In which part of the multicast network architecture is the IGMP protocol used?

Question

Options

• AThe entire multicast network
• BMember network
• CMulticast forwarding network
• DSource network

• A
  3% (1)
• B
  83% (25)
• C
  10% (3)
• D
  3% (1)

Explanation

IGMP (Internet Group Management Protocol) operates between end hosts and their directly connected (first-hop) multicast router, which is precisely the member network - the segment where hosts join and leave multicast groups. Option A is wrong because IGMP is not used throughout the entire multicast network; once traffic enters the core routing infrastructure, protocols like PIM handle forwarding decisions. Option C is wrong for the same reason: the multicast forwarding network (the backbone/core) relies on multicast routing protocols (PIM, MOSPF), not IGMP. Option D is wrong because the source network has no need for IGMP - sources simply send multicast packets without needing group membership signaling.

Memory tip: Think of IGMP as the "membership card check at the door" - it only happens at the local entry point where a host (member) first connects to the network, not deep inside the routing core.

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