Video Conferencing Bridge - The Hardware that makes Video Conferencing Bridge Possible

For multiple video conferencing to be possible, hardware is needed to put these systems together in a single conference. This hardware is called a video conferencing bridge, also referred to as a Multiple Control unit or MCU.

The Multipoint Control Unit would receive both audio and video signals emitted by the codec in designated conferences. These signals are then processed and resend the said signals to their respective codecs. Numerous conferences from many locations can be simultaneously conducted. Multiple bridges can offer highly developed features like transcoding, continuous presence, people and content or dual streams.

The video bridge allows the participants of the video conferencing to connect to many endpoints at a single point in time. It also allows them to connect the endpoints using an extension (the number of the video telephone of the client) and an alias (a name for the endpoint of a video conference which consists of alpha numeric characters) through the bridge’s Gatekeeper (system that links to the internet which may register the endpoints thus, the information is transferred.

Information is shared with the participants through gatekeepers, allowing endpoints to connect with the other thru an alias or an extension). Video bridge also allows endpoints to be connected utilizing different protocols using the bridge’s Gateway (provide paths between video conferencing which utilizes telecommunication lines and internet for connectivity.

In multiple video conferencing, all the parties involved can call the Multiple Control Unit or call the participating parties. Video conference bridges for video conferencing based on ISDN and IP are available. MCU’s may either be in a form of pure software or a combination of software and hardware.

An MCU may be classified according to the number of calls it can handle all at the same time, its capability to carry out transposition of rates of data and protocols, and qualities like Continuous Presence, where many parties may be seen on the screen at one time. MCU’s are hardware devices which are stand-alone, or may be implanted into units of VTC.

Impact on Business

Video conferencing allows individuals from different locations to meet together with little notice. Time and money can be saved when video conferences using video bridges for travelling is minimized. Technology like the VOIP may be utilized together with desktop video conferencing to facilitate face to face and low cost business meetings without leaving the place where they are,   particularly for businesses with offices with many offices in different locations. This device is also used to allow employees to work from their homes.

Networking websites online has already introduced video conferencing. This aids businesses to efficiently and quickly have relationships which are profitable without having to leave their work place.  It is also used by banks to connect their employees with their customers in different places using the technology of video banking.

Impact on education

Students can now have an opportunity to study in a 2-way communication manner. Lecturers as well as teachers from different places around the globe can conduct their classes in the remote or isolated places. Students from different backgrounds and communities may learn about the cultures of one another through video conferencing.

They will be able to discover, analyze, communicate and share whatever they have learned with each other. Through this technology, virtual field trips may help broaden these children’s horizons. It can give the children, especially those in far flung areas greater learning opportunities. This technology can also be used by small schools to gather resources, thereby improving what their school has to offer.