MLD manages IPv6 multicast members. MLD sets up and maintains member relationships between IPv6 hosts and the multicast router to which the hosts are directly connected.
MLD has two versions: MLDv1 and MLDv2. Both MLD versions support the ASM model. MLDv2 supports the SSM model independently, while MLDv1 needs to work with SSM mapping to support the SSM model.
MLD applies to IPv6 and provides the similar functions as the IGMP for IPv4. MLDv1 is similar to IGMPv2, and MLDv2 is similar to IGMPv3.
Some features of MLD and IGMP are implemented in the same manner. The following common features of MLD and IGMP are not mentioned:
MLD Router-Alert option
MLD Prompt-Leave
MLD static-group
MLD group-policy
MLD SSM mapping
This section describes MLD principles and unique features of MLD, including the MLD querier election mechanism and MLD group compatibility.
Configuring an ACL filtering rule is mandatory for source address-based MLD message filtering, while is optional for source address-based IGMP message filtering.
MLD allows hosts to dynamically join IPv6 multicast groups and manages multicast group members. MLD is configured on the multicast router to which hosts are directly connected.