Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is videoconferencing?
A. Videoconferencing is interactive video and audio between two or more people located at two or more locations sprated by distance.
Q. What is H.323 Internet Videoconferencing?
A. Internet Videoconferencing uses IP protocols to make the audio and video connections between locations connected to the Internet or to Internet2. H.323 is the standard that enables videoconference systems made by different manufacturers to interoperate. This standard is governed by the International Telecommunications Union, a subsidiary of the United Nations. Internet2 is the research network operated by reserach and higher ed institutions, including UW Madison.
Other standards also exist. A common one is H.320 which defines how videoconferencing works across digital phone lines, such as ISDN.
Q. What technology is needed?
A. Each location needs a videoconference codec, a video monitor, speaker and microphone. Some additional equipment may be needed, such as additional cameras, document camera, scan converter, etc. We have information on make and model codecs available on State of Wisconsin procurement contracts. more info
Q. How do I connect to another location using Internet2?
A. Equipped with appropriate videoconference equipment, UW-Madison faculty and staff can easily connect with other educational and research organizations using the high-speed connectivity that Internet2 provides. The network routers automatically route the connection using Internet2 if the far-end site is also on Internet2. You do not need to schedule calls over Internet2 if connecting P2P only. To determine if your building's network can use Internet2, refer to our SiteSupport Test Tools to peform a Trace Route.
Other locations, or sites, can be connected via the commodity Internet or by using our full service facilities to connect to sites using ISDN or telephone lines. For multipoint videoconferences, we can bridge sites using Internet, Internet2, ISDN or plain old telephones (voice).
Q. Do I have to do anything to my network to use H.323 Videoconferencing?
A. The campus' 21st Century Network backbone is well suited for videoconferencing. Your in-building or departmental network (local area network) may need attention by your IT staff if not managed my DoIT. see our LAN recommendations
Q. What is videoconferencing used for?
A. Videoconferencing is used for many applications. It is used for education and training at a distance, as well as one-time sessions for such activities as job interviews, guest lecturers and meetings.
Q. How do I learn how to use videoconferencing?
A. We have training available for the faculty as well as technical support staff:
Faculty and teachers:
- Learn how to design instruction and teaching at a distance.More info.
Technical support staff:
- Updates and workshops are scheduled by ICS to provide updates and share best practices with other campus technical support staff.
- Our local network design recommendations as well as information on buying a videoconference unit is our our Technical SiteSupport web site.More info.
Q. Where can I find a video room on campus?
Many departments on campus have installed their own videoconference classrooms or purchased personal codecs for use with laptops or desktops. Some departments make their classrooms available to other departments. Here at ICS, we have several videoconference classrooms that seat from eight to 55 participants. More info.
Q. What alternatives or add-ons are available for videoconferencing?
ICS offers audioconferencing, webconferencing, webcasting and streaming services that can reach just about any place on Earth, even where there is no videoconference room. We can offer guidance on how to choose which delivery medium is best for you and how to effectively use each type of teleconference.
Support services provided by
Instructional Communications Systems, University of Wisconsin-Extension
under contract with UW-Madison Division of Information Technology
Content of this page maintained by Instructional Communications Systems
