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There
must also be a system to transmit
the audio/video signals between
the sites.
Videoconferencing connections
are generally made using
two main "flavors":
ISDN
or IP.
ISDN (Integrated
Services Digital Network)
are special, higher-bandwidth
phone lines that are available
from many telephone companies.
ISDN has been popular because
it is an economical solution for
high-quality videoconferencing.
ISDN works over regular copper
telephone lines and provides dedicated
bandwidth for smooth audio and
video (15-30 frames per second).
ISDN calls can be made at a variety
of different speeds, although
384 Kbps conferences are the most
predominant. Another term for
ISDN videoconferencing is H.320
videoconferencing.
IP (Internet
Protocol) is videoconferencing
over the Internet. IP videoconferencing
sites can connect through either
a closed IP network, such as a
district local area network (LAN)
or a regional wide area
network (WAN),
or an open IP network, such as
the public
Internet. IP-based videoconferencing
has grown in leaps and bounds
over the last few years as the
Internet becomes more sophisticated
and mature. Another term for IP
videoconferencing is H.323
videoconferencing.
Which
to Use: ISDN versus IP?
Ultimately, the choice between
ISDN and IP, when both are available,
depends on the individual videoconference.
Videoconference
Services staff will
help you determine which connection
is better for your videoconference
based on your individual situation.
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