multicast
/ˈmʌltikɑːst
/verb (past and past participle multicast) [with object]
Send (data) across a computer network to several users at the same time: the circuits can multicast data streams [no object]: an Internet radio station has been multicasting for more than a year...
- An arrangement for multicasting digital data to a user accessing an Internet connection is disclosed.
- As with quality of service, the number of providers involved makes multicasting a complex process, but one that is necessary for efficient use of bandwidth on a global information infrastructure.
- Plus, with multicasting, the networks could form their own mini-cable systems to compete with the industry.
noun
A set of data sent across a computer network to many users at the same time: live multicasts of events at the National Press Club...
- For only a very small part of the total bandwidth budget, a data cell could offer multicasts of everything you can currently find on cable TV.
- The presentation can be coordinated as a multicast to simultaneous users and as a unicast, for users who want to see the presentation after the fact.
- There is a middle ground between broadcasts and unicasts, and that is a multicast.