Multicast management protocols
IP multicasting optimizes the use of an IP network for point to multi-point communication by enabling a data packet to be only sent once on a given network link, even if it is destined to many recipients.
Multicast distribution
IP multicasting distribution trees are dynamically created as recipients join a multicast group. Various routing protocols have been defined to set up and maintain the multicast distribution trees. Joining and leaving a multicast group is handled through the Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) for IPv4.
Multicast benchmarking
To verify IP multicast and IGMP performance, IETF has defined RFC 3918 “Methodology for IP Multicast Benchmarking”. RFC 3918 describes tests for measuring and reporting the throughput, forwarding, latency and IGMP group membership characteristics of devices that support IP multicast protocols.
Xena networks IP multicast test solutions
Xena’s Xena test platform provides all the features needed to quickly and cost-effectively test and verify IP multicast and IGMP performance in accordance with RFC 3918. Multicast stress testing and IGMP snooping verification are also easily performed using XenaManager.