Overview:

The Frontline Communicator, FC03, is a wireless and wearable video communications solution that is certified Wi-Fi and supports 802.11b/g connectivity. In the simplest layout, the Frontline Communicator and the PC running the Frontline PC software application create a point-to-point connection.

The H.323 Gateway extends the connectivity options by allowing the FC03 to communicate with several PC's that are running the Frontline PC software application and an H.323 videoconferecning endpoint at the same time. Furthermore, if the H.323 videoconferencing system supports multipoint, or is in fact a Multipoint Control Unit (MCU), then many videoconferencing endpoints can all participate in the same session with the FC03.

Using the H.323 Gateway:

The FC03 connects wirelessly to a Router then onwards to the Local Area Network with the H.323 Gateway. Depending upon the connection to the Gateway, bitrates up to 700 Kbps can be achieved with up to 15 frames per second video. By default, the Gateway calls H.323 endpoints at 384kbps and supports H.264 video and G.722.1 audio.

The link still allows one-way video and two-way audio between the FC03 and participating PC and H.323 users in real-time and at low bandwidth. In this configuration, the proprietary protocol dynamically adjusts the bitrate in accordance with the available bandwidth between the Frontline Communicator and the H.323 Gateway.

Calls can be initiated from the FC03 to the H.323 Gateway, which can then invite a PC running the Frontline PC software application, or an H.323 videoconferencing system. Alternatively, the Frontline PC software user can initiate a call to the H.323 Gateway and then invite the FC03 or H.323 system into the session. The H.323 Gateway can also be configured so that an in-bound call from a H.323 system automatically calls a FC03. Calls are made by directly inputing the far end IP address or by recalling entries from the built-in Address Book.

The FC03 can use various wireless configurations to connect to the H.323 Gateway as shown in the Networks section depending upon distance and available connectivity options. The H.323 Gateway should be located on the same LAN as the first H.323 system as should above. There are several Gateway models supporting up to 5, 10, 15 and 20 users.

Comments or Questions?

For more information about the Frontline H.323 Gateway or other AudiSoft products, please contact 21st Century Video Ltd by; Phone: +44 (0) 845 09 40 570, FAX: +44 (0) 870 80 30 410 or email: sales@c21video.com