You want to enable dynamic routing on a Windows 2000 Server computer that participates in your TCP/IP network. Specifically, you need this server to manage and control the propagation of IP multicast traffic through your network for multimedia and group communication applications. Which routing protocol or component should you configure on the server?

Introduction / Context:
Dynamic routing and multicast traffic management are key features in advanced TCP/IP networks. Windows 2000 Server can act as a router using the Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS). When you want the server to manage multicast traffic for applications like streaming media or group conferencing, you must select the appropriate protocol or component that understands IP multicast group membership and forwarding behavior.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The server runs Windows 2000 Server.
• Routing and Remote Access Service is available for configuration.
• The network uses TCP/IP as the primary protocol.
• The goal is to manage the propagation of IP multicast traffic.

Concept / Approach:
Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) is used between hosts and routers to establish multicast group memberships on a subnet. IGMP Version 2 support in Windows 2000 allows the server to act as a multicast router or proxy, controlling which multicast streams are forwarded to which segments. Traditional unicast routing protocols like RIP Version 2 and OSPF are designed for unicast route exchange and do not by themselves handle group membership management. Network Address Translation (NAT) modifies address information and is unrelated to multicast group control.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that the core requirement is multicast traffic management, not just unicast route exchange.Step 2: Recall that IGMP is specifically designed to manage IP multicast group membership between hosts and routers.Step 3: Note that Windows 2000 Routing and Remote Access includes IGMP Version 2 Router and Proxy support to enable the server to forward multicast traffic appropriately.Step 4: Recognise that OSPF is a link state unicast routing protocol and does not by itself manage multicast group membership.Step 5: Understand that RIP Version 2 is a distance vector unicast routing protocol supporting subnet masks and authentication, but again it does not address multicast membership directly.Step 6: See that NAT translates addresses between private and public networks and is not a routing protocol intended to manage multicast propagation.Step 7: Conclude that enabling IGMP Version 2, Router and Proxy is the correct choice.

Verification / Alternative check:
Practical configuration in RRAS confirms that enabling IGMP on an interface allows Windows 2000 Server to listen for IGMP join and leave messages and to control multicast forwarding accordingly. Unicast routing protocols continue to operate for normal IP traffic, but multicast requires IGMP for correct operation. Microsoft guidance for configuring multicast on Windows 2000 explicitly refers to IGMP Version 2 support.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) is powerful for unicast routing in larger networks but does not handle multicast membership. RIP Version 2 for Internet Protocol is suited to smaller networks and also focuses on unicast. Network Address Translation (NAT) is a translation mechanism, not a routing protocol for multicast, and may even interfere with multicast in some designs. None of these meet the specific requirement to manage multicast group propagation.

Common Pitfalls:
Students often assume that enabling any dynamic routing protocol automatically solves multicast needs, but multicast requires specific support. Another pitfall is confusing protocols used between routers (like OSPF) with protocols used between hosts and routers (like IGMP). Understanding that IGMP is the key for multicast group membership avoids incorrect configuration choices.

Final Answer:
To manage multicast traffic on a Windows 2000 Server router, you should enable IGMP Version2, Router and Proxy.