monilähetyksen

Monilähetys, also known as multicast, is a network communication method where a single data stream is sent from one source to multiple, specific recipients simultaneously. This contrasts with unicast, where data is sent to a single recipient, and broadcast, where data is sent to all devices on a network regardless of whether they need it. Multicast is particularly efficient for distributing the same information to groups of users without burdening the network with multiple identical copies of the data.

The core principle of multicast relies on the use of multicast group addresses. Devices that wish to receive a particular multicast stream join a specific multicast group. When the sender transmits data to that group address, network routers and switches are intelligent enough to direct the traffic only to the interfaces connected to devices that have joined that group. This selective delivery minimizes unnecessary network traffic and conserves bandwidth.

Common applications of multicast include live video streaming, online gaming, financial data distribution, and software updates for a group of devices. It plays a crucial role in optimizing network performance for scenarios requiring one-to-many communication. Protocols like IGMP (Internet Group Management Protocol) are used by hosts to signal their group membership to local routers, enabling efficient multicast routing.