Hot Conference a unique Voip communications software - Video Conferencing Technical Setup

Due to the intrinsic complexity of Desktop video conference technology in as much as merging transmission channels, software and hardware to run seamlessly together, and for each system to connect with each-other, there will always be impending technical points to consider. Considerations ranging from standardisation of video conference technology and bandwidth, to video and audio applications.

Two types of configuration can be setup in the video conference arena, point-to-point and multi-point. Point-to-point is basically the connection setup between two computers, or ‘endpoints’ linked by a transmission channel such as a landline, ISDN or VoIP channel. To put it in simple terms the one user at one remote location endpoint is known as the ‘far end’ or remote user and the other user is the ‘near end’ user.

A multi-point video conference setup involves three or more end point to be connected. For audio and video transmission to take place between many end points a multi control unit (MCU) or Multi Bridging Provider (MPB) needs to be used. The multi control unit is usually
another terminal with specialised software installed on it.
The job of this terminal is to receive the video and audio signals
from each end point. It then disseminates the received transmissions
to each end point. Multi Bridging Providers are companies that have
dedicated servers that act as MCU’s on behalf of third parties.
These companies have high-speed servers that make it easier and faster
to link up end points from any location on the globe.

Video conferencing can be operated in two transmission modes. Firstly, in unidirectional mode transmissions are broadcasted from one end point only – being received by all other end points. And secondly, in duplex mode all endpoints are able to transmit video and audio data between them.

As mentioned earlier, standardisation of video conference technology seems to be the talking point for most using, and those involved in developing video conference technology. The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has set basic guidelines that govern the standardisation of this technology. The guidelines are intended to make hardware and software more compatible for both point-to-point and multi-point networks. Four standards are commonly accepted as the norm for technical requirements for ISDN video conferencing, POTS (plain old telephone system) multimedia conferencing, LAN and intranet conferencing: H.320, T.120, H.323 and H.324

All video conference data whether visual, text,or audio must be electronically coded (using codec). Data can then be disseminated either by a satellite link, Local Area Network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN) Ethernet connection, ISDN line or plain old telephone system (POTS). Each transmission channel is influenced by bandwidth. Bandwidth is the term used to describe the amount of data that can be received or sent through one of these transmission channels at a time. The more data that is able to flow through the channelin a non-resticted way, the better the transmission – video and audio transmissions contain the largest amount of data. In other words, the more bandwidth, the better the quality of your audio and video transmissions.

Satellite linking by far provides the most bandwidth possible. However, satellite linking also has far greater costs attached to it and is therefore not easily accessible to most. When looking for the cheapest ways to setup your video conference arena then POTS connection is the way to go. The Internet does not really supply the best quality for video conferencing nor does it, in most cases give constant bandwidth. ISDN on the other hand is still used by most, but by far the most up-to-date technology, producing the best video conference experience is VoIP technology.

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Author: Govindji Patel
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