Unicast IP vs Broadcast IP vs Multicast IP vs Anycast IP.

 

Here’s twtech concise breakdown of Unicast IP, Broadcast IP, Multicast IP, and Anycast IP communication types, including what they are, how they work, and examples:

 1. Unicast IP

Definition: One-to-one communication between a single sender and a single receiver.

• Use case: Most internet traffic (e.g., visiting a website).
• IP Range: Any standard IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.5).
• Efficiency: High for personal/direct communication.
• Example: Your PC connects to www.example.com (via its unique IP).

 2. Broadcast IP

Definition: One-to-all communication within a local network segment.

• Use case: Used in LANs to announce presence or request information (e.g., ARP, DHCP).
• IP Range: Limited to the local subnet. E.g., 192.168.1.255 for /24 subnet.
• Efficiency: Not scalable; floods the entire subnet.
• Example: DHCP Discover packets from a device when joining a network.

3. Multicast IP

Definition: One-to-many communication for selected recipients (group communication).

• Use case: Streaming video, stock tickers, multiplayer games.
• IP Range: 224.0.0.0 to 239.255.255.255 (Class D).
• Efficiency: More scalable than broadcast; only interested hosts join.
• Example: A server sends a live video feed to many users using a multicast group like 239.1.2.3.

 4. Anycast IP

Definition: One-to-nearest (from the sender’s perspective) communication.

• Use case: Load balancing and high availability (e.g., DNS, CDN).
• IP Range: Regular unicast IPs configured on multiple hosts.
• Efficiency: Very efficient for latency-sensitive traffic.
• Example: DNS resolver like 8.8.8.8 (Google DNS) — you’re routed to the nearest server.

 Quick Comparison Table

Type	Communication Model	Target(s)	Scope	IP Range/Example
Unicast	One-to-One	Single receiver	Global or local	192.168.1.10
Broadcast	One-to-All (local)	All on local subnet	Local network only	192.168.1.255
Multicast	One-to-Many	Group members only	LAN or routed network	239.1.1.1
Anycast	One-to-Nearest	Nearest in a group	Global (Internet/CDN)	8.8.8.8 (Google DNS)