Why IP-based Videoconferencing?
Many factors influence videoconferencing quality, including bandwidth, network quality, frame rate, fields per second, resolution, picture size, codec computing power, algorithm, motion handling, motion vs. resolution, etc. Aside from videoconferencing quality and the technical advantages of IP-based videoconferencing, however, the most important reason to use IP-based videoconferencing is economy.
Unlike ISDN-based videoconferencing, IP-based videoconferencing is a flat-rate solution, allowing enterprises to control the cost. It also allows enterprises to take advantage of shared networks and shared skilled personnel. In contrast, ISDN-based videoconferencing is a pay-as-you-go model. It also requires separate control of the video application and has to be engineered for one enterprise's usage; therefore, enterprises can not take advantage of shared networks and personnel.
IP also has certain intrinsic benefits that overcome the inherent drawbacks of ISDN:
Reaches diverse environments:
- ISDN stalled at the conference room and never reached critical mass at the desktop
- IP allows utilization of low-cost Ethernet bandwidth to every desktop and conference room
Global reach
- ISDN has not been provisioned in every geographical region
- IP is available in virtually every country
Reliability and Usage
- ISDN requires time and technical knowledge to connect, and synchronization is an issue
- IP works as quickly, reliably, and easily as voice calls, allowing initiation of IP video calls with little training
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