Unicast

In the telecommunications unicast refers to transmission of messages between a transmitter and a single receiver. The to in the network layer (OSI model) used address that uniquely identifies the target is called unicast address. The term is commonly used especially in computer networks as well as finding general use. Thus it can be referred to as unicast figuratively, to send a letter to a recipient. For a direct connection between two network devices one speaks of point-to- point connections.

The term unicast is formed in analogy to the terms broadcast, multicast and anycast, which are used for the classification of addressing ( routing methods) in the network communication.

Unicast messages are used for all network processes, especially where sensitive or unique resources are requested. Certain Internet applications use unicast connections such as streaming media in many varieties.

For IPv6 specific areas for unicast addresses are reserved, which are specified by ICANN.

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