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The H323 video conferencing protocol is a standard for video conferencing defined by the International Telecommunications Union.
This standard creates specifications for computers, equipment, and services operating over packet based networks to define the transmission of real time audio, video, and data information.
H 323 is commonly used in VoIP and IP based videoconferencing. The first version of the H 323 video conferencing protocol was approved in 1996.
The current version is number 4. Many software programs, such as Microsoft Netmeeting, now employ LAN-based H 323 video systems.
Prior to the implementation of H 323 protocols, other video conferencing protocols were in use. H 320, one of the more common predecessors to the H 323 protocol, operated over ISDN.
H323 video conference systems can be used to communicate with older H 320 systems by video gateways. These gateways also bridge H 323 calls to H 324 protocols, sending audio and video transmissions over standard telephone lines. This allows users to conference between a LAN and a remote site.
While simultaneous video conferencing from three or more remote points usually requires the implementation of a Multipoint Control Unit, or MCU, some H 323 systems have removed this requirement.
These systems use a technique called "decentralized multipoint", facilitated by the H 323 standard. This technique provides higher quality audio and video information because there is no central server managing the call.
These systems also allow multipoint calls to be made without concern for the availability of an MCU. Because all stations must transmit directly to all other stations in this multi-point call, there is some increased bandwidth usage when holding an H 323 video conference using this technique.
The H323 video conferencing standard allows for great flexibility in video conferencing. Endpoints using this standard can still connect despite having different capabilities. A terminal capable only of audio transmission could still engage in a video conference with others that had video or data capabilities.
An H 323 multimedia terminal would be capable of sharing only the portion of the call that the terminal could receive with that terminal, while still providing voice, video, and data to all other terminals.
Video and audio traffic are more bandwidth intensive than data traffic. Network managers operating on the H323 video conferencing protocol have the ability to limit the number of simultaneous transmissions operating on their network. This allows bandwidth to be conserved, ensuring that critical traffic will not be disrupted.
The H323 video conference standard helps to improve the ease and utility of video conferencing. With this standard, users can conveniently connect to a call using a variety of machines, without worrying about compatibility, even if they are using an older protocol.
The H 323 standard does away with the need for additional equipment when making multi-point calls, and allows for more detailed control by administrators. With the H 323 standard, it is becoming ever easier to talk face to face to people who are far away.
Related Article: Free Video Conference Guide - Free Trial Software And Recommended Companies
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