Developing IP Multicast Networks, Volume I

The definitive guide to designing and deploying Cisco IP multicast networks

• Clear explanations of the concepts and underlying mechanisms of IP multicasting, from the fundamentals to advanced design techniques
• Concepts and techniques are reinforced through real-world network examples, each clearly illustrated in a step-by-step manner with detailed drawings
• Detailed coverage of PIM State Rules that govern Cisco router behavior
• In-depth information on IP multicast addressing, distribution trees, and multicast routing protocols
• Discussions of the common multimedia applications and how to deploy them

Developing IP Multicast Networks, Volume I, covers an area of networking that is rapidly being deployed in many enterprise and service provider networks to support applications such as audio and videoconferencing, distance learning, and data replication. The concepts used in IP multicasting are unlike any other network protocol, making this book a critical tool for networking professionals who are implementing this technology.

This book provides a solid foundation of basic IP multicast concepts, as well as the information needed to actually design and deploy IP multicast networks. Using examples of common network topologies, author Beau Williamson discusses the issues that network engineers face when trying to manage traffic flow. Developing IP Multicast Networks, Volume I, includes an in-depth discussion of the PIM protocol used in Cisco routers and detailed coverage of the rules that control the creation and maintenance of Cisco mroute state entries. The result is a comprehensive guide to the development and deployment of IP multicast networks using Cisco routers and switches.

Beau Williamson, CCIE(r) No. 1346, is a consulting engineer in the Office of the CTO at Cisco Systems. His area of expertise is general IP networking, with a special focus on IP multicast. He is frequently called upon by Cisco customers and internal Cisco engineers around the world to consult on the design, implementation, and debugging of IP multicast networks. Beau is also the author and developer of Cisco's internal IP multicast training class, as well as a frequent presenter of IP-related topics at Cisco Networkers and CCIE conferences domestically and abroad.