IP Videoconferencing

Overview

Now that all of the WVN studios have been commissioned and are up and running with ISDN, the focus of the WVN Support Centre is on the continued support of the studios and their users, and the rollout of IP videoconferencing over JANET.

The PictureTel 970 CODECs are capable of using the ISDN (H.320) and the IP (H.323) network. The advantages of adopting the IP network over ISDN include zero call charges and potentially higher quality videoconferences. 

In order to develop IP videoconferencing successfully, to the point where it can be provided and supported as a service, it was essential to pilot and thereby refine the implementation.  All WVN institutions that had appropriate network connectivity for their studios were invited to participate.

The WVN IP pilot followed the draft recommendations of the UKERNA H.323 Architecture Group, published in December 2001. 

Timescales

The pilot was developed in three phases:

Phase 2 involved several institutions, which were connected to JANET at 34Mbps or greater and whose studios had dedicated network connections to the proxy gatekeeper and site access router;

Phase 3 involved all interested institutions, but not necessarily all venues.  Access to the pilot was based on institutions having appropriate network connectivity for their studios. A discussion of suitable campus topographies is available.

The JANET IP Videoconferencing Service

The JANET IP Videoconferencing Service was formally launched on February 17th 2003.  Full details of the Service, including technical details and guides, can be found here.  

As with all videoconferences that use the JANET network, IP videoconferences must be booked using the JVCS Booking Service.  Venues that are IP enabled will be marked as such on the Booking Service.  Regular IP Quality Assurance tests will be carried out, and must be passed in order for a studio to keep its registration as an IP venue.

Enquiries

If you would like to discuss any aspects of IP Videoconferencing please contact Steve Williams, WVN Support Centre Manager, 01792 295167