How do Ethernet networks support multicast traffic?

Ethernet networks support multicast traffic by allowing frames to be addressed to a specific group of MAC addresses. This is a fundamental feature of Ethernet that enables efficient distribution of data to multiple devices simultaneously without burdening the entire network with irrelevant traffic. When a frame is transmitted to a multicast MAC address, only the devices that are part of that multicast group will process and respond to the frame, while others will filter it out. This selective addressing not only minimizes network congestion but also improves overall bandwidth utilization.

In contrast, requiring all devices to process every frame, addressing frames to a single device, or enhancing the speed of unicast frames do not contribute to the efficient handling of multicast traffic within Ethernet networks. The capability to target specific groups through multicast addressing is what distinguishes it from other communication methods, making it an effective option for applications such as video streaming and online gaming, where information needs to be sent to multiple users at once.