Telecommunications and Networking Services

Multicast Routing (IPv4 Only)

TNS transports properly constructed and addressed IP packets to multiple destinations using multicast routing technologies. Multicast routing attempts to deliver a stream of information to multiple, potentially geographically diverse users while minimizing the bandwidth used to do so. Video and audio streams are usually multicast. Multicast users may either receive a session, send a session or both. Specialized software is required in the workstations participating in a multicast session. Specialized routing software is required in the network routers. Origination of a multicast session may also require specialized hardware.

The service is available to all Penn State organizations. However both the electronics and bandwidth to the customer's site must be adequate to the task. Additionally, this service requires a TNS backbone connection and a network attached computer with the appropriate software. TNS does not provide the software but provides pointers to current software. TNS does not provide the hardware necessary for origination of a multicast session.

Please visit the TNS Multicast Routing on the Penn State Integrated Backbone Policy for more information on the policy and procedures for Multicast Routing.

If you have a question about this service or would like to make a request to add, change or terminate this service please contact TNS at (814) 865-1696 or submit your request through the Service Inquiry Form .