The quality of a video conference mainly relies on the characteristics of the network connection between the conferencing sites. Video conferences generally require bandwidth ranging from 128 Kbps for a low-quality desktop endpoint, up to 20 Mbps for an immersive three-screen telepresence suite. Bandwidth requirements for a quality video conference are mainly driven by the resolution and the capability of the session to handle image motion.
A video conferencing bridge (also known as Multipoint Control Uni or MCU) is a hardware system that can connect multiple videoconferencing systems together into a single conference. A video conferencing bridge can receive digital video and audio signals from codecs in a designated conference, processes and resends digital video and audio signals back to all the codecs. Multiple conferences connecting many locations can be carried on simultaneously. Many bridges can offer innovative features such as continuous presence, people plus content, transcoding, and transrating.
Continuous Presence during video conference is a feature that allows all participants to be visible on the screen at the same time. For example, if 12 people are participating in the video conference, the screen everyone sees will have 12 windows (which can be of various client defined sizes) with each participant in their own window.
Transrating is a functionality available on the video conferencing bridge that permits conferences among site and locations with different bandwidths. For example, transrating permits virtual classrooms with Internet2 connections participating at 2 Mbps while other locations with limited bandwidth can participate at a lower 384 Kbps rate.
Transcoding is a feature available on video conferencing bridges that enables conferences to be established with participants using different video conferencing formats. For instance, systems and locations using ISDN (H.320) can effortlessly communicate and collaborate with other locations using IP or Internet connections (H.323).
• Let a few minutes for setting up and shutting down the video conference.
• Adhere to given time limits.
• Always ensure to mute your microphone, when you are not talking.
• Ensure to use a location banner.
• Don't multi-task on camera.
• Beware of possible external audio distractions like coughing, paper shuffling, air conditioning units, laptop and projector fans, phone ringing, etc. if your microphone is not muted.