15.1.2 IPv4 multicast routing functionality

The Switch forwards received multicast packets based on multicast forwarding entries. Multicast routing functionality consists of the following three types of functionality:

• Multicast group management functionality

  This functionality sends and receives group membership information to learn about the existence of multicast groups. For the Switch, IGMP (Internet Group Management Protocol) is used.

• Route control function

  This functionality sends and receives routing information to determine forwarding paths and to create multicast routing information and multicast forwarding entries. PIM-SM (including PIM-SSM) is used to collect routing information.

• Forwarding function

  This functionality forwards multicast packets using hardware and software based on multicast forwarding entries.