The multicast feature, compared to usage of an MCU, can reduce the network bandwidth used at the multicastterminal’s sites. When a transmission failure occurs during the multicast, the configuration of the terminals willautomatically change, so it is necessary that all terminals can connect and communicate with each other overthe network.Note• In order to use the multicast feature, all HD Visual Communication Units that will comprise the multicastsystem must have a Multicast activation key (KX-VCS302) installed.• The multicast feature will not operate when using IPv6 addresses.• To enable "Multicast" in "Enhancement", be sure to assign an IPv4 address to the unit in "NetworkSettings". In cases where an IPv4 address is not assigned, such as when "IP Address (LAN1)" (setting) is set to "Auto", but the status "Address is not assigned" is displayed, communicationusing an IPv6 address cannot occur.• The multicast feature will not operate when using IP Mode (H.323).• The multicast feature will not operate when using NAT Traversal Mode.• The multicast data cannot be encrypted.• Connection using a SIP server cannot be performed.• When configuring a system of 32 or more units, a multicast server is required. For details, contact yourdealer.Multicast OperationStarting MulticastIn order to perform multicasting, multicast tree settings must first be set (Page 174, Page 175). When themulticast is started from the multicast tree setting screen, connections are established with the lower levelterminals and then the multicast will begin (Page 179).If a lower-level terminal’s power is not on, or there is a network failure, and there is no response for theconnection confirmation, the configuration of the multicast tree will automatically change, and then the multicastwill begin. If a terminal that was removed from the configuration at startup responds with a connectionconfirmation during the multicast, the multicast tree will automatically re-add the terminal and multicast datato it.Ending the MulticastPress [END] at the multicast terminal to end the multicast.Handling of Trouble During a MulticastIf a relay terminal loses its ability to connect to the multicast due to problems such as network trouble, themulticast tree will automatically adjust and continue the multicast.Document Version 2018-01 User Manual 173Using Multicast
