Video Conferencing Bridge Services

ITS offers video conferencing bridge services through a Polycom MGC+50. A video bridge enables video conferencing participants to:

1. Connect to multiple endpoints at the same time.
2. Connect to endpoints using an Alias or Extension via the bridge's Gatekeeper service .
3. Connect to endpoints using different protocols via the bridge's Gateway service.

Connecting multiple endpoints can be achieved by scheduling a multi-point conference or by reserving one of the bridge's meeting rooms. You can request either by submitting the Video Conferencing Bridge Reservation Request form. This form should be submitted at least 5 business days prior to the actual conference to insure that adequate resources will be available, and a test video conference can be scheduled to resolve potential connectivity problems.

Endpoints typically connect to other endpoints using their IP numbers. With the bridge, Vanderbilt IP endpoints may now register with the gatekeeper and connect to other endpoints via alias or extension. Using alias or extension has the advantage of providing a more identifiable address. You must register with the Gatekeeper at the endpoint via the H.323 (pdf) option. Vanderbilt's gatekeeper address is 129.59.1.38. We recommend using your email address (jane.doe@vanderbilt.edu) as your alias and your phone number as your extension, using complete North American dialing policies. For example, if the on-campus phone is 3-1234, set your extension as 0016153431234 where 00(intl. access), 1(country code), 615(area code), 3431234 (complete phone number.) More detailed information about these policies is available at the ViDeNet site.

The Gateway service enables endpoints to connect to other endpoints using a different protocol, such as IP to ISDN (SIP is not currently supported). Use the Video Conferencing Bridge Reservation Request form to set up a conference between these endpoints, as noted above. ISDN endpoints are required to dial in.

For additional questions regarding Vanderbilt's Video Conferencing Bridge Services, contact collaboration@vanderbilt.edu.

Best Practices for Video Conferencing

• Always schedule a practice session prior to the actual conference to test endpoint connectivity, sound quality, and content sharing.
• Pay attention to lighting, background noises, and backdrop to ensure the best quality audio-video experience.
• If the endpoint is running on a desktop system, shut down all other applications prior to initiating the conference.
• Video Conferencing Etiquette

You can participate in a video conference with a web camera and appropriate software. It is recommended that you have a static IP address for your desktop system.

Most web cams should work fine. Some of the cameras that have been tested with the bridge, include:

• Logitech Notebooks Pro
• Logitech Fusion
• MicrosoftCam VX-3000

In addition to a web camera, you will need appropriate codec software. For Windows systems, Polycom PVX software has been tested on the Vanderbilt Video Conferencing Bridge. For Macs, XMeeting has been recommended by other educational sites.

To request a static IP address, go to: https://nde.its.vanderbilt.edu/ipadmin/, then click on the link Request Static IP Address.

Because many cameras are CPU intensive, it is recommended that you shut down every application except for your camera and video conferencing software prior to the start of the conference.

You may record a video conference by inviting the IP endpoint 129.59.l1.226 (our ipvcr service) to your conference, then using far-end camera controls, as directed by the welcome audio, to start and stop recording.

To watch, then download recordings, go to http://129.59.1.226/login_home.html. See Codian Instructions for details.

Recordings over 30 days old are subject to deletion. It is the responsibility of the user to archive their recordings either locally or by taking advantage of ITS Streaming Media Services.

Firewall Issues

Depending on the subnet to which your endpoint is connected, you may be behind a firewall that is not H.323-aware. If you have questions about your firewall, contact your Local Support Provider or LAN Manager for assistance.

For Medical Center staff, refer to the NCS web page on setting up a video conferencing unit.

Scheduling of video conferencing equipment and facilities is at the discretion of the site manager. For information regarding types of equipment, scheduling, fees, etc., contact the listed representative.

ITS -- Rachel Aschauer, Kathryn Foote, or visit the ITS Multimedia and Video Conference Facility page.
A&S -- Penny Peirce
Peabody -- Helen Gleason
School of Nursing -- Jerry Murley or Clay Sturgeon
Vanderbilt Center for Science Outreach -- Jeff Hazelton
Virtual School -- Patsy Partin (322-6384) or Chandra Allison (322-6511)
Medical Center staff -- contact your LAN manager

Getting Help

• If you need help setting up a video conference
  • Fill out the Video Conferencing Bridge Reservation Request form.
• If you'd like to test endpoint connectivity
  • Fill out the Video Conferencing Participant Connectivity Form
  • Testing is usually scheduled for Thursday morning at 10:00 am CST.
• If you have questions
  • E-mail collaboration@vanderbilt.edu
  • Phone 615-343-9999 (on campus 3-9999) option #1, option #

• Gatekeeper -- a system that connects with the Internet, and with which endpoints may register thereby transferring information (IP number, H.323 alias, and extension). Gatekeepers share information with each other, enabling endpoints to communicate with other endpoints via alias or extension.
• Gateway -- provides a path between H.320 and H.323 systems.
• H.320 -- an international standard protocol for video conferencing that uses telecommunication lines for connectivity.
• H.323 -- an international standard protocol for video conferencing that uses the Internet for connectivity.
• H.323 Alias -- a logical name for a video conferencing endpoint. It usually contains alphnumeric characters.
• H.323 Extension -- the video telephone number of the client. It should conform to North American dialing conventions.
• ISDN -- a telephone network system that allows for digital transmission of voice and data over ordinary phone lines.
• MCU -- Multipoint Control Unit, also referred to as a Video Bridge. The MCU connects to the Internet and registers with the gatekeeper. It can handle simultaneous videoconferences, each having multiple participants
• Point-to-Point (P2P) VideoConferencing -- Two endpoints video conferencing directly with each other without using any bridging services.
• Video Bridge -- also referred to as an MCU (see above).