Videoconferencing at Computer Science

H323

One of the most prevalent type of conferencing is H323, which is an ITU-T standard for realtime multimedia communication. These systems offer an easy point-point conferencing capability with a minimal amount of training. CS has a Polycom Viewstation installed in the 5331 conference room. If the conferencing room is not available or it doesn not fit your needs, a rollable cart is available with a TV and Polycom Viewstaiton unit. More information about the reservation and operation of these units is available below.

H323 Conferencing Units

• 5331 Conference Room
• Polycom Rolling Cart

Multipoint Operations

Multipoint operation refers to the connection of more then two sites in a conference session. This type of conference requires a specialized piece of hardware called a MCU, or multipoint conferencing unit. MCU services are available from the UW-Extension.

UW-Extension Instructional Communication Systems Department

• http://www.uwex.edu/ics/cv/

ISDN Bridging

Many H323 conference sites use a special type of phone line called ISDN to connect their conference unit. The Computer Science department does not directly offer any ISDN connections for video conferencing. Bridging services can be setup through the UW-Extension.

UW-Extension Instructional Communication Systems Department

• http://www.uwex.edu/ics/cv/

Accessgrid Nodes

The Computer Science department also has an "Accessgrid" node available for use. The Accessgrid is a open source conferencing software engineered to take advantage of standard PC hardware. The accessgrid requires a trained operator and is more difficult to operate but offers multipoint operation and various integrated data presentation and visualization environments.

Accessgrid Nodes

• Computer Science Accessgrid Node