Technology Models

COMMONWEALTH CONFERENCE ROOM

Version: 3.0
Status: Approved: 04/07/05
Contact: Ruthann Barton

 

PURPOSE

The purpose of this model is to provide the definition, guidance and an overview of the requirements and information necessary to deploy the Commonwealth Conference Room video services.

SCOPE

 The model covers the Commonwealth Conference Room concept and the components used to deliver various types of video services that should be available on all VCCS campuses. This document will be updated to adapt to changes in technology, as they occur.

APPLICABILITY

 This model is applicable to the System Office, all colleges and campuses within the VCCS.

MODEL

 The model provides a venue, the Commonwealth Conference Room, where a relatively small group of participants can have access to the various types of video services currently supported by the VCCS. Patrons will be able to participate in activities such as statewide meetings, training initiatives, collaborative projects, and meetings of the various VCCS Management stakeholders and work groups.

Strategy:

All VCCS video services are based on International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Standards. To ensure interoperability with the other ITU Standards based video systems, the video systems used in the Commonwealth Conference Room must also be ITU Standards based. The applicable standards for this model are the ITU H.323 and H.264.

Room Configuration:

The Commonwealth Conference Room provides conference room size facilities for interactive videoconferencing for small groups. The basic components are as follows:

Standard Configuration:

  • A typical conference room (up to 15 people) seated comfortably at a table(s).

  • The most up-to-date interactive video equipment available to the colleges following the VCCS standard.

  • 32" Flat Screen Monitor or 43" LCD Panel or 43" Plasma Display or XGA Projector with screen.

  • Microphone(s) to accommodate up to 15 participants comfortably seated.

  • External speaker system.

  • Campus switched LAN/Internet connectivity providing a minimum of 768 kbps.

  • Appropriate power, lighting, acoustical and furniture support.

  • Access to a telephone (with speakerphone) and FAX unit.

    • Optional Configuration:

    • Office or utility space that is suitable for video conference.

    • The most up-to-date interactive video equipment available to the colleges following the VCCS standard.

    • 32" Flat Screen Monitor or 43" LCD Panel or 43" Plasma Display following VCCS Guidelines.

    • Mobile Equipment Cart that is self contained with all required components (display, speakers, microphones, keyboard, video codec, etc.).

    • Campus switched LAN/internet connectivity providing a minimum of 768 kbps.

    • Access to a telephone (with speakerphone) and FAX unit.

    Model Components:

    H.323 System: H.323 systems, commonly referred to as a H.323 endpoint, may be used to provide connectivity to other H.323 capable Commonwealth Conference Rooms or to other VCCS H.323 endpoints serving the Commonwealth Classrooms or other VCCS facilities. All participating endpoints must support the ITU H.323 and H.264 standards. The Conference endpoints should be a "set top" or "appliance" model that has been validated and identified as the standard unit associated with the Commonwealth Conference Room.

    Gatekeeper: A system wide H.323 gatekeeper device is deployed and supported at the Enterprise level to assist with the management of system wide video conferencing services. It provides two main functions. The first is address management. The gatekeeper is a central repository for addressing and alias information much like a Domain Name Services (DNS) server resolves addresses to names. Alias names are assigned to allow IP addresses to be changed without the need to propagate the change to all endpoint dialing facilities. The second is bandwidth management. Bandwidth limits may be established and managed to ensure proper allocation to endpoints during calls.

    Multi-point Control Unit (MCU): The VCCS provides H.323 video bridging (MCU) services that may be used to provide multi-point connectivity among H.323 capable Commonwealth Conference Rooms and H.323 capable devices anywhere on the Internet. This service is used when 3 or more sites are to be included in the conference.

    Network Infrastructure: Each H.323 system or endpoint is an independent entity, just like a telephone. Each endpoint is also a native IP device, with direct connectivity to the campus network using a fast Ethernet interface. Since these systems have access to NetworkVirginia via the college’s local area network, they are able to connect to any VCCS endpoint in either a point-to-point or a multi-point call using the enterprise MCU. The Commonwealth Conference endpoints will all have limited multi-point communication capabilities built within the codec.

    Conference Scheduling: A Web based H.323 client/server scheduling system is available that can be used to avoid conflicts in the use of both Commonwealth Classroom and Conference Conference Room endpoints and to automate the conference connections.

    Proprietary Systems: Commonwealth Conference Rooms may be equipped with proprietary video conferencing systems or other equipment for special purposes. Connectivity requirements will depend on the system used, and may or may not be interoperate with standard equipment outlined in this document.

    Security:

    All video resources are to be protected, by their owners, in accordance with the Virginia Community College System security standard and the VCCS Distributed Security Model.

    The colleges are responsible for providing physical security for their Commonwealth Conference Room and access authorization to the local video services and equipment.

    Support:

    ITS Technology Services provides the overall leadership and support for VCCS compressed video services. This office is responsible for identifying product trends, validating new software releases/versions, administering the enterprise bridge and scheduling application, and maintaining vendor relations. The colleges and System Office work together with the Information Technology Office to provide a comprehensive support organization for all compressed video services.

    VCCS Video Services Technical support is organized into the following three levels:

    Level 1

    Colleges and System Office: College support staff provides the point of contact for their customers. They are expected to resolve routine problems related to video services and the equipment configured for the Commonwealth Conference Room. They are also required to maintain service contracts on all of their video equipment, to facilitate repair and replacement of defective devices.

    Level 2

    ITS Client Services: Client Services staff provides the point of contact for college support staff and college customers. They are expected to resolve routine problems related to video services.

    ITS Technology Services: Technology Services staff provides the product specialist for video services and will work with college support staff and vendors to research solutions to non-routine problems, and to obtain appropriate solutions such as product patches, new releases, etc. This group is also responsible for the administration and management of the video bridge and the related scheduling application.

    Level 3

    Product Vendors: The vendors are responsible for maintaining their products by providing product patches, general information, tailored solutions for unique problems, new releases, etc.