Multicast Solution

How does it work ?

Note to Viewer

iMPath

Networks

The content of this tutorial provides an overview of IGMP used in Digital Multicast networks to familiarize customers with the technology. The information in this document is subject to change without notifice. While every precaution was taken in the preparation of this document, iMPath assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact:

Daniel Brisson Sr. System Engineer iMPath Networks Inc Tel: 613-226-4000 x 297 Email: dbrisson@impathnetworks.com

Gilles Lebel Sr. System Engineer iMPath Networks Inc Tel: 613-226-4000 x 224 Email: glebel@impathnetworks.com

Typical Network Requirements

iMPath

Networks

Backbone

Monitor any video from anywhere in the network

Multicast

iMPath

Networks

Multicast. Allows sending one copy of each packet to the group of computers that want to receive it. Multicast can be implemented at the Ethernet linklayer or at the network layer (layer 3 of the OSI model). Computers join and leave multicast groups by using the IGMP (Internet Group Management Protocol) Each host can register itself as a member of selected multicast groups through use of the Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP). Multicast is commonly used in audio and video streaming applications. It allows a single source of traffic to be viewed by multiple destinations simultaneously. It is designed to provide an efficient transmission using the least amount of bandwidth on the network to save cost. IGMP is a standard IP protocol supported by most LAN/WAN vendors in traditional LAN products, ATM, and gigabit Ethernet solutions.

Typical Network Components

L3 Switch/Router L3 Switch/Router

iMPath
Typical high speed backbone network consisting of Layer 2 or Layer 3 Ethernet Switches.
L3 Switch/Router
100 Meg

Networks

Digital Backbone; ATM, SONET, LAN, Gigabit Ethernet...

L3 Switch/Router
100 Meg

L3 Switch/Router

L3 Switch/Router
100 Meg

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

High Speed Switches are located at major hub locations to collect or drop off data traffic from this distribution center. L2 Switch
Decoder

L2 Switch Decoder

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

Field hub locations are distributed where the end devices are located. They are Decoder used to collect and distribute traffic for Decoder Cameras, Traffic Controllers, Message Signs and many more.

Decoder

Decoder

Decoder

Decoder

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

Several topologies can be used such as Star and Linear topologies being Console the most Virtual Matrix Control common. Displays video to monitors
Controls camera PTZ

Virtual Matrix Control Console

Displays video to monitors Controls camera PTZ

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

Typical field encoder collector network

Control Center # 1

Control Center # 2

Typical Network Components

L3 Switch/Router L3 Switch/Router

iMPath
Multiple Control Centers may be deployed with this architecture.
L3 Switch/Router
100 Meg

Networks

Digital Backbone; ATM, SONET, LAN, Gigabit Ethernet...

L3 Switch/Router
100 Meg

L3 Switch/Router

L3 Switch/Router
100 Meg

The Control Centers provide L2 Switch L2 Switch video viewing and control of Encoder Encoder the Camera PTZ, Traffic Controllers, or Message signs to L2 Switch L2 Switch Encoder Encoder name just a few.
L2 Switch Encoder L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Decoder

L2 Switch Decoder

Decoder

Decoder

Decoder

Decoder

Decoder L2 Switch Encoder L2 Switch Encoder The Virtual Matrix is commonly used in digital video L2 Switch networks providing video Encoder display and control and to L2 Switch operate complementary Encoder integrated applications. L2 Switch Encoder Encoder

Decoder

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

Virtual Matrix Control Console

Displays video to monitors Controls camera PTZ

Virtual Matrix Control Console

Displays video to monitors Controls camera PTZ

L2 Switch

Typical field encoder collector network

Control Center # 1

Control Center # 2

Why use IGMP?

Digital Backbone; ATM, SONET, LAN, Gigabit Ethernet...

iMPath

Networks

100 Meg

100 Meg

100 Meg

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Decoder

L2 Switch Decoder

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder Decoder Decoder

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

Without IGMP support, multicast traffic is transmitted to all the ports in each network switch. Decoder This unnecessary traffic floods the interfaces and can quickly bog down the entire network.

Decoder

Decoder

Decoder

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

Virtual Matrix Control Console

Displays video to monitors Controls camera PTZ

Virtual Matrix Control Console

Displays video to monitors Controls camera PTZ

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

Typical field encoder collector network

Control Center # 1

Control Center # 2

Why use IGMP?

