Video conferencing and the Integrated Services Digital Network

Introduction

Broadcast quality is also commonly referred to as full motion or full bandwidth video. Technically, the bandwidth of such video services is approximately 5.5 MHz. The actual value is not so important. What is important is to think of broadcast quality services as requiring a very large communications pipe, such as optical fibre, to provide the service, which is usually expensive. Two way video conference services based on broadcast quality services are therefore usually only cost effective in a metropolitan area.

Video conferencing services, which have become available recently, aim to reduce the bandwidth, that is the size of the communications pipe, in order to reduce the cost of the service. Video conferencing services, as the name suggests, are inherently two way in nature.

Video conferencing and codecs

The bandwidths used for video conferencing services are typically in the range 56 kbit/s to 2 Mbit/s. This compares to approximately 100 Mbit/s for broadcast quality video. More significantly it can be compared with a normal (voice) telephone call through the Telecom network which uses a 64 kbit/s transmission channel.

The codecs use compression algorithms to reduce the bandwidth required. For example they will only transmit information about what has changed from one frame to another. Of course there is a trade off in the loss of ability to accurately display fast movement. Again, as the name suggests, video conferencing is suitable for conference style meetings or seminars where participants are seated, or other activities such as lectures where there is reduced movement.

Telecom uses codecs from Compression Laboratories Incorporated (USA) which is the world's biggest codec manufacturer. Importantly, Telecom purchases its codecs with a prepaid upgrade from the manufacturer to the proposed international CCITT standard H261.

Telecom networks for video conferencing

• Telecom Iterra Satellite Service (with 384 kbit/s modems).
  The TAFE LIVE-NET network linking Perth with Tom Price, Paraburdoo and Karratha is an example of this type of network.

• Telecom 2 Mbit/s Video Conferencing Network.
  This network provides the public video conferencing service. Video conferencing rooms connected to this network include the Telecom Public Rooms, and rooms set up by private companies. International access is available from this network. This network is used on a booked or reservation basis, with booking and billing handled by Telecom.

• Telecom Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN).

ISDN and video conferencing

Figure 1: Integrated Services Digital Network

The initial video conferencing service on ISDN from Telecom (Figure 2) consists of

• ISDN Macrolink (20 channel) service;
• Multiplexor (to combine 64 kbit/s channels);
• CLI Rembrandt II codec;
• multipoint conference bridge available.

Figure 2: ISDN and video conferencing

Initially, conferencing is at 384 kbit/s, obtained from 6 x 64 kbit/s channels, or six telephone calls established, with further developments to allow the user to select the number of channels to be used. The spare capacity on the ISDN Macrolink service is available for other applications, which may include

• leased data applications, for example LAN to LAN connections, host to cluster controller links, etc;
• dial up 64 kbit/s data;
• facsimile;
• telephony;
• audio conferencing.

Ideas and new opportunities

• new units or courses can be delivered to off campus sites;
• reduced travelling time and cost;
• administration meetings can include more people;
• meetings can be held with greater frequency;
• guest lecturers can be shared with other sites;
• teacher and staff training;
• counselling and other specialised services available;
• resale of service to community and private users.

Budget

ISDN access	$10,000	p.a. rental
Codec and multiplexor	$100,000	purchase
Room equipment (cameras, etc)	$30-100,000	purchase
Usage examples (per hour at 384 kbit/s, business hours rates):
local Perth - Kalgoorlie Perth - Sydney	$14 $156 $243

Important issues

• Network management

• Technical support and maintenance
  • Telecom staff available nationally
  • Remote diagnostics
  • Video expertise available at Telecom's Television Operating Centre (TOC)
  • Help desk

• Connectivity
  • TOC provides interconnection between the public video conference network, ISDN video conferencing, Iterra video conferencing and full bandwidth networks.
  • International access
  • Telecom public rooms

Conclusion

Telecom can provide a complete video conferencing service, including video conferencing room design and fit out. When establishing a video conference service it is vitally important that new users see a service that is easy to operate, and one that performs well. First impressions when exposed to new technology are critical to the acceptance of the technology.

Should you wish to know more about Telecom video conferencing in WA, or would like a tour of Telecom's video conferencing facilities, please contact Ross Davies, Communications Consultant (09 420 9256) or Kevin Harding, Account Executive Education (09 420 9288), at the Corporate Customer Division, Telecom Australia, in Markalinga House, 251 St Georges Terrace, Perth. Please cite as: Davies, R. and Harding, K. (1990). Video conferencing and the Integrated Services Digital Network. In R. Atkinson and C. McBeath (Eds.), Open Learning and New Technology: Conference proceedings, 88-92. Perth: Australian Society for Educational Technology WA Chapter. http://www.aset.org.au/confs/olnt90/davies.html