31.4.1 IPv6 Multicast Routing Protocol Overview

Multicast routing protocols are used for path control. The Switch supports the multicast routing protocols listed below. The format and setting values for IPv6 PIM-SM frames sent by the Switch follows RFC 2362.

• PIM-SM (Protocol Independent Multicast-Sparse Mode)

  This protocol uses the unicast IPv6 path structure to perform multicast path control. After packets have been sent to the rendezvous point, communication is performed on the shortest path.

• PIM-SSM (Protocol Independent Multicast-Source Specific Multicast)

  PIM-SSM is extended PIM-SM functionality. that communicates on the shortest path without using a rendezvous point.

PIM-SM and PIM-SSM can operate simultaneously. but cannot use the same group. Also, if routers running PIM-SM and routers running PIM-DM exist on the same network, multicast packets are not forwarded between routers. To forward multicast packets within the same network, set the same multicast protocol for all routers.