What is the primary characteristic of multicast distribution?

The primary characteristic of multicast distribution is "from one to many." In a multicast network setup, a single sender transmits data to multiple receivers simultaneously, allowing for efficient use of network bandwidth. This is particularly beneficial in scenarios where the same data needs to be sent to multiple endpoints, such as in audio and video streaming applications.

Unlike unicast, which involves a point-to-point connection from one sender to one receiver, multicast allows the sender to transmit a single stream that can be accessed by multiple clients at the same time. This not only reduces the load on the network compared to sending multiple separate streams, but it also optimizes the distribution of data across all desired recipients. Understanding this characteristic of multicast is essential for implementing effective digital audio networks, such as those using DANTE technology, where multiple devices need to receive audio signals from a central source simultaneously.