Video Conferencing

• What is Video Conferencing?
• How do we connect?
• What do I need?
• Registering with the gatekeeper
• Planning and Testing

What is Video Conferencing?

Videoconferencing in its most basic form is the transmission of synchronized image (video) and speech (audio) back and forth between two or more physically separate locations, simulating an exchange as if the participants were in the same physical conversation. This is accomplished through the use of:

• Cameras (to capture and send video from your local endpoint)
• Video displays (to display video received from remote endpoints)
• Microphones (to capture and send audio from your local endpoint)
• Speakers (to play audio received from remote endpoints). (1)

There are multiple scenarios with regard to video conferencing:

• Point-to-point, within K12
• Point-to-point, connecting to someone outside of K12
• Multipoint (all points connect to a Multipoint Control Unit (MCU) inside the State network)
• Multipoint (all points connect to a Multipoint Control Unit (MCU) outside the State network)

Each type of connection has a varying degree of complexity in completing the connection.

How do we connect?

Within the K-12 community in Delaware, we take advantage of our existing, high-speed Internet network to carry these transmissions. As this network and its traffic are already being State-funded, there are no additional costs for using the network for video conferencing.

Our schools are divided into two groups with regard to this networking:

1. T1 Schools
2. Transparent LAN Service (TLS) Schools

All schools have videoconferencing capabilities, however T1 schools may need to conserve bandwidth and connect at a lower bandwidth rate (256K) for optimal connectivity. To determine the capabilities of your school, see if you are on the T1 School List.

What do I need?

At a minimum, you will need:

• A PC computer
• Software (we recommend Polycom PVX software that is H.323 compatible)
• An “eyeball” camera that hooks to your computer
• Speakers and a microphone (or a headset that has both of these)

In Spring 2007, the Delaware Center for Educational Technology gave each district a copy of the PVX software and a Logitech camera with built-in microphone for instructional use, It was to be installed on a PC laptop so that it could function as a resource to everyone in the district.

Unfortunately, the software does not run on an Apple computer, and we have not located a MAC solution for video conferencing at this time. To locate the equipment in your district, contact the appropriate individual. There is also equpment throughout K12 that can be used for larger group videoconferences. Equipment availability is at the descretion of the equipment owner.

All videoconferencing equipment within the K12 network must be registered with DTI and be assigned an E164 number for identification and communication purposes.

Just like you need a telephone number to call another telephone, you need individualized numbers to call another video conferencing setup. There are two numbers that can be used: Internet Protocol (IP) numbers or E164 numbers.

The problem with IP numbers is that they can be dynamically assigned by the network and therefore they are constantly changing, or, they are “hidden” for security reasons. To eliminate this problem, all equipment will be assigned a unique E164 number – and that is the number you will use to connect to another site.

Registering with the Gatekeeper

In the H.323 world, the gatekeeper provides several important functions. First, it controls access to the network, allowing or denying calls and controlling the bandwidth of a call. Second, it helps with address resolution, making possible email type names for end users, and converting those into the appropriate network addresses. They also handle call tracking and billing, call signaling, and the management of gateways. They also handle call tracking and billing, call signaling, and the management of gateways.(2)

For one time communication with someone outside of the K12 network, it may be easier if the call is initiated from within the K12 network. This eliminates the need to register the outside site with the gatekeeper.

If you are going to regularly communicate with a site outside of the K12 network, it is recommended that they register with the gatekeeper so that either of you may initiate a call. To register with the gatekeeper send an email including the outside individual's name, affiliation, email address, their IP Address and E164 number (preferred), and the planned date for the video conference.

Planning and Testing

If you are holding a video conference that will be between two people, little technical planning may be needed, but you will want to test the connection prior to the actual meeting occuring.

If you are holding a video conference that involves a large group, a class of students, or delivery of instruction to a large group, then it is highly recommended that a considerable amount of planning be given to the actual content and delivery. Camera position, lighting, ettiquette, and timing all need to be considered for a successful video conference.

Testing should be required at least 24 hours prior to the actual video conference to allow for technical adjustments to be made if needed.