Glossary of Terms

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Bandwidth

Represents how much information can be pushed through an electronic “pipe” at any given time. The greater the bandwidth, the better the experience for the videoconferencing user. Bandwidth is measured in kp/sec or mb/sec.

Bridge Coordinator

The person or organization in charge of managing the videoconference bridge (see MCU). The Bridge Coordinator deals with troubleshooting at the bridge level as well as bridge maintenance.

Codec

An acronym for Coder/DECoder; software or hardware which compresses (for transmission) and decompresses (once received) digital video and analog audio signals so that they occupy less bandwidth during transmission. The RISE Network uses TANDBERG Edge 95 MXP codecs.

Document Camera

A device that allows you to share overheads, charts, slides, and other “hard-copy” materials with the other videoconference participants. Document Cameras are compatible with our TANDBERG videoconference units.

E164 Alias

A number assigned to an H.323 endpoint, so that it can be reached via this alternate number, as opposed to dialing by IP address. All RISE Network endpoints use an alias to make videoconferencing easier to use, easier to manage, and easier to find people to call.

Interactive Videoconference

Allows all 8 participating libraries to see and hear one another. Limiting the number of sites to 7 plus the host ensures that interaction is possible between all participants. For most RISE Network videoconferences, Interactive Videoconference is preferred (compare to Lecture Mode)

IP

Internet Protocol that allows devices to communicate with one another via small data packages (packets) over the Internet through the use of IP addresses. Videoconference systems use the IP address like a phone number to make a videoconference call.

Lecture Mode

The presenter is seen full-screen by all sites at all times. This mode is used primarily for sessions with little interaction or time for questions or when the situation requires that participants always see the presenter rather than speakers at remote sites.

MCU (Multipoint Control Unit)

Is used to connect multiple sites in one or more simultaneous conferences. The MCU is also referred to as the “bridge.”

Multipoint Videoconference

Connects three or more sites into a single call. The sites must connect via the bridge. (Compare with point-to-point videoconference.)

Packet Loss

IP Networks invariably lose packets. Packets get dropped by routers and switches when there is congestion and a buffer overflows. Packets also get destroyed if there are other errors during transmission. Packet Loss results in a pixelated image on your videoconference monitor.

Point-to-Point Videoconference

Is a videoconference between two sites. (Compare with multipoint videoconference.)

TMS

The TANDBERG Management Suite (TMS) is the scheduling and control system for the RISE Network. All multi-point calls are scheduled using TMS. TMS is also a tool used for gathering statistics and troubleshooting as well as setting screen layouts and recording.

Videoconferencing

A technique which uses specialized equipment enabling people to see and speak to one another over existing telephone lines or the Internet.