ArubaOS-CX switches support the two primary, standardized modes of Protocol Independent Multicast (PIM). PIM Sparse Mode (PIM-SM) is an efficient mode for widespread networks where multicast group members are sparsely distributed. It uses an explicit join mechanism, where routers only forward multicast traffic to segments with active receivers. PIM Dense Mode (PIM-DM) is designed for networks where multicast group members are densely populated. It employs a flood-and-prune mechanism, initially flooding traffic to all routers and then pruning branches that do not have active receivers. Official Aruba documentation explicitly confirms support for both PIM-SM and PIM-DM.

C. PIM Hybrid Mode: This is not a standard IETF-defined PIM mode and is not a feature supported or documented for Aruba CX switches.

D. PIM Static Mode: This is not a standard PIM operational mode. While static multicast routes (mroutes) can be configured, it is not a distinct PIM mode like Sparse or Dense Mode.

1. ArubaOS-CX 10.12 IP Multicast Guide

Page 29

"PIM overview" section. The document states: "ArubaOS-CX supports Protocol Independent Multicast-Sparse Mode (PIM-SM) and Protocol Independent Multicast-Dense Mode (PIM-DM)."

2. ArubaOS-CX 10.12 Fundamentals Guide

Page 311

"IP multicast" section. The guide mentions: "ArubaOS-CX supports PIM-SM (Protocol Independent Multicast - Sparse Mode) and PIM-DM (Protocol Independent Multicast - Dense Mode)..."