For example: With 25 cameras deployed, Digital Backbone; ATM, SONET, LAN, Gigabit Ethernet... each transmitting at 5 Mbps, you will have over 125 Mbps of combined traffic on your network
100Base-T 100Base-T

iMPath

Networks

100Base-T

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch

Encoder

125 Mbps of traffic on each 100Base-X interface !!!!!!

L2 Switch Decoder

L2 Switch Decoder

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder Decoder Decoder

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

Decoder

Decoder

Decoder L2 Switch Encoder L2 Switch Encoder

125 Mbps of traffic

Decoder

L2 Switch Encoder 125 Mbps of traffic Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch

L2 Switch Encoder

Virtual Matrix Control Console

Displays video to monitors Controls camera PTZ

Virtual Matrix Control Console

Displays video to monitors Controls camera PTZ

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

Typical field encoder collector network

Control Center # 1

Control Center # 2

Why use IGMP?

For example: With 25 cameras deployed, Digital Backbone; ATM, SONET, LAN, Gigabit Ethernet... each transmitting at 5 Mbps, you will have over 125 Mbps of traffic on your network
100Base-T 100Base-T

iMPath

Networks

100Base-T

L2 Switch Encoder

Switch On a 100L2Mbps interface (optics or electrical) you Encoder cannot pass more then 100 Mbps of traffic. L2 Switch

L2 Switch Decoder

L2 Switch Decoder

L2 Switch Encoder

Encoder

Decoder

Decoder

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

In fact a typical recommendation in the L2 Switch Encoder industry is not to exceed 70% of the bandwidth in any segment. L2 Switch
Encoder L2 Switch

Decoder

Decoder

PROBLEM Combined 125 Mbps of traffic on these interfaces.

Decoder Decoder

L2 Switch Encoder

Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

The capacity of this network is Virtual Matrix Control Console Displays video toexceeded with only 25 cameras monitors Displays video to monitors
Virtual Matrix Control Console
Controls camera PTZ Controls camera PTZ

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

Typical field encoder collector network

Control Center # 1

Control Center # 2

Traffic flow with IGMP

Only 15 Mbps of multicast traffic flows on this link
Digital Backbone; ATM, SONET, LAN, Gigabit Ethernet...

iMPath

Networks

100Base-T

100Base-T

100 Meg

Video Stream 3

Video Stream 1
L2 Switch Encoder L2 Switch Encoder Decoder L2 Switch Encoder L2 Switch Encoder Decoder Decoder Decoder L2 Switch L2 Switch

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

Decoder

Decoder

Video Stream 2 Only 5 Mbps of Multicast traffic Flows on this port

Decoder Decoder

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

Video Stream 3

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

Virtual Matrix Control Console

Displays video to monitors Controls camera PTZ

Virtual Matrix Control Console

Displays video to monitors Controls camera PTZ

Traffic is only present on the backbone when a specific encoder stream Typical field encoder collector decoder requests the Control Center # 1 network
Encoder Encoder

L2 Switch

L2 Switch

Control Center # 2

How does it work?

L3 Switch/Router L3 Switch/Router

iMPath

Networks

Digital Backbone; ATM, SONET, LAN, Gigabit Ethernet...

L3 Switch/Router
100 Meg

L3 Switch/Router

L3 Switch/Router

L3 Switch/Router

Encoder

The Routers build and share a table of all the IGMP servers available on the network. They keep a table of all the available Multicast Addresses

This Router will not forward any of the multicast traffic until it receives a request from a decoder (client)
Decoder

The Encoder is considered a server in the IGMP world. It generates a video signal that will be made available to any Decoder (client) on the network.

The Encoder transmits a signal with a distinct destination address. Between 224.x.x.x to 239.x.x.x. (some addresses are reserved for specific applications)

Virtual Matrix Control Console

Displays video to monitors Controls camera PTZ

Typical field encoder collector network

Control Center # 1

Here is how it works Joining a Group

L3 Switch/Router L3 Switch/Router

iMPath

Networks

Digital Backbone; ATM, SONET, LAN, Gigabit Ethernet...

L3 Switch/Router
100 Meg

L3 Switch/Router

L3 Switch/Router

L3 Switch/Router

4
Encoder 224.168.32.55

The Router responds and forwards the traffic to this specific port on the Ethernet switch.

