 Videoconferencing
has historically been a communications tool that has used some form of
public telecomms network, be it ISDN, Satellite or Leased Line. However
with recent developments in technologies videoconferencing is now able
to support connections established across organisation's existing data
or IP networks.
Videoconferencing over IP networks is
an attractive technology for customers desiring easier network access
and greater cost effectiveness, as a result of no call charges being
associated with existing internal Local Area Networks (LAN).
With manufacturers such as Tandberg,
Polycom and VTEL
developing systems that support both ISDN (H.320) and IP (H.323)
connections companies are able to utilise their LAN infrastructure to
link their videoconferencing
systems together, with efficient access to ISDN lines for long-distance
conferencing.
 This
opportunity enables companies wishing to implement videoconferencing
facilities to optimise the location of systems without the need of
having ISDN installed to every
desk.
The use of network devices such as Gateways,
Gatekeepers and Multipoint Conferencing
Servers allow calls to be routed across IP networks and, where
required, out onto the public networks such as ISDN.
Although an extremely attractive
opportunity the implementation of videoconferencing over existing LANs
presents a host of issues, for example bandwidth availability and
contention, that need careful consideration and navigation to ensure
that video conferencing and traditional data network traffic do not
conflict.
ADV Communications can provide a range
of network solutions, from Tandberg, Polycom and RadVision,
however due to the requirements of identifying and implementing
videoconferencing over Local Area Networks please contact
us directly for further information on the products and services
available.
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