Abstract: A method for predictive designated router (DR) handover in a multicast network is described herein. The network includes one or more sources, one or more receivers, a rendezvous point (RP) network device, a DR network device, and a plurality of DR-capable network devices. A prediction of failover of the DR network device is determined, prior to an occurrence of failover. In response to the prediction, a protocol independent multicast (PIM) Hello packet that relinquishes the DR role is transmitted. A determination is made as to whether a DR-capable network device is present in the multicast network.