Enabling IPv6 SSM globally

Enable Source Specific Multicast (SSM) to optimize IPv6 PIM-SM by simplifying the many-to-many model (servers-to-receivers). Because most multicast applications distribute content to a group in one direction, SSM uses a one-to-many model that uses only a subset of the IPv6 PIM-SM features. This model is more efficient and reduces the load on multicast routing devices.

Before you begin

  • Configure an IPv6 unicast protocol, for example, Routing Information Protocol Next Generation (RIPng) or Open Shortest Path First Version 3 (OSPFv3), globally and on the interfaces where you want to configure PIM.

    For more information about RIPng, see RIPng Configuration using EDM. For more information about OSPFv3, OSPFv3 Configuration using EDM.

  • Enable PIM globally.

    Important

    Important

    After you enable IPv6 PIM in SSM mode, the MLD parameters take effect. To take full advantage of SSM, enable MLDv2 if hosts that attach to the switch run MLDv2.

About this task

SSM is a global configuration. After you enable SSM on a switch, it is enabled on all interfaces that run PIM. On a SSM-enabled switch, SSM behavior is limited to the SSM group range. For non-SSM groups, the protocol behavior is PIM-SM.

Procedure

  1. In the navigation pane, expand the following folders: Configuration > IPv6.
  2. Click IPv6 PIM.
  3. Click the Globals tab.
  4. Select the Enable check box.
  5. Click ssm (source specific multicast).
  6. Click Apply.

    The following message appears:

    Warning: RP entries in the SSM range will be deleted

    Do you wish to continue? (y/n)?

  7. Click Yes.