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When it comes to purchasing a video conferencing system, there are essentially two categories from which to choose from: Proprietary & Standards based.
  • Proprietary System: Refers to a system that relies on applications from only 1 vendor. The system is accessed through closed APIs, which makes it difficult to function using components from any other vendors.
  • Standards System: Much more flexible usage allows access from multiple vendors.
If you have a Proprietary system, then it will require users on the other end to have a Proprietary system themselves. Standards systems therefore seem like a much more flexible and capable system than that of Proprietary.

Integrated Digital Services Network (ISDN): This is a point-to-point connection, however it can be used as a multi point connection through the utilization of a separate multipoint control unit (MCU) that manages the numerous ISDN lines. There are two ISDN options from which to choose from:

  • Basic Rate Interface (BRI): Two 64 kbps B-channels & one 16 kbps D-channel.
  • Primary Rate Interface (PRI): 23 x 64 kbp B-channels & one 64 kbp D-channel.
Local Area Network (LAN): This is most common amongst today's companies. LAN lines allow for a greater amount of bandwidth, and as a result, offer higher quality video/audio for videoconferencing. Unlike ISDN connections, LAN connections use TCP/IP protocol. Like ISDN's, LAN lines are essentially point-to-point connections, although you can use them to hold a multipoint videoconference with the assistance of a multipoint conference server (MCS - also referred to as an H.323 MCU).

Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS): Since almost every home has a phone line in it, POTS are considered to be the most readily available line through which videoconferencing can take place. The problem using POTS for videoconferencing is that with its transmission speed of 56 kbps, you are encroaching on the absolute minimum bandwidth under which you can transfer audio/video data feeds. If you have software that allows for the maximization of bandwidth through high compression rates, then POTS can be extremely functional in terms of videoconferencing. For businesses and corporations, however, it is not recommended.

Cellular Networks: Imagine being stuck in traffic on your way to a meeting. You are already late, but the meeting can start without you as long as you've got your cell phone or your PDA. Cell phones and PDA's are capable of providing enough bandwidth through which IP-based multipoint videoconferencing may take place. The technology for cellular networks is still being developed.

Internet: As the Internet grows more and more prevalent as a device that connects the world, its applications are constantly adapting. As with LAN's, Internet connections are other forms of TCP/IP networks and can therefore be used as a medium for video conferencing. In order to be recognized on the network, Internet users must first get their Internet service provider (ISP) to provide them with their fixed, unique IP address. In this way, you can find the computer/person whom you wish to videoconference with.

For more information on any one of these video conferencing systems, check out our links pages.

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Read more about the various types of   VIDEO CONFERENCING EQUIPMENT  

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