Education Service Center, Region 20 offers state-of-the-art educational videoconferencing and related services for schools, libraries and other educational entities. The Center is committed to the deployment and support of the regional telecommunications infrastructure through in-network "nailed-up" connectivity as well as dial-up video access throughout the nation.

• Direct Connection
  
• Video Bridging (Off-Network Access)
  
• H.323 or H.320 Gateway Service
  
• H.323 or H.320 Cascade Service (MCU-to-MCU)
  
• Scheduling
  
• Technical Assistance
  
• Technical Training
  
• Fees for Services

Direct connection (via channelized T1 circuits) to the ESC-20 MCU (video bridge) provides a dedicated port on the Region 20 core ATM switch and dedicated circuits on the netVision 20 MCU. Clear Channel ATM T1 circuits connected from the client's premise to the ESC-20 ATM switch are channelized to provide a 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 netVision 20 Video Network
This connection provides a nailed-up or dedicated access from the client's premise equipment to the Region 20 core ATM switch. ATM core and edge devices are configured to provide circuit emulation of six (6) channels to the netVision 20 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
Because of netVision 20's unique ability to provide transcoding*, video rates other than 384 kbps can be used. netVision 20 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 Region 20 core ATM switch. ATM core and edge devices are configured to provide circuit emulation of two (2) or six (6) channels to the netVision 20 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).

 

ESC-20 provides robust and flexible video bridging services through dial-up or direct connections for point-to-point and multi-point conferencing. Video bridging allows netVision 20 clients connected to the Region 20 hub in a "Nailed-up" or "direct-connect" manner to videoconference with "off-network" sites. The netVision 20 Video supports an ISDN PRI (Primary Rate Interface) which is connected directly to the Region 20 MCU. ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) provides the capability to dial remote locations across the country (and the world) and is an ideal way to access virtual field trips, remote expertise, and colleges and universities in other states.

Part of the video bridging service is remote site testing. Prior to any conference involving a remote or off-network site, a technical test of the site is conducted by Region 20 staff to verify connectivity, audio and video quality, and establish technical contacts. Remote site certification is conducted at least 48 hours prior to a video bridge event.

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. netVision 20 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 netVision 20 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 netVision 20 hub is determined by this rate.

Codec-based bridging on the district LAN
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 netVision 20 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.

netVision 20 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.

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.

Access to the region-wide Web-based scheduling system is provided to netVision 20 Video members. Members are provided passworded local access to the Web-based server for scheduling their own sessions. Conflict resolution and coordination of scheduling requests with other cascaded video schedulers are provided by Region 20 staff.

Access to netVision 20 scheduling contacts is 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on days of Center operation, with after-hours support available upon request. If requested, an ESC-20 MCU operator will "meet and greet" participants in a session, that is, verify a conference via video, conduct a roll call, confirm participation, and then hand over the session to the host or conference originator.

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 fees for services for cost information). Conference monitoring is available during normal business hours of the Center.

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 video conferencing 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 credit student courses, student enrichment opportunities and using taped content in the classroom.

Manager Level Training (One day)
Manager-Level Training is geared towards 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 district/campus Site Manager.

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