Real Data Link Multicast , only layer 2 not layer 3!!!

Hi Folks,

I'm trying to find something related with multicast communication but only in Layer 2, I don't want to make use of Layer 3, that means only I'll use MAC address, and the networking devices will be switches, which I can modify either the hw and firmware.

To make myself clear I don't want a IP network with switches snooping for info into the layer 3 and then if they don't have any clue broadcast the multicast packets...no!

The only thing that I found is a seedy patent explaining how to convert a normal switch into a multicast switch (not a big deal), but the most important it says nothing about the address scheme.

The the topic arises the some questions of MAC address, are out there MAC address not assigned for free use? I know that there's a OUI for mapping IP address in MAC address in one hand, but I would need to define besides this OUI some multicast address for creating the groups, any idea?

Cheers,

Bradomyn

Hi,

I'm going to reply to myself.

One not standard solution could be to buy a OUI and within your network identify this address as a multicast address. That means that you should modify your switch and create a kind of

MAC address learner
MAC address table
MAC address matcher

Besides, an implementation of IGMP should be done,

Cheers,

Cesar