Unicast
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unicast
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In computer networking, unicast transmission is the sending of information packets to a single network destination.
The term "unicast" is formed in analogy to the word "broadcast" which means transmitting the same data to all destinations. Another multi-mode distribution method, multicasting, is similar to IP broadcasting, but implemented in more efficient manner.
Unicast messaging is used for all network processes where a private or unique resource is requested making most networking traffic Unicast in form. Unicast is used where two way connections are needed to complete the network transaction.
Certain network applications which are mass-distributed are too costly to implement on Unicast. These include streaming media of many forms. And when multicasting is unavailable, unicasting the exact same content to many users can be costly. Internet radio stations may have high bandwidth costs because of this.
These terms are also used by streaming content providers' services. Unicast based media servers open and provide a stream for each unique user. Multicast servers can support a larger audience by serving content simultaneously to multiple users.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- "Differences Between Multicast and Unicast". Microsoft. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/291786. Retrieved on 2008-02-04.
