Multicast is a communication protocol that allows a single sender to transmit data to multiple receivers simultaneously. It works by addressing data to a group of destination computers, reducing network load compared to unicast which requires separate transmissions to each receiver. The document outlines the history of multicast, how it works including reverse path forwarding using pruning and grafting, the IGMP protocol used by end systems to signal group membership, challenges in implementing multicast security, and applications such as audio/video broadcasting and software distribution where it provides benefits over unicast.