Dedicated Network Connections
Traditionally, video conferencing was done over a ISDN line.
Depending on the number of participants users either made a point to point
connection or a multipoint connection using a bridge. If there are
only two locations, the users can simply dial each other and make the
connection that way assuming the equipment is compatible. If the
equipment is incompatible the users will have to use a bridge, which both
locations will dial into. The bridge is charged on a per minute basis
much like audio conferencing. If there are more than two locations a
bridge will also be required. Historically, video conferencing
required a dedicated ISDN line due to the large amount of data that a video
conference and the need for a constant level of bandwidth, however with the
widespread deployment of high speed internet connections that is beginning
to change.
IP Based Video Conferencing
With video conferencing beginning to migrate to
the internet, what once was a product reserved for high profile situations,
is now beginning to become a product that can be used on a regular basis.
By using network connections that are paid for on a fixed cost basis, the
marginal cost of a video conference becomes zero. The ability to have
a high quality videoconference using the internet along with company's
desire to reduce cost and increase productivity has lead to an huge increase
in the amount of video conferencing going on. Due to the real time
nature of video conferencing, it is important that the users be using a
internet service provider that can offer a high speed connection with low
latency.
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