VIDEO CONFERENCING
Point-to-Multipoint Calls
The ability two people at separate and remote locations to shrink the impact of the geographical boundaries between them via videoconferencing is certainly exciting and valuable.
The concept becomes even more powerful when several locations can be brought together into the same conference, creating a "virtual meeting room" that exists for that particular time and group. Such "meeting rooms" are created through the use of a Multipoint Conferencing Unit (MCU).
The purpose of an MCU is to connect three or more videoconferencing systems in the same conference, managing audio and video from each participant to the others such that group communication is achieved. An MCU can also facilitate a multipoint data sharing session though current implementations vary greatly in terms of how this is done and also how well it works.
Multipoint Videoconferencing Call
HEAnet currently have a high specification Polycom MCU that will allow up to 18 locations participate in a conference.
Each member of HEAnet has its own "virtual room" based on its GDS number. For example Trinity College Dublin has the GDS extension number of 121.
To dial TCD's virtual room, simply dial the GDS number 003530110051121.
To dial user institutions virtual room, replace the 121 with client’s own GDS institution number.
When organising a multipoint conference, clients must decide in whose virtual room all the parties are to meet. Once this has been decided in advance all parties must dial that institutions virtual room.
For example, if DCU, UCD, TCD and IT Carlow decide to meet in Trinity's virtual room, at the designated time all four institutions dial the number 003530110051121.
The virtual room number 003530110050121 is designed as a conference for terminals connecting at a speed of 768Kbps. Other connection speeds are available.
All of the multipoint conferences mentioned above are using a technology known as, voice switched conferencing. This allows members of a multipoint conference to view the person who is currently talking. For most meetings, this type of conference is the most suitable. However, it is also possible to have a second type of conference known as a continuous presence conference.
Continuous Presence Conference
In voice switched conferences, just one image at a time is displayed on the screen (that of the person speaking). However, with continuous presence it is possible to view multiple locations simultaneously.
Continuous Presence Conference
John Boland, Chief Executive pictured presenting HEAnet's Special Criteria Award to Matija Milenovic and Shane Gonley from Athlone Community College, Co Westmeath,
HEAnet has recently welcomed its latest client, Co Kildare Vocational Education Committee (VEC) who provide a comprehensive range of education services through Kildare: 
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