USD ($)
$
United States Dollar
India Rupee

Difference Between Broadcast and Multicast

Created by Gautam Kumar in Articles 4 Jul 2025
Share
«What is Computer Network and Types?

In computer networks, broadcast and multicast are frequently used to describe two distinct techniques for sending data from a single source host to numerous destination hosts. While broadcasting sends a data packet to every host on the same network, multicasting sends data from a single source host to a specific set of hosts. 

In this article, we have explained the difference between broadcast and multicast. We have covered the advantages, disadvantages, and the circumstances in which one casting technique is better than the other. 

Furthermore, if you are interested in learning more about computer networking or building a career in it, you can check out our online networking courses.

What is Broadcast? 

Broadcast is a communication method where a data packet sent by a device is delivered to all devices on the local network segment or subnet. In IPv4 networks, the broadcast address (such as 255.255.255.255 or a subnet-directed broadcast address) is used to send these packets. 

Characteristics of Broadcast: 

The following are the features of broadcast: 

● Limited to the local subnet; routers usually do not forward broadcast packets beyond subnet boundaries. 

● All devices on the subnet receive the broadcast message. 

● Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) requests, DHCP discovery messages, and other network control messages. 

● Can lead to high network traffic and congestion as all devices must process broadcast packets. 

Advantages of Broadcast

The following are the advantages: 

● Simple for discovering devices and services on a local network. 

● Useful for protocols that require communication with all devices in a subnet, such as ARP and DHCP. 

Disadvantages of Broadcast

The following are the disadvantages: 

● It generates unnecessary traffic as all devices receive and process the broadcast, even if not interested. 

● Can cause network congestion and reduced performance in large networks. 

● Broadcast traffic is limited to the local subnet and cannot cross routers. 

What is Multicast? 

Multicast is a selective communication method where data is sent from one sender to multiple specific interested devices or hosts that have joined a multicast group. These groups are identified by multicast IP addresses in the range 224.0.0.0 to 239.255.255.255. 

Characteristics of Multicast: 

The following are the characteristics: 

● Can span multiple subnets if multicast routing protocols are configured. 

● Only devices that have explicitly joined the multicast group receive the data. 

● Live video streaming, IPTV, online gaming, video conferencing, and real-time data distribution. 

● More efficient than broadcast because it reduces unnecessary traffic by targeting only subscribed devices. 

Advantages of Multicast

The following are the advantages: 

● Efficient use of network bandwidth by sending data only to interested devices. 

● Scalable for distributing data to large groups over wide networks. 

● Reduces unnecessary processing on devices that are not part of the multicast group. 

● Supports delivery across multiple subnets via multicast routing protocols. 

Disadvantages of Multicast

The following are the disadvantages: 

● Requires configuration and support of multicast routing protocols on network devices. 

● More complex to manage compared to broadcast. 

● Devices must explicitly join multicast groups to receive data. 

● Some networks and devices may not fully support multicast. 

Read about Routing Protocols

Key Differences Between Multicast and Broadcast 

The following are the key differences : 

AspectBroadcastMulticast
Communication TypeOne-to-all in the local subnetOne-to-many selective recipients
AddressingBroadcast IP address (e.g., 255.255.255.255)Multicast IP addresses (224.0.0.0 - 239.255.255.255)
RecipientsAll devices on the subnetOnly devices that join the multicast group
Network ScopeConfined to the local subnetCan cross multiple subnets with routing
Router HandlingRouters generally block broadcast packetsRouters forward multicast packets using multicast routing protocols
Network EfficiencyCan cause unnecessary traffic and congestionEfficient use of bandwidth by sending to interested hosts only
Typical UsageNetwork discovery protocols, ARP, DHCPMedia streaming, conferencing, real-time data distribution
Resource ConsumptionHigh, due to all hosts processing packetsLower, since only group members process packets
Control Over DeliveryNo control; all devices receive packetsControlled; only group members receive packets
ScalabilityPoor scalability in large networksScalable for large audiences over wide networks

Conclusion 

Broadcasting and multicasting are both methods to distribute data to multiple devices in a network. Broadcast is simpler but less efficient and limited to local subnets, often leading to unnecessary network congestion. Multicast, on the other hand, is more efficient and scalable by delivering data only to devices that explicitly request it, but it requires more complex network configuration. 

Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each helps network administrators select the best communication method according to network size, application requirements, and performance goals. 

What are The Different Types of Network ...»
Gautam Kumar

Gautam Kumar is a senior network engineer having more than 7 years of experience in different companies in India. His work experience in network support and operation and maintaining of any network makes him one of the most valuable IT professional in industry. He has been involving in planning, supporting the physical and wireless networks, ...

More... | Author`s Bog | Book a Meeting

Related Articles

#Explore latest news and articles

What is Multicast Networking? 3 Jul 2025

What is Multicast Networking?

Learn about multicasting in computer networks with our detailed article. Discover applications, benefits, protocols and address structures in multicast.
How Wireless Internet Works In Home WiFi 12 Nov 2024

How Wireless Internet Works In Home WiFi

Explore how wireless internet works, including its benefits. Learn about home wireless WiFi networking principles.
Types of Wireless Communication in Computer Networks 26 May 2025

Types of Wireless Communication in Computer Networks

Understand the basic of wireless communication and principles including overlapping wifi channels, RF and encryption.

FAQ

Broadcast sends data to all devices on a local network, regardless of interest, causing unnecessary traffic. Multicast targets only specific group members who have joined a multicast group, making it more efficient and scalable for large audiences.
Unicast is one-to-one communication, sending data from one sender to one receiver. Multicast is one-to-many, delivering data from one sender to multiple selected receivers who are part of a multicast group, optimizing bandwidth usage.
A live video stream of a sports event sent to multiple subscribers over a network is multicast. Only users who join the multicast group receive the stream, reducing network load compared to sending individual streams to each user.
DHCP primarily uses broadcast communication. When a device joins a network, it broadcasts a DHCP Discover message to all devices on the local subnet to find a DHCP server for IP address assignment.
Multicast uses UDP (User Datagram Protocol), not TCP. UDP supports one-to-many delivery without the overhead of connection management, making it suitable for real-time applications like streaming and conferencing.

Comments (0)

Gautam Kumar

Gautam Kumar

Network Consultant & Full Time Instructor Instructor role
★★★★★ 4.94
Faithful User
Expert Vendor
Golden Classes
King Seller
Fantastic Support
Loyal Writer
+91 8383 96 16 46

Enquire Now

Captcha
Share to your friends

Share

Share this post with others

Contact learning advisor

Captcha image