This is the interval (in seconds) within which the next report messages for the same multicast group will not be forwarded out. The purpose of this timer is to avoid multiple report messages for the same group being forwarded out. So that unnecessary multicast packets in the network can be avoided. The 'ReportForwardTimer' is per multicast group. This timer is started as soon as a report message for that group is forwarded out. Within this 'ReportForwardInterval' if another report for the same group arrives, that report will not be forwarded. The first report message which is received for this group after the 'ReportForwardInterval' only will be forwarded out. When set as '0' , this timer will not be started and all the report messages will be forwarded as and when they are received.