Well, you could just buy the same as the person you want to have a conference with. However, this might not be the best solution. There are essentially two types of systems, proprietary and standards based. If the person you want to have a conference with uses a proprietary system, then you must buy the same as them, or persuade them to buy something different. This paper concentrates on choosing a H.320 or H.323 standards based Video Conferencing systems.

There is an ever increasing number of standards, terminologies and buzz-words used within the video conferencing industry that can make understanding what is both available and compatible a minefield. We have the H.300's, the G.700's, the T.120's and now the H.460's, not to mention ISDN; LAN, WAN, ADSL, VPN and POTS all mixed with NTSC, PAL and CIF. This document explains how they relate to the various communications infrastructures of video conferencing and how they relate to each other.

The purpose of this paper is to explain in detail the functions of the four main H.323 network components; H.323 Terminals, Gatekeepers, Gateways and Multipoint Control Units (MCUs) when used in conjunction with standards based Video Conferencing systems. It is intended to provide an overview of these products and broaden their appeal by giving brief examples of their usage.

The purpose of this paper is to explain in greater detail the Global Dialling Scheme (GDS) recommended for use by Schools when connecting VideoConferencing endpoints to the National Research and Educational Networks. It discuss the structure of the H.323 User Number, how it is associated to the E.164 number and how it is integrated into the Global Dialling Scheme. The concept of Neighbouring and Directory Gatekeepers is then introduced and how these are used in conjunction with the Dialling Scheme to identify the end-user (Endpoint) being called.

The purpose of this paper is to explain in greater detail the use of H.323 Dial Plans and Service Codes used by Gatekeepers, Gateways, MCUs and Endpoints in initiating services used in Video Conferences. It discusses the H.323 User Number (E.164 number) and explains how it is used by the Gatekeeper to identify the end-user (Endpoint) being called. The concept of Service Codes for Gateways and MCUs is then introduced and how these are used in conjunction with the Gatekeeper and H.323 User Number to initiate more complex conferences. Finally, we introduce the concept of IP Video Telephony functions and how the whole H.323 infrastructure can be managed by VCON's Media Xchange Manger™, MXM.

The purpose of this paper is to explain in greater detail the IP Ports and Protocols used by H.323 devices during Video Conferences. This is essential information if there are endpoints that are protected by a Firewall. It lists the Port and the Protocol used for various H.323 functions along with the H.323 devices that may use this Port.

The purpose of this paper is to explain in greater detail how to implement cost savings into H.320 compliant ISDN based Video Conferences, including conferences with multiple participants. It describes the components and their functions that are needed to establish an H.320 Video Conference as well as how to implement cost efficient alternatives.

The purpose of this paper is to explain in greater detail the H.221 framing structure used in ISDN based H.320 Video Conferences. It explains the framing structures used in 2B calls at 128kbps; the differences between 6B and BONDED calls at 384kbps and how 56kbps Channels communicate with 64kbps Restricted Channels.