Multicast server architectures for supporting IP multicast over ATM

The Multicast Address Resolution Server protocol has been proposed as a mechanism for supporting IP multicast over ATM networks. Two basic techniques exist for the intra-subnet multicasting of IP packets over ATM networks. Both the approaches are based on the use of a Multicast Address Resolution Server (MARS). One approach makes use of a mesh of point-to-multipoint Virtual Circuits (VC Mesh) each of which is rooted at a multicast source, while the other uses a shared point-to-multipoint tree rooted at a Multicast Server (MCS). In this paper we describe the design and implementation of a MARS client and an MCS. We present a framework for comparing the VC Mesh and MCS approaches using experimental, simulation and analytical techniques. Finally we present three protocols for the usage of multiple MCSs per IP multicast group, a technique required for groups with large number of senders and group members.