This type of multipoint networking can be accomplished by using multiple unicast streams, broadcast, or multicast transmission methods. Unicast With multiple unicast streams, the sender transmits a separate identical data stream to each intended receiver. The broadcast method, on the other hand, sends a single data stream to every receiver on the network. This method is also simple to implement, but every station may not need to receive the data stream causing some network resources and end-stations to be tasked unnecessarily.
Multicast transmission combines the advantages of the other two methods.
A single data stream is sent, and that stream is replicated as necessary by downstream nodes. The stream is distributed only to the receivers that have joined the multicast group being addressed. The multicast method saves on network bandwidth because it only tasks network resources in the path to intended recipients, and it ensures that the data stream only goes to those stations that want to receive it. Multicast technology is enabling new applications and making others more efficient. Applications that benefit from multicast include streaming service for audio, video, and data.