What IPv4 class address is used for multicast addressing?

Multicast addressing in IPv4 is specifically designated for Class D addresses. Class D addresses fall within the range of 224.0.0.0 to 239.255.255.255, which is reserved exclusively for multicast groups. This range allows for the transmission of data packets to multiple hosts simultaneously, enabling efficient communication for applications like streaming media or online gaming where the same data needs to be sent to multiple recipients at once.

In contrast, Class A, B, and C addresses are primarily used for unicast addressing, which is intended for one-to-one communication. Class E addresses, on the other hand, are reserved for experimental purposes and are not used in standard networking practices. Thus, the designation of Class D for multicast addresses highlights its critical role in supporting specialized network communication methods.