It's an efficient way to deliver a single stream of live data to, in theory, unlimited number recipients at the same time. Instead of sending 1000 streams of information to 1000 users, it sends only one stream of audio, video, or data. The single stream will then be delivered to unlimited number of users via dedicated multicast routers dispersed throughout the Internet. Multicast routers, placed throughout the Internet, duplicate and broadcast the stream to customers who have requested content. Anyone connected to a multicast enabled dial or direct network is able to receive broadcast streams.
Multicast technology is virtually transparent to end users.
They need only to click an icon from a Web site to hear or view the broadcast. Most importantly, multicast is a truly scalable solution. The following is a list of Internet providers that currently supports Multicast Technology, if your Internet Provider is not listed, please contact them to request that they allow this service.