EMZETT.Addressing types
In short: Addressing types define to whom a message in the network is directed: to one, to all, to a group or to the nearest of a group.
In more detail: Depending on the type, the same message is distributed differently.
Comparison
| Type | Recipient | Example |
|---|---|---|
| [[unicast | Unicast]] | exactly one device |
| [[broadcast | Broadcast]] | all devices in the same network |
| [[multicast | Multicast]] | a group that has subscribed |
| [[anycast | Anycast]] | the nearest server of a group |
In Depth
- Unicast is the normal case (1:1).
- Broadcast (1:all) burdens every device in the network. It exists only in IPv4 networks. In IPv6 multicast replaces it.
- Multicast (1:group) saves bandwidth because the sender sends only once.
- Anycast (1:nearest) automatically routes requests to the nearest server with the same address. That lowers latency.
See also: routing, IP addresses