Multicast protocols
Multicast protocols include the following categories:
Layer 3 and Layer 2 multicast protocols:
Layer 3 multicast refers to IP multicast operating at the network layer.
Layer 3 multicast protocols—IGMP, MLD, PIM, IPv6 PIM, MSDP, MBGP, and IPv6 MBGP.
Layer 2 multicast refers to IP multicast operating at the data link layer.
Layer 2 multicast protocols—IGMP snooping, MLD snooping, PIM snooping, IPv6 PIM snooping, multicast VLAN, and IPv6 multicast VLAN.
IPv4 and IPv6 multicast protocols:
For IPv4 networks—IGMP snooping, PIM snooping, multicast VLAN, IGMP, PIM, MSDP, and MBGP.
For IPv6 networks—MLD snooping, IPv6 PIM snooping, IPv6 multicast VLAN, MLD, IPv6 PIM, and IPv6 MBGP.
This section provides only general descriptions about applications and functions of the Layer 2 and Layer 3 multicast protocols in a network. For more information about these protocols, see the related chapters.