8
Unicast versus multicast
Unicast and multicast transmissions are two methods in which
video is commonly streamed over a network, from the camera
to its destination. Each video transmission method comes
with its own pros and cons, and every installation's functional
requirements will dictate which transmission is best. In general:
• Unicast streaming is the most common way to stream
network video. Each client requests one media stream. This
transmission ensures that all network packets are delivered to
the client.
• Multicast streaming broadcasts packets and allows multiple
clients to view the same video stream. This is a more effective
scheme when multiple clients view the same video stream.
Multicast does not ensure that all clients will get all the
packets due to network disruption. For video streams the
impact may be very limited, often unnoticeable.
The network infrastructure and system usage dictate which
scheme to use.