The Decoder registers this address in its table and forwards the request (join the multicast group) to the network

Decoder

The Virtual Matrix application forwards a message to the decoder to view a specific video stream. (request to see video from address 224.168.32.55)
Virtual Matrix Control Console
Displays video to monitors Controls camera PTZ

Typical field encoder collector network

The operator makes a request to see a video on a specific monitor

Control Center # 1

Here is how it works Leaving a Group

L3 Switch/Router L3 Switch/Router

iMPath

Networks

Digital Backbone; ATM, SONET, LAN, Gigabit Ethernet...

L3 Switch/Router
100 Meg

L3 Switch/Router

L3 Switch/Router

L3 Switch/Router

4
Encoder 224.168.32.107 Encoder 224.168.32.55

The Router stops video stream A, adds the new video B to the group, and releases the traffic for video B to this specific port on the Ethernet switch. The Decoder un-registers from the present viewing address (a leave message is sent) followed by a join message which is sent with the new multicast stream.

Video B

Video A

Decoder

the Virtual Matrix application ONLY forwards a single message to the decoder to view video B stream. (request to see video from address 224.168.32.107)
Virtual Matrix Control Console
Displays video to monitors Controls camera PTZ

Typical field encoder collector network

When the operator makes a request to change the view from video A to video B

Control Center # 1

Choosing your network elements

iMPath

Networks

There are several types of digital network technologies to choose from. SONET and ATM are still applicable but are now rarely deployed on new installations. Ethernet is the most common technology due to the wide range of affordable products available from many manufacturers and the familiarity with Ethernet and IP technology. The components more commonly used to build Ethernet networks are Ethernet Switches. A high capacity Ethernet network is often referred to as the backbone network.

Choosing your network switches

iMPath

Networks

Choosing Ethernet Switches for your backbone network could depend on several factors Your specific port density requirements Network topology Temperature hardened requirements (outdoor) Support for IGMP protocol Your preferred manufacturer Specific product functionality This tutorial will explore a few topologies and the IGMP functionality of different Ethernet Switches.

Ethernet Switch selection

There are 3 types of Ethernet Switches Layer 2 Switch

iMPath

Networks

Distributes traffic to each destination using MAC addressing table. Broadcasts the Multicast traffic across all its ports
There are no Multicast traffic filters with these switches

Layer 2 Switch with IGMP Snooping

Distributes traffic to each destination using MAC addressing table Provides limited control of Multicast traffic to prevent broadcast of the traffic to all ports. Layer 3 IGMP master is needed in the network

Layer 3 Switch/Router with IGMP

Distributes traffic to each destination using MAC addressing table. Distributes traffic to each destination using IP subnet addressing table. Provides maximum control of Multicast traffic to prevent broadcast of the traffic to all ports and all subnet.

Layer 2 Switch
Functionality
The combined Multicast Traffic is sent to all ports in each Switch

iMPath

Networks

Combined 20 Mbps Multicast Video Traffic

L2 Switch
15 Mbps 15 Mbps 15 Mbps 15 Mbps 5 Mbps 5 Mbps 5 Mbps 5 Mbps

20 Mbps

L2 Switch
20 Mbps 0 Mbps 0 Mbps 20 Mbps

Bandwidth Restriction applies.

Encoder

Encoder

Encoder

Encoder

Decoder

Decoder

5 Mbps Multicast Video per Encoder

This is a valid network topology for small networks Ensure no more then 70% of the bandwidth of the lowest negotiated Ethernet port speed is used. Not to be used with 10 Meg Half Duplex devices.

Layer 3 Switch/Router with IGMP iMPath Networks

Functionality
Multicast traffic is filtered out at each switch Only the required traffic is transmitted on the network
Combined 10 Mbps Multicast Video Traffic

L3 Switch

10 Mbps

L3 Switch

5 Meg 5 Mbps

0 Mbps

0 Mbps

0 Mbps

0 Mbps

0 Mbps

Encoder

Encoder

Encoder

Encoder

Decoder

This is a valid network topology for any network - No topology restrictions

0 Mbps

Decoder

5 Meg 5 Mbps

5 Meg 5 Mbps

5 Meg 5 Mbps

5 Meg 5 Mbps

Deploying a Layer 3 at each collector HUB could be expensive

5 Mbps

Layer 2 & 3 Switch

Typical Topology
0 Mbps 35 Mbps Combined Multicast Video 35 Mbps Combined Multicast Video
L2 Switch Encoder L2 Switch L2 Switch Encoder L2 Switch L2 Switch Encoder L2 Switch L2 Switch Encoder L2 Switch L2 Switch Encoder L2 Switch L2 Switch Encoder L2 Switch L2 Switch Encoder L2 Switch Encoder Encoder Encoder Encoder Encoder Encoder Encoder

iMPath

Networks

L3 Switch
5 Mbps 0 Mbps 0 Mbps 5 Mbps

The L3 Switch controls all Multicast traffic.

