How does IP multicast differ from IP broadcast?

The correct understanding of how IP multicast differs from IP broadcast lies in the nature of the traffic distribution method. In IP multicast, data packets are sent to a specific group of host addresses that have expressed interest in receiving that data. This means that multicast targets a defined group instead of sending the packets to every device on the network.

In contrast, IP broadcast sends data packets to all devices on a local network segment regardless of whether they want to receive the information or not. As a result, multicast is more efficient in terms of bandwidth because it reduces unnecessary data transmission to devices that do not need the information. This selective delivery is what makes the statement about multicast sending traffic to specific modem addresses accurate, as it exemplifies the targeted nature of multicast communication.

Other options may suggest characteristics like bandwidth usage or speed, which do not specifically address the fundamental difference in the target audience of the data packets being sent, thereby reinforcing that multicast is indeed a more focused and efficient method for data distribution compared to broadcast.