Which statement accurately describes the role of a multicast RP, specifically when using the PIM...

In PIM Sparse Mode (PIM-SM), the Rendezvous Point (RP) is the cornerstone of the multicast distribution model.

The Meeting Point (Option A): The RP serves as a central clearinghouse where multicast sources and receivers meet.

When a source starts transmitting, the first-hop router encapsulates the data and sends it to the RP via a PIM Register message.

When a receiver wants to join a group, its last-hop router sends a (*,G) PIM Join request toward the RP.

The RP then manages the distribution from the source to the receivers until a Shortest Path Tree (SPT) can be established directly between them.

Incorrect Statements: Option B is incorrect because PIM Dense Mode does not use an RP; it uses a "flood and prune" mechanism. Option C is incorrect because the RP only forwards traffic to interfaces that have explicitly requested it via Join messages, which is what makes it "sparse". Option D is incorrect because SSM (Source-Specific Multicast) specifically avoids using an RP by having receivers join a known source directly.