What is an IGMP proxy? Most people are in a dilemma of whether to turn the IGMP proxy on or leave it off. This is because both choices have their pros and cons. But depending on the context, you can either choose to leave it on or off. For example, the IGMP proxy consumes a lot of power when it is on. If an individual wants their device to have broadcast transmission rather than multicast transmission and vice versa, they can choose from the option that fits best.
What is IGMP Proxy?
It is an acronym for Internet Group Management Protocol. IGMP uses routers and hosts on the IP network. The protocol is commonly used in network games and video circulation. It improves the games and videos by enabling the router to send the multicast to the group hosts exclusively. It, therefore, controls the exit and entry of hosts from the protocol. Hosts can join a multicast group with an upstream network using the IGMP proxy.
It is best for topologies that don’t require a routing protocol, such as PIM-DM, PIM-SIM, and DVMRP. For topologies that use routers, switch off the IGMP proxy if not in use. This is because the topologies use a lot of processing power. Therefore, optimize the performance of your router by switching it off.
Benefits of Having the IGMP Proxy On
It has upstream and downstream interfaces. While the upstream functions with the host, the downstream functions with the router’s protocol.
It helps your wireless network be more efficient by multicast traffic into unicast traffic. This ensures that one’s network traffic is not overloaded.
All members of the group get to view the individual members’ reports. For instance, the router group receives the report if the hosts leave a multicast group. Equally, the group receives a report for new members that join the group.
Therefore, enabling the IGMP proxy is ideal if one regularly uses streaming services.
Advantages of Disconnecting the IGMP Proxy
One converts multicast traffic into a broadcast transmission. Therefore, the reports are sent to anyone on the network regardless of whether they are a member or not. The additional network makes the passage unlimited.
Steps to Set up the IGMP Proxy
Use the Command Line Interface (CLI) to allow the IGPM to use host 1(config)# ip multicast-routing.
Secondly, one should select their upstream interface.
Thirdly, one should enable IGMP proxy on their upstream interface.
An individual can send information on the number of times they receive spam messages.
Steps to Switching off the IGMP Proxy
- Step 1
One should first ensure that the internet is efficient. Open the IGMP proxy by hitting on the internet browser. Select the “Local Area Network”. Then type the address www.routerlogin.net in the search bar, which individuals see after hitting “details”. One should then click enter.
One should log in by entering their password and their router’s network username.
- Step 2
Click on the network interface and scroll to the network connection. Then hit on the local area connection. One should then hit on the details and enter the IP address of their router.
A page will open which contains the multicast menu.
Click on the menu and search the IGMP proxy below. Next to the “enable IGMP Proxy setting”, tap on the tick to inactivate the setting. Then click on the apply button and log out.
How IGMP Snooping Works
IGMP is prone to send spam messages to several network devices. This decreases the efficiency of the network by having poorer network bandwidth and consumers a lot of its power. IGMP snooping ensures that messages are only forwarded to members that need the message. Therefore, individuals should WIFI be snooping if they frequently stream using Apple TV or Chromecast.
However, IGMP snooping should only be used by multicast users. Otherwise, it doesn’t help to stabilize one’s network strength. Otherwise, it doesn’t work where there is no sense of traffic or collision.
QoS On
One should only enable it when they are playing an online game because it is fast when playing online games. However, it’s the downside that some applications lose performance.
There are 4 types of IGMP messages
Messages that allow a device to exit the group. Secondly, messages a device should send to the multicast router to enable the device to join the group. Thirdly, messages are sent to a specific group rather than to all group members. And lastly, update messages that are generally sent to all members.
NB: To get more information about IGMP proxy, click on the IGMP proxy command status.
Takeaway
Finding a balance between optimum internet connectivity and having a secure network is a challenge with most people using IGMP proxy. Individuals often experience slowed internet speed when their IGMP proxy is on. However, IGMP proxy also enables online broadcasting and streaming. But if an individual is not into online streaming and gaming, they can turn off their proxy. It saves on power, and it is user-friendly for the less tech-savvy users.
FAQS
- What is the difference between multicasting and Unicast?
While multicasting sends messages to the individuals in the group, unicast, such as the Cloudflare network, sends its message to one device.
- What Does IGMP Proxy Do?
IGMP hosts messages on behalf of hosts with the help of the IGMP proxy. The router enables the hosting. You allow the IGMP proxy an upstream interface that links to a router closer to the tree’s root.
- Should I Deactivate IGMP Proxy?
Only deactivate the IGMP proxy when it causes problems. Your network is reliable with IGMP proxy because of its unicast traffic.
- Is IGMP Snooping Safe?
Yes. Especially for cyber security, where criminals often hack the network.
