Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Videoconferencing
Most video calls you make using Skype or another video calling app
involve one person at each end of the line.
Videoconferencing
is a multi-
party version of the video call, as in Figure 9.9. An advantage of video-
conferencing is that meetings can be held without the need for participants
to travel, saving travel time and associated costs. Videoconferencing is also
becoming prevalent in education: Online lectures can be delivered, backed
up with video-call-based mentoring sessions.
videoconferencing
A means of conducting
a video conversation remotely using an Internet
connection and the webcam or camera on your
laptop, phone, or tablet.
© iStockphoto.com/Blend_Images
Figure.9 9
Videoconferencing enables multiple people to video chat at the same time.
Videoconferencing uses the same underlying protocols as VoIP uses, but
it requires much more bandwidth. Corporate videoconferencing facilities
can cost many thousands of dollars to set up, but the costs are quickly
recouped because hotel bills, travel expenses, and time out of the office
are not required. Companies such as Cisco and Polycom provide video-
conferencing telephony equipment. Microsoft Lync provides a phone
and laptop-based videoconferencing service that companies can sign up
their employees to use.
Videoconferencing can be far more effective than phone-based meetings
because relevant graphics can be shown and because participants can see
each other and interact in real-time.
Quick Review
1
Which protocols are used for sending and receiving email?
2
What distinguishes a microblog from other blogs?
3
Which type of communication uses hashtags (#)?
4
What is VoIP used for?