In and out.
It eliminates transmitting the combined multicast traffic unnecessarily to each port.

Decoder

Decoder

The use of L2 Switch in this topology is very common. Multicast traffic is repeated on all ports of the switch within the segment but traffic from other segments is not seen. Traffic between the segments is controlled by the L3 switch. Economical and practical solution that is very easy to deploy.

Layer 2 & 3 Switch

Typical Topology Industry concern
35 Mbps 0 Mbps
L2 Switch Encoder L2 Switch L2 Switch Encoder L2 Switch L2 Switch Encoder Encoder Encoder

iMPath

Networks

L3 Switch

35 Mbps

5 Meg

0 Meg

L2 Switch Encoder

This solution is very effective and greatly simplifies Network Management. L2 Switch Decoder Decoder Encoder However, it is sometimes necessary to filter IGMP traffic at the edge. L2 Switch Encoder Such solutions were previously overlooked for economical reasons.
L2 Switch Encoder Encoder L2 Switch

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch

L2 Switch Encoder L2 Switch

Encoder

An economical solution now exist: L2 switch with IGMP Snooping

Encoder

0 Meg

5 Meg

Overview of OSI Model

Application Presentation Session Transport
Layer 7. Layer 6 Layer 5 Layer 4

iMPath

Networks

Traditionally performed by Routers

$
$

Network

Layer 3- This layer defines the addressing and routing structure of the Inter-network This layer controls the Multicast traffic on the network. Performed by Switches

Data Link

Layer 2- This layer defines the framing, addressing and error control of Ethernet packets. Port addressing uses MAC address of each device. This layer effectively treats Multicast traffic as broadcast traffic. Layer 1

Physical

Overview of OSI Model

iMPath

Networks

$
$
$

Network

Layer 3- This layer defines the addressing and routing structure of the Inter-network This layer controls the Multicast traffic on the network. This product can be used instead of expensive Routers

Layer 2 with IGMP Snooping- Layer 2 Switches with IGMP Snooping functionality are now available. Provide all the functionality of a Layer 2 switch with PARTIAL IGMP support. This layer provides some Multicast traffic control on the network. New product introduced Available with different port densities. 100Base-Fx to Gigabit trunks. Temperature Hardened Wide choice of manufacturers and products.

Data Link

Layer 2- This layer defines the framing, addressing and error control of Ethernet packets. Port addressing uses MAC address of each device. This layer effectively treats Multicast traffic as broadcast traffic.

Layer 2 Switch with IGMP Snooping

Functionality
Local traffic is filtered out at each switch. Eliminates multicasts traffic to all the ports

iMPath

Networks

All the multicast traffic is sent to the central site. The L3 switch still controls the IGMP table of the network.

20 Mbps Combined Multicast Video

L2 with IGMP Snooping

0 Mbps 0 Mbps 0 Mbps 0 Mbps 0 Mbps 5 Mbps 5 Mbps 5 Mbps 5 Mbps

L3 Switch
5 Mbps 0 Mbps 5 Mbps

Encoder

Encoder

Encoder

Encoder

Decoder

Decoder

Valid network topology for any network No topology restrictions

L2 with Snooping & L3 Switch

Typical Topology
35 Mbps

iMPath

Networks

35 Mbps
L2 Switch Encoder

L3 Switch
5 Mbps 0 Mbps 0 Mbps 5 Mbps

L2 Switch

Bandwidth Restriction applies. No more 70% of link capacity

L2 Switch Encoder Encoder L2 Switch Encoder Encoder L2 Switch

L2 Switch

L2 Switch Encoder L2 Switch L2 Switch Encoder L2 Switch L2 Switch Encoder L2 Switch L2 Switch Encoder L2 Switch

Encoder

Encoder

These links contain the combined Multicast traffic from all the Encoders in their segment i.e. 35 Mbps.

