Video-Over-IP at PSU
If you have questions concerning Penn State video conference room systems you can contact TNS via the Web inquiry form (Service Inquiry Form 
) or by calling (814) 867-3607. If you have questions concerning desktop videoconference systems you can contact the ITS HELP DESK at (814)-863-2494.
What is videoconferencing?
This interactive tool combines the use of video, computing, and communications technologies to allow people in different locations to meet face-to-face and have a live discussion.
Videoconferencing can help to save time and travel expenses by making it logistically and financially easier for groups and organizations to meet. Because staff do not lose time spent traveling to meetings, it can boost productivity. It can also aid communication in activities such as distance learning, teaching, advising, tutoring, telecommuting, cross-cultural experiences, job interviews, and language learning.
| Terminology | |
|---|---|
| Bandwidth | The width of a communications channel. |
| E.164 Alias: | E.164 is an ITU-T recommendation for international telecommunication numbering. At Penn State each system is assigned a unique 5 digit IP E.164 alias (dial number) in addition to an IP address. |
| End-point | In this document, an end-point is a Video conferencing system. |
| Gatekeeper | A network gatekeeper provides terminal registration, address resolution, bandwidth control and admission control. Penn State Telecommunications and Networking Services (TNS) currently manage one gatekeeper for Video Over IP. |
| H.320: | An ITU-T standard for transport of real-time voice and video over ISDN. (Integrated Services Digital Network) |
| H.323 Zone: | At Penn State the H.323 zone includes H.323 end-points and a Multipoint Conference unit (Video bridge) served by one gatekeeper. |
| H.323: | An ITU-T standard for transport of real-time voice and video over packet networks such as LANs, WANs and Intranets using the Internet Protocol. |
| Interzone dialing: | Allows for calling to other neighboring H.323 zones, by way of a peering arrangement among gatekeepers. |
| IP: | Internet Protocol. |
| Out-of-Zone Call | Video-Over-IP calls to or from outside of the Penn State zone. The Penn State zone is administered by one gatekeeper. |
| Transmission Rate | The speed (kilobits per second) at which a call is made. |
| VCoIP | VideoConference Over IP In this document referred to as Video-Over-IP |
| ViDeNet | ViDeNet is the global, virtual network providing video and voice-over-IP to the Internet, Internet 2, and advanced networking communities. They provide a dial plan for interzone communications between gatekeepers. Penn State uses the ViDeNet Global Dialing Scheme version 3 (GDS) dial plan. |
Why should I use video over IP?
Video over IP provides a cost effective path for videoconferencing. There are no usage costs when using the IP network.
Can I videoconference with three or more rooms?
Yes, when videoconferencing with 3 or more rooms a Video Bridge is required. The Penn State Video Bridge has the capability to bridge IP and ISDN end-points. See the Penn State Video Bridge for more detailed information on using the Bridge.
Do I need to know the IP address of the PSU end-point I plan to dial?
Within the Penn State H.323 zone, you do not need to know the IP address. Penn State Video-over-IP videoconferencing room systems are assigned a 5-digit dial number. This allows rooms to call each other without the need for entering the IP address. The gatekeeper does the translation between the dial number and the IP address.
How do I connect to a PSU end-point?
There are variations in making a call due to differences in equipment. Please consult with the videoconference room technical contact for first time dialing instructions. Select the IP option and dial the 5-digit dial number of the end-point you want to conference with or use the on line directory which is available on most Polycom systems.
How do I connect to a Non-Penn State end-point?
Placing a call
There are various options for placing a call to a Non-Penn State videoconference room. To determine which option is best we suggest coordinating the call with the non-Penn State end-point technical or scheduling contact and conducting a test call at least a few days before the first use.
Check List:
- Does the Non-Penn State videoconference room follow the ViDeNet Global Dialing Scheme version 3 (GDS) dial plan? If so, request the ViDeNet dial number of the end-point.
- If the Non-Penn State end-point is not registered with ViDeNet, request the IP address of the end-point.
- See the PSU end-point technical contact for dialing instructions.
Receiving a call
If the non-PSU end-point is using the ViDeNet Global Dialing Scheme version 3 (GDS), provide the Non-Penn State end-point technical or scheduling contact with the PSU end-point ViDeNet dial number. PSU end-point ViDeNet dial numbers are listed on the TNS Penn State Videoconferencing Rooms and Contacts List. Click on the building name and look under the heading "IP Network Interface".
The ViDeNet assigned Penn State zone prefix is 00181486 for all videoconference rooms in the Penn State H.323 zone. The Penn State end-point ViDeNet dial number is 00181486 + 5 digit dial number, for example 0018148639344. Note that both the ViDeNet and the 5 digit dial number work within the Penn State zone i.e., you can dial either 0018148639344 or 39344 within the Penn State zone.
If the H.323 capable end-point is not registered with ViDeNet, provide the end-point technical or scheduling contact with the IP address of the Penn State videoconference room. The IP address is available from the Penn State room's technical contact or is available on the dialing screen of the PSU end-point.
What do I do if I have trouble?
Problems should be reported to the videoconference room technical contact who will, in turn, report the problem to the TNS Network Operations Center at (814)-865-4NOC [4662]. Penn State Videoconference room technical contact names are usually posted in the room. For more information on reporting troubles, see the TNS maintenance policy.
Transmission Rate
TNS maintained videoconference rooms are set for a default transmission rate of 768 Kbps.
Videoconference System Registration
All videoconference system users who plan to use Penn State videoconferencing resources must register their Videoconference system with Penn State using the Videoconference System Registration Form. This information is used by Penn State to assist in managing Penn State Videoconference resources. Penn State Videoconferencing resources include the Penn State Video Bridge, Videoconference over IP gatekeeper, and TNS videoconference rooms. Use the Videoconference System Registration Form to re-register a videoconference system that has not used a Penn State Videoconferencing resource for over 1 year. Once this form is submitted, a technical coordinator from Penn State will contact the system technical contact to schedule testing.
