What is Wrong with Academic Videoconferencing? Roger Bolam JANET(UK)
The Basics… � Usability is a big issue for end users – who do they dial and how? � E.164 GDS numbers are not personal, its just a 16 digit number. We need to make it like easier � Basic user training / awareness � Equipment Interoperation is STILL! a problem � Telepresence (what do we mean), ekiga, flash meeting, H.323, SIP claims by manufacturers? � GDS is not deployed in a uniform way – it doesn’t work!
The basics continued � Lack of NREN mailing / discussion � This meeting is the first time we actually have the right people together to influence a change! � A clear issue with inter NREN bookings – its based around knowing people ad hoc at the moment and we do not and our users do not � Example is a JANET(UK) – SWITCH videoconference lots of-pre info required for users: � Who is hosting � Who’s MCU � What is the dial in number? � Is it GDS? � What is GDS? � I am behind NAT so do not have an IP address – It’s a local NREN issue. � SWITCH or JANET get contacted and have to make an assumption based booking….
How can we fix things? � Pre- agreed NREN list of basics: � GDS configuration should be the same with all NREN’s, but it is not! Lets us make it thus! � MCU Configuration and openness? � Lets test and see if it works. � It is like a game of rugby, we have the players here today but we need them to know what they have to do and play to their individual strengths.
How do we Fix Things? � Educonf Certification? � Must have gatekeepers to a certain s/w level and interop standard? � Must have MCU’s and GDS gatekeepers to atleast H.323 and a common interoperation level - maybe SIP don’t worry about HD yet! � Annual test for educonf interoperability certification? I think so. � Lets make Educonf the interop standard for Europe! I would work hard to be educonf compliant � Maybe insist on Quality Assurance testing all of our endpoints….
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