Scope
This document applies only to Axia IP Audio Driver 2.12.12 or higher versions. Additionally, it has no application if run on a PHYSICAL computer running Windows. This document covers settings that allow multicast optimization on Windows computers that may run in a Virtual environment.
Description
By default, network cards in Windows machines run in promiscuous mode.
Promiscuous Mode Defined (adapted from chatGPT)
Promiscuous mode is a configuration setting for a network interface controller (NIC). It enables it to intercept and process all network packets traversing the network segment, regardless of their destination MAC address. Under normal operating conditions, a NIC filters and forwards only packets specifically addressed to its own hardware address, along with broadcast and multicast traffic. However, when operating in promiscuous mode, the NIC bypasses this filtering mechanism and forwards all packets to the operating system’s network stack for further processing. This capability is primarily employed in network diagnostics, performance monitoring, and security auditing, such as during packet capture and analysis with tools like Wireshark. Promiscuous mode is a foundational feature for network analyzers and intrusion detection systems, as it allows for comprehensive visibility into all traffic on a local network segment.
This method is not ideal in a VM setting, as you may have many computers all sharing the same Virtual Switch, and since all traffic goes everywhere, this is not ideal. When contrasting that with a Physical installation, you have a network switch that is doing the multicast filtering for you, thus multicast packets are not sent to computers that don’t ask for it.
In this configuration, we will enable a setting that tells the virtual machine's NIC to discard any packets not explicitly sent to the virtual machine’s network MAC address.
Configuation
Beta Software Disclaimer – Axia IP-Audio Driver for Windows
This version of the Axia IP-Audio Driver for Windows is beta software and is provided for testing and evaluation only. It may contain bugs or incomplete features.
By installing or using this driver, you acknowledge that Telos Alliance is not liable for any loss, interruption, or damage resulting from its use. Use is at your own risk. Feedback is welcome to help improve the final release.
Before starting, ensure you have your license keys as they will be required to reinstall the driver.
Uninstall the previous version of the driver and reboot.
Run the MSI installer you just downloaded.
When the installer opens the configuration page asking you for the Channel number, STOP and do the following;
From the Run Menu, run regedit.
Navigate to HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\axiawow\Parameters
Choose Edit, then New, then DWORD (32-bit if there is a choice)
Name this new key MulticastFilter
Set its value to 1 (It just needs to be a non-zero hexadecimal value)
Close Regedit and finish the installation, allowing the computer to reboot.