Decoder

Decoder

Encoder

Encoder

Switches with IGMP Snooping eliminate flooding local interfaces with Multicast traffic.

Encoder

Very practical implementation Management of the Ethernet Switches is required.

How does it work?

From the Encoder to the L3 Switch
The L2 Switch with IGMP Snooping detects the Query message from the L3 Switch and logs internally the ports that pass traffic to the L3 Switch

iMPath

Networks

0 Mbps 35 Mbps
L2 Switch Encoder

L3 Switch
0 Mbps 5 Mbps

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

Decoder
L2 Switch eliminates flooding of the local interfaces and passes the Multicast traffic to the L3 Switch for processing.

L2 Switch Encoder

The L3 Switch forwards the IGMP Query on all its ports to determine if there are any devices that wish to subscribe to a Multicast Group.

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

The L2 Switch detects/identifies the Multicast stream source and logs internally what port this stream came from.

L2 Switch Encoder

Each Encoder forwards a constant Multicast stream to the Ethernet Switch (224-239.x.x.x)

How does it work?

From the Encoder to the L3 Switch
At this point, the Multicast traffic from all Encoders is combined on this link towards the L3 Switch.
L2 Switch Encoder

iMPath

Networks

35 Mbps Combined Multicast Traffic

L3 Switch
0 Mbps 0 Mbps 5 Mbps

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

Decoder

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

The L3 Switch detects the Multicast traffic arriving on this interface and logs internally all the Multicast address for distribution.

How does it work?

From the L3 Switch to the Decoder

iMPath

Networks

35 Mbps Combined Multicast Traffic

0 Meg

L3 Switch
0 Mbps 5 Mbps

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

The L3 Switch responds and releases the traffic to this specific port on the Ethernet switch.

L2 Switch Encoder

Decoder
The Decoder registers this address in its table and forwards the request (join the multicast group) to the network The Virtual Matrix application forwards a message to the decoder to view a specific video stream on a specific monitor. (request to see video from address 224.168.32.55)

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

Virtual Matrix Control Console

Displays video to monitors Controls camera PTZ

The operator makes a request to see a video on a specific monitor

Control Center # 1

How does it work?

From the L3 Switch to the Decoder

iMPath

Networks

0 Meg

The L3 Switch responds by forwarding the stream 35 Mbps 224.168.32.140

L2 Switch Encoder

L3 Switch
0 Mbps 5 Mbps

The Decoder sends an IGMP request to join (224.168.32.140)

L2 Switch Encoder

The L3 Switch responds by stopping the stream 224.168.32.55 The Decoder sends an IGMP leave message. No longer need to receive the Multicast steam (224.168.32.55)

L2 Switch Encoder

Decoder

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

The Decoder registers this address in its table and forwards two messages to the switch
Virtual Matrix Control Console
Displays video to monitors Controls camera PTZ

L2 Switch Encoder

The Virtual Matrix application forwards a message to the decoder to view a specific video stream. (224.168.32.140)

The operator makes a NEW request to see a video on a specific monitor Control Center # 1

How does it work?

Typical Star Topology
Multicast traffic flows from all Encoders to the L3 Switch

iMPath
L3 Switch controls the distribution of all Multicast traffic to Decoders

Networks

L3 Switch

Decoders

Encoder

L2 Switch with IGMP Snooping

Watch for
Limitations of IGMP Snooping
If this is a Gig E link and you have more then 70 Meg of Video traffic, no other application will run on this network until the link is re-established. Maximum port traffic will be exceeded.
L2 Switch Encoder

iMPath

Networks

L3 Switch

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

In the event of a communication break between the L2 and L3 switches, the L2 IGMP Snooping Decoder switch will behave like a L2 switch

L2 Switch

A few minutes after loss of signal, the switches may* flood all Multicast signals to the ports of every switch
* Behavior may differ depending on switch manufacturer.

Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switches with IGMP Snooping have limitations.

Watch for
Distributed Control Centers

iMPath
This switch will allow traffic from network A to flow to the Decoder when a join request is received.

Networks

Multicast traffic flows to the L3 Switch

L2 Snooping

L2 Snooping

L3 Switch

Network A

Encoder

Encoder

Decoder

Decoder

Decoder

Decoder

Video Source A

Multicast join request sent to the L3 Switch

Control Center # 2 Control Center # 1

Watch for
Distributed Control Centers

iMPath
It will not be possible to view any video. Not even local video.

