Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Because these systems share bandwidth with data communications,
care must be taken to ensure that converged data and voice networks
do not saturate network capacity both within an organization as well as
through its external ISP connection.
Note:
Voice-over-IP systems do not provide exactly the same functionality
as PSTN connections, even though the appearance and use is very simi-
lar. Lack of Enhanced 911 location identification, latency due to Internet
routing, and a variety of incompatible VoIP protocols may complicate
implementation projects. VoIP should never be the sole means for emer-
gency communications during disaster recovery operations, because the
network itself may be unavailable or saturated by traffic generated during
denial-of-service or viral attacks.
Streaming Media
The same bandwidth expansion that has allowed voice communications
between two parties also allows rich media to be streamed to consumers
using standard Internet Web clients. Streaming media services allow Inter-
net access to audio and video content of both live and on-demand content.
Organizations may implement streaming media services in order to pro-
vide remote access to recruiting videos, rich-media training materials, and
archived footage from live events. Live feeds can allow remote participa-
tion in public events and meetings, particularly when coupled with remote
user response interaction through a simultaneous chatroom interface.
Streaming feeds from webcams are used for a wide variety of purposes,
from security to monitoring of meeting-room availability. Feeds can pro-
vide managers an easy way to verify employee presence, while external
cameras can alert employees to weather and traffic conditions. Highly
secured operational environments may even employ outside cameras and
interior displays configured as “windows,” to allow employees an oppor-
tunity to “look outside” without requiring an exposed physical portal.
Shared Whiteboards and Desktops
In addition to media and textual content, synchronous technology can
also allow remote participants to share a standard area in which additional
