PIM-snooping is not in the MEF specs, but should be if multicast is to work properly over a carrier's Ethernet service. Regardless of the specs, RFPs and other user requirements for Ethernet services should include a "must have" clause requiring PIM-snooping functionality. -----Original Message----- From: Antonio Querubin [mailto:tony@lava.net] Sent: Monday, January 04, 2010 12:13 PM To: Holmes,David A Cc: Brandon Galbraith; nanog@nanog.org Subject: RE: Experiences with Comcast Ethernet/Transit service On Mon, 4 Jan 2010, Holmes,David A wrote:
I do not know of Comcast's Ethernet services specifically, but a general problem with carrier Ethernet services that are based upon the Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) is that PIM-snooping is not implemented for multicast traffic. The absence of PIM-snooping results in the carrier's Ethernet service operating like a 1990's style Ethernet hub in which (S,G) multicast packets are incorrectly flooded out all user ports.
Not implemented because it's not in the MEF specs or not implemented because of carrier operational practice? Antonio Querubin 808-545-5282 x3003 e-mail/xmpp: tony@lava.net