A method for determining the presence of the multicast routers using existing protocols is disclosed. The method includes setting a time interval between a first set of query messages to each of a plurality of routers to a number greater than a querier timeout period used by the routers. The querier timeout period transitions each of the routers into a querier. The presence of each of the routers is revealed by sending a second set of query messages. Membership report messages are then sent to the routers.