Point to point video conferencing works great when there are only two parties involved. For efficiency's sake, sometimes larger groups need to meet and point to point technology can't support such a demand. The multipoint control unit (MCU) can accomplish the task and more.
The MCU can link several sites together. The participants can contact the MCU to establish a connection or the unit can contact them. MCU has the capacity to handle numerous calls, maintain multiple users and still maintain high rates of data transference. The MCU has speed and versatility on its side that other conferencing models just don't have. Installation of a MCU will depend on the one you choose. Some models require software, hardware or a combination of both to be properly installed on your hard drive.
MCU at the Gate
MCU functions much like a drawbridge to the computer's castle. The MCU is the go between in the middle of the internet and gatekeeper. There gatekeeper is there for security reasons. When it receives a request to connect with a MCU, the gatekeeper makes sure that the request is registered and that the user is authorized to access the MCU. Users will need to know the password or service authorization in order to enter the conference.
When a user gains access, their audio and video stream will be sent to all other users. The MCU will provide the same service to all participants. Once the conference is started, the MCU will switch users continuously based on several methods. A user will have the stream of the member given priority by the MCU on their screen. A participant will never have their own feed posted at anytime.
The MCU can select the primary participant in one of several ways. One option is for the MCU to give precedence to the loudest voice. This is the audio switching method and it should work just fine in most scenarios. All participants will have to be respectful of each other in order for it to work the best.
Another selection will transfer from the party that has finished speaking to the one that has just begun. As long as all parties give each other time to finish their thoughts this will work smoothly. In many ways, the MCU functions like a pre-school teacher because it has to make sure everyone has a fair chance to speak.
Multipoint video conferencing is an ideal way for companies to do business. It permits interactions on an infinite scale which can make any transaction easy to accomplish.
Advanced Systems on the Field
Although the MCU is great, advanced systems have some advantages. They can handle multipoint conferences better than the MCU. The feeds are better quality because they go straight from user to user instead of through a centralized system. This makes them easier and more accessible than their MCU counterpart.
The advances in video conferencing are amazing. The technology is bringing people together in new and amazing ways. There will always be a system that is newer with cooler features, but the best choice is the one that works for you.
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