ISDN video conferencing: advantage and disadvantages

What is ISDN video conferencing?
ISDN video conferencing is better understood if we understand the keyword itself. What is ISDN? This is similar to a modem, only it is five times faster than a regular modem. SIDN also require specialized phone lines but it can cost more or less than the regular phone line.
Video conferencing has some benefits when used with ISDN. First is isolation of data.

This is possible because ISDN conferencing video traffic does not touch the organization’s data network. Another advantage, and perhaps this is the commonly considered benefit, is its widespread availability. Its service is made available in all areas where phone service is available as well. The third benefit is its fixed cost at a low rate. A monthly cost of about $150 for ISDN connection makes it cost effective. It is ideal for entities or individuals with limited video usage per month.

Disadvantages of Voip Video Conferencing
With these benefits however, the disadvantage of using this service alone far outweigh the said benefits. One disadvantage is endpoint costing. The rise of videoconferencing systems and the modifications of videoconference services, ISDN actually cost more than a few thousand dollars each endpoint.

Another disadvantage is the endpoint monitoring. Videoconferencing using ISDN only has a system that do not support the more complex monitoring features and services given by other new networks. Monitoring readiness and strength of these endpoints is not possible. Another is the limited Support of TELCO.

The problem brought about by the decline of ISDN marketability is the corresponding decline in support staff by telecommunication companies which greatly affected the networks position in resolving problems and troubleshooting.

Still another is the need for redundancy. If for instance an ISDN endpoint line or lines are not properly functioning or are damaged, communication or data transmitted by the said endpoint will be delayed or impacted or blocked depending on the damage. This is mainly due to the fact that no alternative network will host the video traffic if the endpoint/s is damaged.

Another disadvantage is limited global reach. To be able to communicate with endpoints using IP, and IP or ISDN gateway equipment or an external based gateway service is needed. Another thing to consider is the cost of usage. Even with a low rate fixed cost, a per minute ISDN usage and transport fees is required for video calls. One more disadvantage is network monitoring.

Since ISDN network is only connected when calls are being made, problems regarding the user’s connection will not be detected unless a call is made. This can greatly impact the efficiency of its service. The last on the list is network scalability and efficiency.

With ISDN, each endpoint is required to have its own dedicated bandwidth. This means the connection cannot be shared with other endpoints one line for an endpoint is required regardless of the frequency of use.

For the reasons stated above, a program has been made to converge ISDN-alone videoconferencing to IP especially for the purpose of videoconferencing. With this converged IP, the enterprises’ network data will host the video traffic. This will greatly impact the cost of the service. Also, security and reliability of the service is improved.