IGMP in TCP IP Layers | Generated by AI
Question: In which layer of the TCP/IP reference model does the Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) reside?
Answer:
The Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) resides in the Network Layer (also referred to as the Internet Layer or Network Interconnection Layer) of the TCP/IP reference model.
Explanation:
- Function of IGMP: IGMP is used by hosts and adjacent routers on IP networks to establish multicast group memberships. It allows devices to report their interest in receiving packets for a specific multicast group to nearby routers.
- Position in TCP/IP Model:
- Although IGMP messages are encapsulated within IP datagrams (similar to how TCP or UDP segments are), IGMP is considered an integral part of the IP protocol suite.
- It operates at the same logical level as IP, handling control functions related to IP multicasting.
- Therefore, it is classified under the Network Layer (or Internet Layer), which is responsible for logical addressing, routing, and host-to-host delivery, including multicast management.
- Comparison with OSI Model: In the OSI model, IGMP is also generally associated with Layer 3 (Network Layer), even though some textbooks might loosely place it near the boundary with the Data Link Layer due to its interaction with local network hardware for multicast filtering. However, in the strict TCP/IP model context, it is part of the Internet/Network layer protocols alongside IP, ICMP, and ARP.
The provided reference answer “网络互联” (Network Interconnection) corresponds to the Internet Layer (网络层) in the TCP/IP model.
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