How can I enable Multicast Support?

Multicasting, also called IP multicasting, is a method for sending one Internet Protocol (IP) packet simultaneously to multiple hosts. Multicast is suited to the rapidly growing segment of Internet traffic - multimedia presentations and video conferencing. For example, a single host transmitting an audio or video stream and ten hosts that want to receive this stream. In mutlicasting, the sending host transmits a single IP packet with a specific multicast address, and the 10 hosts simply need to be configured to listen for packets targeted to that address to receive the transmission. Multicasting is a point-to-multipoint IP communication mechanism that operates in a connectionless mode - hosts receive multicast transmissions by "tuning in" to them, a process similar to tuning in to a radio.

Resolution for SonicOS 7.X

This release includes significant user interface changes and many new features that are different from the SonicOS 6.5 and earlier firmware. The below resolution is for customers using SonicOS 7.X firmware.

1. Enable Multicast support on your SonicWall security appliance. In Network | system | Multicast | Click Enable Multicast checkbox.
   
   
   
   
2. In the Multicast Policies section, select Enable the reception for the following Multicast addresses, If Enable reception of all multicast address is disabled.
3. Create a new Multicast Address Object. In the Add Address Object window, enter the information for your address object.
   
   
   
   
4. Enable Multicast support on each individual interface that will be participating in the Multicast network. Navigate to Network | Interfaces | Click Advanced tab l Tick the checkbox Enable Multicast Support.
   
   
   
   
5. Enable Multicast Support on the VPN policies. Under Network | IPSec VPN |Select the VPN window, select the Advanced tab. At the Advanced tab, select the Enable Multicast checkbox.
   
   

Resolution for SonicOS 6.5

This release includes significant user interface changes and many new features that are different from the SonicOS 6.2 and earlier firmware. The below resolution is for customers using SonicOS 6.5 firmware.

1. Enable Multicast support on your SonicWall security appliance. In Manage | Security Configuration | Firewall Settings | Multicast | Click Enable Multicast checkbox.
   
   
2. In the Multicast Policies section, select Enable the reception for the following Multicast addresses.
3. Create a new Multicast Address Object. In the Add Address Object window, enter the information for your address object.
   
4. Enable Multicast support on each individual interface that will be participating in the Multicast network. Navigate to Manage | System Setup | Network | Interfaces | Click Advanced tab l Tick the checkbox Enable Multicast Support. 
   
5. Enable Multicast Support on the VPN policies. Under Manage | VPN |Base Settings window, select the Advanced tab. At the Advanced tab, elect the Enable Multicast checkbox.
   
   

Resolution for SonicOS 6.2 and Below

The below resolution is for customers using SonicOS 6.2 and earlier firmware. For firewalls that are generation 6 and newer we suggest to upgrade to the latest general release of SonicOS 6.5 firmware.

1. Enable Multicast support on your SonicWall security appliance. In Firewall Settings | Multicast | Click  Enable Multicast checkbox.
   
   
   
   
2. In the Multicast Policies section, select Enable the reception for the following Multicast addresses.
3. Create a new Multicast Address Object. In the Add Address Object window, enter the information for your address object.
   
   
4. Enable Multicast support on each individual interface that will be participating in the Multicast network. Navigate to Network | Interfaces | Click Advanced tab l Tick the checkbox Enable Multicast Support. 
   
   
5. Enable Multicast Support on the VPN policies. In the VPN Policy window, select the Advanced tab. At the Advanced tab, select the Enable Multicast checkbox.