Types of Broadcast Network

In a computer network, there are multiple devices known as nodes connected together. There are multiple ways through which we can transmit data between these connected nodes. Transmission can be one-to-one, one-to-many, or many-to-many. This transmission of data in the network is known as casting. Casting is of three types.

Types of Broadcasting

• Unicast
• Broadcast
• Multicast

Let’s study these types of transmission networks in detail.

Unicast

Unicast transmission is defined as a type of transmission of data in which data is transferred from one node( single sender node) to another node( single receiver node). Unicast transmission is a type of one-to-one communication. The sender node is from one network whereas the receiver node belongs to another. Let’s understand the concept of unicast with the help of an example.

As shown in the above diagram, we have two networks. Network A and Network B. Network A has a source host A and network B has destination host B. The data is transmitted from host A to host B.

• Source IP Address: 10.1.2.3
• Destination IP Address: 20.12.2.4

Broadcast

Broadcast is defined as a type of transmission where data is transmitted from one source node to all other destination nodes. Broadcast transmission is a type of one to all communication approach. Broadcast transmission is used where all other present nodes need to see the data transmitted from the source. It is used in protocols such as Routing Information Protocol(RIP) and Address Resolution Protocol(ARP). There are two types of broadcast transmission networks.

Types of Broadcast Network

There are two types of Broadcast Network

• Direct Broadcast
• Limited Broadcast

A. Direct Broadcast

Direct Broadcasting is a type of transmission where one node from a network sends the data packet to all available nodes in another network. This type of broadcast is used when all the receiving hosts from another network require the same data. Direct Broadcast can be achieved by setting all the host ID part bits of receiving node’s address to Direct Broadcast is used by television networks for the transmission of audio and videos. Let’s see the example of direct broadcast.

As shown in the above example, we have two networks, Network A and Network B. Host A from Network A wants to transmit data to all the nodes in Network B.

• Source IP address: 11.2.3.1
• Destination IP address: 20.255.255.255

B. Limited Broadcast

Limited Broadcast is defined as a type of transmission of data where the source host sends the data packets to all the other available nodes connected in the same network. The limited broadcast can be achieved by setting 1 for all the 32 bits of receiving IP address. Let’s see with an example.

As shown in the above figure, We have a single network of devices. All the devices are connected to the same network. The sending host sends the data packets to all the other nodes in the same network.

• Source IP address: 11.2.3.1
• Destination IP address: 255.255.255.255

Multicast

Multicast is defined as a type of transmission of data where one or more sending hosts sends the data packets to one or more receiving hosts in another network. This type of transmission is known as one-to-many communication. Class D of IP address is reserved for multicast groups. Multicast is more efficient than unicast when multiple nodes want to receive the same data. Let’s see the example of multicast transmission.

As shown in the above figure, we have two networks A and B. Sending host A belongs to one network and multiple receiving hosts from network B. Examples where multicast transmission is used are:

• Video conference
• Internal Streaming
• Sending an email or WhatsApp message to a group of people

Difference Between Direct Broadcast and Limited Broadcast

Direct Broadcast and Limited Broadcast are the two sub-types of broadcast. Both work according to one communication approach but differs with respect to some properties. Let’s see the difference between them.

Parameter	Direct Broadcast	Limited Broadcast
Definition	Direct Broadcasting is a type of transmission where one node from a network sends the data packet to all available nodes in another network.	Limited Broadcast is defined as a type of transmission of data where the source host sends the data packets to all the other available nodes connected in the same network.
Number of networks involved	Direct Broadcast consists of two networks. Sending hosts from one network and receiving hosts from another network.	Limited Broadcast consists of only one network. ie. Both sending hosts and receiving hosts are from the same network.
Example	Source IP address: 11.2.3.1 Destination IP address: 20.255.255.255	Source IP address: 11.2.3.1 Destination IP address: 255.255.255.255
Application	Direct Broadcast is used in Television networks for the transmission of audio and videos.	A Limited Broadcast network is used in cal Area Network(LAN).

Check for the difference between Unicast, Broadcast and Multicast.

FAQs on Broadcast Network

1. Incoming broadcast traffic can be restricted by which device?

Incoming broadcast traffic can be restricted by Routers. If the router receives any input broadcast signal router can drop it.

2. What are the applications of broadcast networking?

Broadcast networking is used in applications such as televisions, Video games, email, WhatsApp, Radio, telephones, etc.

3. What is the basic difference between Unicast and Multicast?

The basic difference between Unicast and Multicast is that in the unicast network, the message is sent from one sender to one receiver which is one-to-one communication whereas in the multicast network, the message is sent from one sender to a group of receivers.

4. What are the advantages of broadcast networking?

The advantages of using broadcast networking are effective network communication, proper network management, and enhanced collaboration.