Newcastle University

What is videoconferencing?

 Hardware based videoconferencing

Hardware based videoconferencing uses internationally adopted audio and video protocols and is delivered via specific hardware known as a codec (coder/decoder).  This type of system is normally found in a dedicated videoconferencing suite or facility. 

These facilities generally offer a reliable and very good quality videoconferening experience and  are particularly recommended when you need to connect with multiple sites and there is a business critical element to your meeting 

ISS currently provide two managed and supported videoconferencing suites on campus

Software videoconferencing?

Software video conferencing is a form of videoconferencing which can be delivered utilising software and a webcam/headset via a desktop computer or mobile device. Instead of requiring a fully equipped and dedicated videoconferencing suite software videoconferencing can provide a basic but similar experience from your office PC or other non-specific locations

Software videoconferencing solutions available on Campus include Skype and Microsoft Lync

Please be aware that whilst software videoconferencing can be extremely convenient and will satisfy a range of requests there are potential issues associated with using it - particularly if your meeting is business critical  and has multiple participants.  Please read our guidline document below to see which solution best meets your needs.

Teleconferencing

Teleconferencing (sometimes referred to as audioconferencing) follows the same principle as videoconferencing but only audio is transmitted and received.  Teleconferences can be held using hardware-based videoconferencing, software videoconferencing or by using a telephone system.

ISS Telecoms provide a dedicated teleconferencing service using the University phone exchange.

Point-to-point and multi-point conferences

A two site (location) videoconference is generally known as Point-to-Point whereas sessions with more than two sites connected are known as Multi-point.

Many sites can simultaneously connect to a multipoint videoconference and a hardware codec can normally host between 4-6 sites (using hardware technology) though qualiity does drop as bandwidth is shared amongst connected sites.  However an external bridging facility allows more sites to be connected and this can include mixed sources (e.g. sites using software videoconferencing and teleconferencing); this does however require a higher level of coordination and support.

IP vs ISDN connections

Videoconferencing connections can be made using two different technologies:-

IP (Internet Protocol) is the method or protocol by which data is sent from one computer to another via the Internet.  Both hardware and software videoconferencing solutions use this technology. 

IP has the potential to provide a very high quality connection (particularly using hardware based systems with dedicated connections) but it is not always guaranteed because other network traffic can force the bit rate to drop and therefore reduce quality. 

IP videoconference calls are free

ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) provides guaranteed bandwidth and call quality through a system of digital phone connections which allows audio and video to be transmitted simultaneously across the world using end-to-end digital connectivity. Connections are normally made using paired lines i.e. 2, 4 or 6 channels. 

When connecting using ISDN call charges will be made.