Networks

This switch requires connectivity to the L3 switch to provide local join

Communication break

L2 Snooping

L2 Snooping

L3 Switch

Network A

Encoder

Encoder

Decoder

Decoder

Decoder

Decoder

Video Source A

This limitation can be eliminated by installing an L3 Switch at all Control Centers.

Control Center # 2 Control Center # 1

Watch for
Distributed Control Centers

iMPath

Networks

All Multicast traffic flows to the the Switch will flow to L3 L3 Switch

L2 Snooping

L2 Snooping

L3 Switch

L2 Snooping

This switch will only forward traffic from video source B when the Decoder requests to join a video from source B
Encoder Encoder Decoder Decoder Decoder Decoder Encoder Encoder

Video Source A

Video Source B

Multicast join requests are sent to the L3 Switch

Control Center # 2 Control Center # 1

Configuration Tips
L2 Switch with IGMP Snooping
Two IGMP configuration modes can be set in the switches.

iMPath
This switch generates IGMP Queries. It is considered as the Master or the Active device
Passive L3 Switch L2 Snooping

Networks

Passive L2 Snooping

Passive L2 Snooping

Encoder

Encoder

Decoder

Decoder

Decoder

Decoder

Encoder

Encoder

In this topology, there can only be one Master unit.

Control Center # 2 Control Center # 1

Configuration Tips
L2 Switch with IGMP Snooping
Some L2 Switches with IGMP Snooping can be configured as Passive or Active Passive L2 Snooping Passive L2 Snooping L2 Snooping

iMPath
This switch generates IGMP Queries. It is considered as the Master or the Active device
Passive L2 Snooping

Networks

In this topology, there can only be one Master unit.

Encoder Encoder Decoder Decoder Decoder Decoder Encoder Encoder

This topology should only be considered for small networks. Most L2 IGMP Snooping Switches do not have the capacity to handle a large Center # 2of IGMP Control Center #traffic. Multicast 1 Control table

Multi-Vendor Support
AvoidMixing IGMP Snooping Switches
Passive L2 Snooping
Manufacturer A

iMPath

Networks

Passive L2 Snooping
Manufacturer A

Active L2 Snooping
Manufacturer B

Passive L2 Snooping
Manufacturer B

Encoder

Encoder

Decoder

Decoder

Decoder

Decoder

Encoder

Encoder

Control Center # 2

Control Center # 1

Although some L2 IGMP Snooping Switch manufacturers may imply that they can integrate into a multi-vendor solution, this is not recommended since IGMP Snooping is not an RFC standard. Implementation differs between manufacturers. (Proven to fail in our labs)

Multi-Vendor Support
Recommendation
Use L2 with IGMP Snooping Hardened products are available

iMPath
L3 Switch

Networks

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

Keep it simple. A single manufacturer solution is recommended

Decoder
L2 Switch Encoder

High end products should be used for L3 Switch to control all your Multicast traffic. Products from Foundry, Extreme, Nortel and Cisco (to name just a few) should be used. These are typically non-hardened products

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

Several vendors offer a wide range of products for this application. Several (including Magnum 6Ks from GarrettCom) were tested at iMPath with positive results.

L2 Switch Encoder

L2 Switch Encoder

Multi-Vendor Support
Avoid
L3 Switch
L2 Switch

iMPath

Networks

Manufacturer A

Encoder

L2 Switch

Manufacturer A

Encoder

Do not MIX different vendors IGMP Snooping switches in this topology. It will most-likely not work

Decoder
L2 Switch

Manufacturer A

Encoder

L2 Switch

Manufacturer A

Encoder

L2 Switch

Manufacturer B

Encoder

L2 Switch

Manufacturer A

Encoder

L2 Switch

Manufacturer B

Encoder

Although some L2 IGMP Snooping Switch vendors may suggest they can integrate into a multi-vendor solution, this is not recommended since IGMP Snooping is not a RFC standard. Implementation differs between manufacturers. (Proven to fail in our labs)

Multi-Vendor Support
Recommendation

iMPath

Networks

When multi-vendor solutions are used, it is recommended to use a single manufacturer solution on each link. Use the L3 Switch to separate each group (manufacturer) of L2 IGMP switches. This is the most reliable topology to support multi-vendor solutions.

Manufacturer A

Manufacturer B

L3 Switch

Decoder

Manufacturer C Manufacturer B Manufacturer A

Manufacturer C