IPmc is a means to conserve bandwidth and deliver packets to multiple receivers without adding any additional burden on the source or receivers of the packets. Applications that deliver their data content using IPmc include videoconferencing, Cisco IP/TV broadcasts, distribution of files or software packages, real-time price quotes of securities trading, news, and even video feeds from IP video surveillance cameras.
The distribution of large data files to all branches by means of a mass update is an efficient way to distribute parts lists, price sheets, or inventory data. Commercial software packages are available to optimize this file replication process by using IPmc as the transport mechanism. The corporate server sends one IPmc stream, and the networked routers replicate these packets so that all remote locations receive a copy of the file. The software can detect packet loss and at the end of the transfer, request an IP unicast stream of the missing portions to ensure the file is complete and valid.
