Managing IPv4 and IPv6 Multicast 1139
What Multicast Protocols Does the Switch Support?
Multicast protocols are used to deliver Multicast packets from one source to 
multiple receivers. Table 42-1 summarizes the multicast protocols that the 
switch supports.
What Are the Multicast Protocol Roles?
Hosts must have a way to identify their interest in joining any particular 
multicast group, and routers must have a way to collect and maintain group 
memberships. These functions are handled by the IGMP protocol in IPv4. In 
IPv6, multicast routers use the Multicast Listener Discover (MLD) protocol 
to maintain group membership information.
Multicast routers must also be able to construct a multicast distribution tree 
that enables forwarding multicast datagrams only on the links that are 
required to reach a destination group member. Protocols such as DVMRP, and 
PIM handle this function.
IGMP and MLD are multicast group discovery protocols that are used 
between the clients and the local multicast router. PIM-SM, PIM-DM, and 
DVMRP are multicast routing protocols that are used across different 
subnets, usually between the local multicast router and remote multicast 
router. 
Table 42-1. Multicast Protocol Support Summary
Protocol IPv4 or IPv6 For Communication Between
IGMP IPv4 Host-to-L3 switch/router
MLD IPv6 Host-to-L3 switch (router)
PIM-SM IPv4 or IPv6 L3-switch/router-to-L3 switch/router 
PIM-DM IPv4 or IPv6 L3-switch/router-to-L3 switch/router 
DVMRP IPv4 L3-switch/router-to-L3 switch/router