Direct Connect

Direct connection via channelized T1 circuits to the ESC-20 MCU (video bridge) provides a dedicated port on the ESC-20 core switch and dedicated circuits on the netVision20 MCU. Clear Channel circuits connected from the client's premise to the ESC-20 switch are channelized to provide dedicated bandwidth for videoconferencing. "Nailed-up," direct-connect sites communicate using the H.320 umbrella standard or the H.263 compression standard.

H.320 "Nailed-up" Access to netVision20 Video Network

This connection provides a nailed-up or dedicated access from the client's premise equipment to the ESC-20 core switch. Core and edge devices are configured to provide circuit emulation of six (6) channels to the netVision20 MCU. A dedicated site profile for the client's videoconferencing equipment and six (6) channels of MCU capacity are maintained in a continuous 7x24 connection. A rate of 384kbps is the minimum standard for the H.261 (video) compression standard in this "direct-connect" environment.

H.263 "Nailed-up" Access to netVision 20 Video Services

netVision20 provides the unique ability to transcode video rates other than 384 kbps. netVision20 recognizes the benefits that the newer H.263 video compression standard can bring, therefore, the ability to connect H.263-compliant video systems at rates other than 384 kbps is supported. This connection provides a nailed-up or dedicated access from the client's premise equipment to the ESC-20 core switch. Core and edge devices are configured to provide circuit emulation of two (2) or six (6) channels to the netVision20 MCU. A dedicated site profile for the client's videoconferencing equipment and 2-6 channels of MCU capacity are maintained in a continuous 7x24 connection. An option is available for connection rates of 128kbps or 384kbps using the H.263 compression standard in this "direct-connect" environment.

*Transcoding capability allows connections across standards based protocols using different manufacturers' equipment and different connect speeds (128Kbs to full T1).

Gateway Service

H.323 is an IP (Internet Protocol) based video compression standard. However, it should be recognized that there are inherent trade-offs between the H.323 and H.320 video systems, the most critical difference being their quality of service. netVision20 utilizes Cisco's MCM (Multi-Media Conference Manager) to provide QOS in H.323 video calls.

Region 20 recognizes the possibilities and opportunities that could be made available with the H.323 video compression standard, and is ready to provide H.323 support to netVision20 members.

Description of H.323/H.320 Gateway Service

H.323/H.320 Gateway Service fees are based on the "potential" amount of bandwidth that may be needed at any time for H.323 traffic not H.323 endpoints. Site profiles for multiple client H.323 endpoints can be maintained and available for use at any time. The actual number of H.323 endpoints is not a determining factor for this fee, rather, potential bandwidth needed for H.323 traffic is. The number of simultaneous H.323 sessions available to conference via the netVision20 hub is determined by this rate.

Some of the new H.323 compliant codecs now provide some limited internal video bridging capabilities. This feature allows the operator of a videoconferencing system to call additional parties (usually up to 4 total) into an established session and provide expanded bridging capabilities. A typical scenario may be a 384k H.323 connection from the netVision20 bridge to a designated H.323 district videoconferencing system using NAT (Network Address Translation) and then an internal, client-initiated call to other H.323 compliant sites within their district/campus.

netVision20 recognizes this capability as a powerful way to increase both the reach of the network and access to programs and services.

*Additional H.323 compliant videoconferencing systems located within the client's LAN may be "bridged" via a codec-based device with no additional fees.

Cascades

This service provides a cascaded linked service (either H.320 or H.323) to a district's own Multipoint Conferencing Unit (MCU). MCU cascading allows a district to exponentially increase the number of end-points that can participate in a scheduled videoconference. This includes scheduling services for out-of-district end-point participation.

Technical Assistance

Technical support is available for all video-related components and services from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on days of Center Operation with after-hours support available upon request. Support staff will be available for assistance and troubleshooting video-related components, including video codecs, video peripheral devices, MCU, and network connectivity. Technical support is provided primarily via telephone, but on-site support is available if required (see the Fees tab for cost information). Conference monitoring is available during normal business hours of the Center.

Training

Video Methodologies Training (One Day)
This training is for individuals who are interested in making videoconferencing available within their district or campus or who already have video systems. This course will include netVision20 videoconferencing system and video service descriptions. It will also include videoconferencing basics and standards including differences between H.320, H.323, and T.120 - Application Sharing. Video-related discussions and demonstrations will include two-way interactive video, interactive multi-cast, multi-cast, desktop video applications and selecting the most appropriate platform.

Distance Learning Utilization Training: Satellite Delivered Programming (One Day)

This session will demonstrate/identify available satellite resources for K-12 educators. Participants will explore programming offered via satellite for staff development, for student credit courses, student enrichment opportunities and used tape content in the classroom.

Manager Level Training (One Day)

Manager Level Training is geared towards the technical operation of most of today's videoconferencing hardware. Configuration of video codecs for operation in both H.320 and H.323 environments and troubleshooting video systems are included. Custom training can be developed for customer equipment, hardware and applications. Video Network operations, procedures and policy are also discussed. Manager Level Training is developed in an effort to provide the skills and knowledge needed for the person or persons designated as the district/campus Site Manager.

Contacts

Ronnie Dennis
ronnie.dennis @ esc20.net
(210) 370-5632

Lee Ramirez
lee.ramirez @ esc20.net
(210) 370-5740

Harriett Jackson
harriett.jackson @ esc20.net
(210) 370-5713