In BIDIR-PIM an RP can be specified with a virtual IP address,

[sachin30720041]

Hello,

I am trying to understand PIM BIDIR. I have read in many tutorials/articles/books that  "In PIM-SM, an RP must be specified with a real IP address. In BIDIR-PIM, an RP can be specified with a virtual IP address." What does this mean? What is meant by PIM BIDIR's RP does not need a real IP address?

Thanks,

Sachin

[paul driver]

Hello
A RP address does need to be reachable so i am not sure what you mean by virtual?
As for directional pim, My understanding is it has the advantage regards the way MC is propagated to the receivers, instead of the First hop router sending the unicast packet to the RP for it to forward to the receivers, what BIDR PIim can do it directly send the MC to any receivers that are inpath between first hop router and RP thus it cuts down the time forwarding of MC can be established.