A proxy might not be a new word for many of the readers here but only a few of them are aware of what IGMP proxy is and even fewer understand whether they should enable or disable IGMP proxying.
Flashcard! IGMP is an internet group management protocol that is utilized by routers and hosts working on the IP network.
- It serves the purpose of creating multicase group memberships and online streaming.
The confusion arises when internet users have to decide whether they should or should not rely on the IGMP proxy.
Before we proceed to help you with finding the answer to this question or enlightening you with the procedure for disabling the IGMP proxy, let’s take a good look at what it is.
Disable IGMP Proxying In a Nutshell
This proxy is involved in identifying and enabling multicast routers to extract membership information. The IGMP proxy will then forward multicast packets based on this information.
However, it is only meaningful in topologies that don’t rely on routing protocols such as PIM-SIM, DVMRP, PIM-DM and other similar ones.
IGMP proxy is composed of unique upstream and downstream interfaces. The upstream interface comes with a high-end configuration.
The downstream interface lets the proxy work with the router’s side of the protocol whereas the upstream interface functions with the host side.
The IGMP Proxy Works In Three Simple Steps
- On the basis of IGMP membership information, it formulates the mechanism for multicast forwarding.
- The router assembles forwarding packets on the interface.
- The proxy then finally creates forwarding entries. It is also responsible for adding them to the multicast forwarding cache.
Should I Disable IMPG Proxying?
When you have to decide whether you should enable or disable the IGMP proxy, the first question is how you have to deal with multicast traffic and what will happen when you turn off this proxy?
- If you decide to disable it, the multicast traffic will simply become a broadcast transmission.
- IGMP will then send forward packets to all the ports on the network without any discrimination on the interface.
On the other hand, when this proxy is enabled, the multicast traffic will be directed specifically to the multicast groups. This will be done on the basis of multicast information obtained by the router.
Benefits of Leaving IGMP Proxy On or Off?
A major advantage of enabling the proxy is quite evident: It will not generate additional network traffic and ensure reduced passage through the switch.
Many users choose to keep it on at all times since there is no issue when it is activated so they are not bothered by its status.
If you consider the people who are a bit more tech-savvy, they will realize the importance of enabling IGMP proxying as it converts multicast traffic to unicast traffic and increases the functionality of connected wireless devices.
- Another major advantage of not messing with its status is that group membership reports are directly forwarded to the group.
In the instance when the hosts exit the multicast group, its report will be sent directly to the router group.
Similarly, when the host joins the address group, the membership report will be again sent to the group.
This shows why you should enable the proxy, especially when considering the home network that uses streaming services for a long period of time.
- Nonetheless, many users choose to disable IGMP proxying for their own benefits or as per their needs.
IGMP proxy is known to take care of mirroring issues as well. It’s a win-win!
If you are one of them, you must have come here finding the procedure to do so. Without any more delay, let us tell you how to disable the proxy in three simple steps.
3 Fool-Proof Steps To Disable IGMP Proxying
If you think that switching off this proxy is the right thing to do, here is an easy guide to completing that task.
Step 1
Click on the internet browser to open it after you ensure that the internet is working smoothly. In the search bar, type in the address www.routerlogin.net and press the Enter key.
A login screen will open where you need to provide the password and username for your router network. Click on the login button to continue.
Step 2
On the network’s interface move to network connections and then tap on local area connection. After that, you should click on Details and provide the IP address of the router.
The setup page will then open which contains the bridging folder. Inside the folder, you will find the Multicast menu.
Step 3
Open the Multicast menu and scroll down until you reach IGMP proxy. You will see a tick next to “enable IGMP proxy settings”.
Tap on this box again to disable the settings. Don’t forget to click on the apply button before you log out.
Wrap Up
Hopefully, we have covered everything you needed to know about IGMP proxy, its benefits, and the procedure for disabling it if you choose to do so.
Nonetheless, if you still have any confusion or query, feel free to drop them in the comment section below so we can help you with an instant response!
Frequently Asked Questions On How To Disable IGMP Proxying
What is IGMP?
IGMP is an internet group management protocol that is utilized by routers and hosts working on the IP network. It serves the purpose of creating multicase group memberships and online streaming.
Should you disable the IGMP proxy?
Honestly, this proxy should be left enabled unless it is causing any issues. IGMP proxy is beneficial.
It will not generate additional network traffic and ensure reduced passage through the switch.
- Many users choose to keep it on at all times since there is no issue when it is activated so they are not bothered by its status.
If you consider the people who are a bit more tech-savvy, they will realize the importance of enabling IGMP proxying as it converts multicast traffic to unicast traffic and increases the functionality of connected wireless devices.
How do disable IGMP?
Login to router’s setting and then move to network connections and tap on local area connection. After that, you should click on Details and provide the IP address of the router.
- The setup page will then open which contains the bridging folder. Inside the folder, you will find the Multicast menu.
Open the Multicast menu and scroll down until you reach IGMP proxy. You will see a tick next to “enable IGMP proxy settings”. Tap on this box again to disable the settings.
How does IGMP proxy work?
This proxy is involved in identifying and enabling multicast routers to extract membership information. IGMP proxy will then forward multicast packets on the basis of this information.
However, it is only meaningful in topologies that don’t rely on routing protocols such as PIM-SIM, DVMRP, PIM-DM and other similar ones.
