What You Need
Cameras
One or more webcams or small video cameras, with video input connections
Speakers
To receive audio input from the client’s end
A Microphone
To enable audio input
A LAN Card
A Network Interface Card connects your PC to a LAN, which provides access to a broadband connection. Else, connect directly to a dedicated ISDN line.
Codecs
You will also need to install a codec- hardware or software that compresses and decompresses audio and video data streams. Codecs reduce the size of audio and video samples so as to speed up transmission.
First Steps
Set up the PC with the requisite components to facilitate an audio-visual session. Connect the PC to a dedicated ISDN line or broadband connection. Install the videoconferencing software; ensure that the software on the client’s end is compatible with yours. Dial the client’s number. Once the two sides are connected, you will be able to share audio-visual data.
1. Videoconferencing Sessions
Can take place between clients in different rooms within the same premises, different offices within a city, as well as in different countries. In a multi-party session, a multipoint control unit (MCU) is used to mix the audio and send the video of the predominant speaker to every screen. Like a telephony PBX, a video PBX is used to switch calls and provide call forwarding and call transfer.
2. Web-based Videoconferencing
Can take place using chat software such as Yahoo! Messenger, or videoconferencing software such as Microsoft’s LiveMeeting or the WebEx client. WebEx requires just a Web browser and a phone.
3. Videoconferencing Over Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
Some companies set up private Wide Area Networks spanning large geographic areas to connect branch offices. A VPN uses encryption, and provides a secure tunnel over the network with a guaranteed bandwidth.