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Understanding Multipoint Control Units (MCUs) for Enhanced Video Conferencing

This document provides a comprehensive overview of Multipoint Control Units (MCUs) and their role in video conferencing. It describes two key scenarios: point-to-point calls and multiple endpoint calls, highlighting how MCUs manage audio and video streams. Key considerations for conference layout, data rates, and MCU hardware vs. software options are discussed. Various MCUs available in the market, along with their features, pricing, and capabilities, are also covered. For further inquiries, please contact Gabe Moulton at The Ohio State University.

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Understanding Multipoint Control Units (MCUs) for Enhanced Video Conferencing

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  1. Multipoint Control Units(MCUs) Gabe Moulton The Ohio State University Moulton.13@osu.edu Internet2 Commons Site Coordinator Training September 27, 2004 Austin, Texas

  2. What Are they? • Scenario 1: Point to Point call • Each endpoints captures and sends one audio and one video stream • Each endpoint receives and displays one audio and video stream • Scenario 2: Multiple end point call • Each endpoints captures and sends one audio and one video stream • Now there are potentially multiple incoming audio and video streams • Most endpoints don’t know what to do with this • In walks the MCU • It receives all video and audio streams • Mixing the audio and sends it back out as one stream to each endpoint • Video is mixed and transmitted as one stream to each based on the configuration of the conference

  3. MCU Conference Request Considerations • Layouts • Continuous Presence (CP) • Multiple sites visible on screen at once • Voice Switched • One site on screen at a time • Switches based on who is talking • Data Rate Choices • Increasing the data rate doesn’t always increase the quality of the conference • Bandwidth availability considerations

  4. Multipoint Control Units: Hardware vs Software • Hardware • Dedicated, real-time operating system • RADVISION • Polycom • Tandberg • Software • Based on standard Operating systems (Windows, Linux) • First Virtual Communications • Embedded • Has dedicated hardware for processing • Works well for small numbers

  5. MCU Control Functions • Defining a conference • Speed • Number of users • Multiple windows • Operating a conference • Dial out • Dial in • Monitoring a conference • Monitoring an MCU • Cascading MCUs

  6. MCUs available in the market • RADVision H.323 • 9 ports at 384Kbps • Small, simple, includes Gatekeeper • RADVision ViaIP • 50 ports at 384Kbps, expandable • Powerful, reliable; ECS Gatekeeper • Accord/Polycom MGC • 48 ports at 384Kbps, Expandable multi Format capable • Many advanced features; no Gatekeeper necessary • Tandberg • 16 ports at 384Kbps • Many advanced features • Codian • 20 up to 80 ports • Advanced features, no gatekeeper required • VCON • VCB-2000 • Streaming Capabilities

  7. RADVISION MCU-323 • 9 Users@384Kbps (5@768Kbps, 15@128Kbps) • Built-in Web server. Provides operational control of who is in a conference and who has the floor. Also controls application sharing and MCU Cascading. • Built-in Telnet server. Provides optional remote control and monitoring. • PC remote configuration software. Provides conference definitions, names, and software updates. • List price $22.5K. Discounts as low as $10K.

  8. Tandberg MCU • 16 users, 3 simultaneous conferences • Support for H.264 • Embedded Encryption • Supports ISDN and IP • Embedded webserver for control and configuration • Small 1U form factor, 19” Rackmountable

  9. Polycom MGC • 3 Flavors, 25, 50 and 100 • Capacity varies by configuration • Support for H.264 • Can support ISDN, IP and ATM • Separate Software control • Priced by configuration

  10. RADVISION via-IP • 4 flavors 15, 30, 60, 100 • 384Kbps capacity by type • 15  12 • 30  24 • 60  42 • 100  70 • Support for SIP • Can add gateway cards • Chassis based system, expandable • Gatekeeper based dialing

  11. Commons MCU Test Facility • Three MCUs are available for testing and discussion. • Web interface • Telnet interface • PC interface • The Commons will support remote or onsite (you come to Ohio) testing. • Useful for assisting in evaluations for your own purchases.

  12. Questions? • Gabe Moulton • Moulton.13@osu.edu

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