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Advantages & Disadvantages of Multicasting

Multicasting is the process by which broadcasting networks deliver multiple digital program channels synchronously, offering viewers a wider variety of program choices. This system also allows both standard and high-definition digital programs for simultaneous viewing. As one of the most advance processes in broadcast networking, the system has distinct advantages and disadvantages.

Advantage - System Versatility
- Multicasting can do simultaneous single-stream transmission to a number of viewers. Unlike analog systems, which only allow a single stream per viewer, multicasting permits subscribers to choose which stream they prefer to receive. Subscriptions are tracked by multi-circuits to produce stream broadcasts on demand. Absence of subscribers for specific streams results to non-showing of non-preferred stream segments.
Advantage - Software and ISP Interface
- Most Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD) programs, such as Linux, support multicasting configurations. Setting up only requires typing in a command and testing system configuration, whether multicasting is enabled or not. Software may include RAT (Robust Audio Tool), SDR (Session Directory Tool) or VIC (Videoconferencing Tool). SDR enables the user to select the multicast run of his choice; however, not all ISPs provide multicast-enabled machines.
Disadvantage - Source-Dependent Arrangement
- Multicasting specifies which multicast systems can transmit streams. This mechanism allows free acceptance or rejection of certain sources; however, networks are unable to build more efficient firewalls in this system, so sources can easily stream unwanted torrents without screening or control from the multicast network. Source-based multicasting and authentication have to be fine-tuned to avoid operational issues.
Disadvantage - Multicasting Modes
- There are three types of multicasting modes: bidirectional, dense and sparse. In Bidirectional mode, the number of subscribers and the amount of streams are not required to be proportional; that is, there can be a combination of many users for few streams or many streams for few users. Internet backbone in dense mode operates on cumulative number of subscribers instead of individual numbers, while sparse mode operates on the principle of sending small number of streams to an equally small number of viewers. All modes can be restrictive and impractical for subscriber categorization, as preferences can sometimes overlap.

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