Why It Matters: Multicast

What is Multicasting

RTP Multicast, generally referred to as multicasting, allows data or information to be sent simultaneously to numerous IP endpoints through an IP multicast stream. IP endpoints, such as Algo devices, can be preprogrammed to be either a multicast sender or receiver. Multicast senders can initiate a multicast message and broadcast it to the network. Multicast receivers are programmed to listen for multicast messages, and upon receiving a multicast message, the device will be activated, which may include playing a tone, flashing an alert, or initiating a pre-recorded audio file.

With multicast, organizations have the ability to deliver a message to many endpoints simultaneously, thus scaling communication simply and effectively across any environment. Multicast differs from unicast activities (such as a SIP call) in that unicast is a one-to-one messaging system where one message is sent to one device, and multicast is one-to-many where one message is sent to many devices.

Multicast provides cost-effective scalability using a minimum of SIP-registered endpoints, as only the endpoint designated to send the multicast needs to be registered. Devices configured to receive the multicast do not need registration.

Multicast Zones

With multicast functionality, IP endpoints can easily be grouped into zones. With Algo endpoints, devices can be assigned to up to 50 multicast zones.

In operation, a multicast sender will push a message to the network for specific multicast zones. The multicast receivers are configured to listen to broadcasts for any of their pre-configured zones and automatically play messages that coordinate with that respective zone.

This function allows organizations to easily create many zones for paging and alerting devices.

Why Does Multicast Matter?

Using multicast, a single device can multicast to any number or combination of IP endpoints. Organizations using multicast are able to scale over a larger area to extend their reach for VoIP communication to a broader audience. Multicast is often used to communicate to larger and specific audiences. It helps organizations communicate security notifications, daily announcements, and emergency alerts more effectively to a targeted audience.

With large-scale deployments of IP endpoints, such as Algo IP speakers, IP visual alerters, or any combination of IP devices that can be grouped, multicasting becomes flexible and highly customizable. Devices can be configured in multiple ways based on a device’s location or type.

In education, announcements that only pertain to older grades can be configured to be received by the IP speakers within those classrooms. Such an environment can be broken down even further, where announcements pertaining to a particular grade can be broadcast and received by the devices within that configured zone. Zones can be customized and configured in any way to suit the needs of any environment. Multicast makes deploying devices in large-scale environments simple and expands communication reach.

Multicast with Algo Devices

Most Algo devices can be registered as a multicast sender or receiver. Some Algo devices can initiate a multicast stream upon receiving a SIP call. The multicast stream can then activate other IP endpoints (such as IP speakers, paging adapters, and visual alerters) to trigger them to play an announcement, audio recording, or ring activity. Ring activities may include a tone or visual effect.

When a device is configured as a multicast sender, it listens for the particular extension configured to it and then broadcast the message to the network. From there, it will be picked up by the respective devices configured as receivers which will play the corresponding messages and alerts. Each Algo endpoint can be assigned to up to 50 multicast zones.

Multicast Algo IP Endpoints Integrated within an Ecosystem

Algo IP Speakers, IP Paging Adapters, and IP Visual Alerters (strobe lights) all support SIP registration and RTP multicast. Algo IP endpoints seamlessly integrate with most leading UC systems and often coexist with other IP hardware, such as Poly and Yealink devices. Algo IP endpoints have the ability to seamlessly broadcast with Poly and Yealink devices using Poly Group Page or Yealink Multicast. In this option, Algo devices have the ability when initiating a multicast to not only broadcast to other Algo devices but also to broadcast the message over Poly and Yealink phones. Additionally, if a Poly Group Page or Yealink Multicast is initiated from a Poly or Yealink IP phone, Algo devices can be configured to receive that message and broadcast it much as they would for a traditional multicast stream.

Expand Your Communication System

Using multicast allows organizations to expand their reach within a building or district. Whether used in education or manufacturing, multicast zoning is useful for sharing information with the intended audience. Multicast provides an effective way to deliver announcements to IP endpoints within a selected zone.