multipoint

Multipoint refers to systems, channels, or processes that connect more than two discrete points. It is used across several domains to contrast with point-to-point configurations. In telecommunications, a multipoint arrangement allows three or more endpoints to share a single communications medium or conference bridge. This can be implemented with dedicated hardware, software-based bridges, or cloud services, and typically involves a control function to route streams and manage access.

In video conferencing, multipoint conferences connect three or more participants. An MCU (multipoint control unit) or cloud-based bridge handles mixing and switching of audio and video, applies layouts, and enforces floor control so participants can take turns speaking.

In data networks, multipoint delivery refers to transmission from one sender to multiple receivers, as in multicast or broadcast. Multicast uses special group addresses and routing protocols so network resources are used efficiently. Protocols such as IGMP (IPv4) or MLD (IPv6) manage group membership, while routers implement multicast forwarding using protocols like PIM.

In measurement and instrumentation, multipoint can describe devices that accept or provide several signals at once, such as multipoint inputs or probes for data logging. The term is also used more generally to describe any scenario involving several salient points or nodes rather than a single end-to-end link.