Multicasting on Layer 2 only

[mark-armstrong]

Hello all,

Being the only CCNA in work I always get the harder stuff

Looking some advice about Multicasting on a layer 2 only network.

It's a IP camera system with a number of cameras in multiple locations that need to connect to client machines.  Currently we have a third party MPLS switch system between these sites that can't handle the existing traffic.  I assume everything is unicasting back and causing congestion on the network.

This was only mentioned to me as I was going on holidays so don't have alot of information.  So forgive me as i'm just trying to get myself up to speed before I go back !

This is my idea.  Would it be possible to connect switches that are set up for multicasting into the third party MPLS switches.  Would this allow the multicasts to be setup and would it go through the MPLS switches as multicasts or would they see it as a broadcast ?

Many Thanks for any help !

Mark.

[Joseph W. Doherty]

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Posting

So you're saying one camera may have multiple recipients for its video?  If yes, then multicast might be a solution.

If all hosts are on standard L2 broadcast domain, multicast should work without additional configuration beyond the source and recipients know to use it.

Today, many L2 broadcast domains suppress multicast to switched ports that don't want the traffic.  The common technology is IGMP snooping.  If this is enabled, and it often is on modern managed switches, you'll need a IGMP querier (or you need to disable this, useful, feature).  The querier, traditionally, is provided by a multicast enabled router, but managed switches often have an option to enable for them too.

You mention you're using MPLS.  Often MPLS isn't configured to pass mutlicast.  You'll need to talk with your MPLS provider whether than can support it.

[mark-armstrong]

Hi Joseph,

Thanks for your reply !

There will be multiple cameras with various clients requesting feeds from different camera groups.

If the MPLS switches are not currently configured for at least IGMP snooping will they handle the Multicast as a broadcast ?  

If we can get the third party supplier to enable snooping, then we shouldn't need the additional switches at all then ?  Or perhaps only one as a IGMP querier ?

Thanks again, I really do appreciate

your help,

Mark

[Joseph W. Doherty]

Disclaimer

The   Author of this posting offers the information contained within this   posting without consideration and with the reader's understanding that   there's no implied or expressed suitability or fitness for any purpose.   Information provided is for informational purposes only and should not   be construed as rendering professional advice of any kind. Usage of  this  posting's information is solely at reader's own risk.

Liability Disclaimer

In   no event shall Author be liable for any damages whatsoever (including,   without limitation, damages for loss of use, data or profit) arising  out  of the use or inability to use the posting's information even if  Author  has been advised of the possibility of such damage.

Posting

Mark, multicast across MPLS can be a bit more complex.  Again, you'll need to consult with your MPLS vendor.