Video Conferencing (VC) is fast connecting people together for face-to-face meetings across the globe. However, when tying to set up, connect or even discuss video conferencing options, the language and terms used can be challenge for those not in the IT department.

Below are list of commonly use video conferencing terms you’ll most likely come across on when engaged in a conversation regarding VC. Their definitions are there to help better understand what your IT department or video conference equipment sales representative is talking about:

Endpoint: The physical camera equipment or software used to make a video connection. They can be in the form of a room based system, desktop client, or a mobile device.

Content Sharing: Showing your desktop or specific content such as power point presentation, word or excel documents, pictures etc.

Point to point call: Communication between two endpoints. This is in contrast to a multipoint call where there are three or more connections on the call.

Multipoint Call: Communication between 3 or more connections. Multipoint calls connect using either a hardware or a cloud based bridge.

Firewall Traversal: Technology that creates a secure path through the firewall. This enables traffic from an organisations internal network to internet at large.

Interoperability: The ability for systems to work together. With video this means different endpoints being able to connect together for a video call.

Room based systems: Portable or non-portable dedicated systems with all the required components for a video call. This usually includes a camera, codec, control computer and all electrical interfaces. Typically, microphones and a display will connect to the system as well.

Streaming: A Method of relaying data (video) over a computer network as a steady continuous stream, and allowing playback to proceed while subsequent data is being received.

H.323: A standard video protocol that manufacturers use that allow their systems to speak the same language. It controls audio and video signals, bandwidth, and call control.

SIP: A video protocol designed to enable the communication and connection of devices across networks. This is an older protocol that was designed more for closed systems that would ultimately connect via gateways to other closed systems.

Keep in mind that not all conferencing hardware is the same, if you need support in finding the right system to suit your business needs, please give us a call on 1300 369 829 or visit www.videoconferencingaustralia.com.au