Multicast link-load explorer
Compare group-aware multicast, flooding and unicast copies on one specified link.
Networking
Multicast link-load explorer
Compare group-aware multicast, flooding and unicast copies on one specified link.
Example inputs · Replace these with your measurements to build your plan.
Up to 50 streams. Listener count is local to this link.
Method, example and sources
- Read stream rates and downstream listener counts for one link.
- Carry one multicast copy for a joined group, all streams in flood mode, or one unicast copy per listener.
- Apply an explicit protocol/control allowance.
- Compare total traffic with the usable link budget and retain unknown membership evidence.
Worked example. A joined 8 Mbps group plus an unjoined 12 Mbps group carries 8.8 Mbps with 10% allowance under snooping. Flood mode carries 22 Mbps.
Planning result · confirm model details
Modeled link load fits
Listener count is behind this one link, not the total viewers in the network.
- Modeled link traffic
- 8.8Mbps
- Required link capacity
- 11Mbps
- Usable link margin
- 71.2Mbps
| Stream | Listeners behind link | Copies on link | Mbps with allowance |
|---|---|---|---|
| video-a | 12 | 1 | 8.8 |
| video-b | 0 | 0 | 0 |
- Snooping requires working group membership and querier behavior. Flood mode assumes all listed streams reach this link regardless of listeners. Control traffic and router-port behavior need separate review.
From the catalog
Switches & Bridges
Explore related listings, then confirm the exact model requirements against your plan. These listings are not an automatic compatibility or capacity verdict.
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How to use this result
Multicast replication happens where paths branch, so counting every receiver as another copy on every uplink can greatly overstate traffic. Start with a single link and record which groups have listeners behind it. The explorer contrasts that forwarding model with flooding and with independent unicast sessions using the same stream rates.
What to verify next
The selected mode describes a scenario rather than measured switch behavior. IGMP or MLD membership, querier availability, router ports and topology changes affect what actually forwards. Confirm the implementation and inspect counters during representative operation. A link with no listeners can still carry control traffic or flooded data, and this worksheet's allowance must be adjusted to the real network.
Worked example
A joined 8 Mbps group plus an unjoined 12 Mbps group carries 8.8 Mbps with 10% allowance under snooping. Flood mode carries 22 Mbps.