How many multicast IP addresses map to one multicast MAC address?

In the context of Digital Audio Network Through Ethernet (DANTE), the mapping of multicast IP addresses to a multicast MAC address follows specific conventions. Each multicast MAC address is associated with a range of multicast IP addresses. Specifically, an Ethernet multicast MAC address corresponds to a specific multicast IP address range due to the structure of both protocols.

A multicast MAC address is typically derived from the last 23 bits of the multicast IP address. Since an IP address is composed of 32 bits, this leaves us with 9 bits that are reserved for defining various multicast IP addresses. The 9 bits can represent a range of values, specifically (2^9 = 512), which equates to 512 unique multicast IP addresses.

However, when considering practical implementations and the specific mapping used, it is determined that a multicast MAC address can effectively map to 32 multicast IP addresses. In DANTE's case, this reflects efficient network design and resource management for multicast streams, making B the appropriate answer.

This understanding is essential for configuring and utilizing DANTE systems effectively, ensuring that audio and control signals can be sent over the network without interference or loss of quality.