one packet to many receivers without broadcasting to the entire network. Routers build distribution trees — the packet is copied only at branch points where the tree splits.

PIM Sparse Mode (PIM-SM) is the dominant multicast routing protocol. Receivers explicitly join groups; a Rendezvous Point (RP) acts as the meeting place between sources and receivers before the optimal path is established.

Packets in motion — click to inspect:

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