Access points (AP) [or wireless access points, (WAP)]
A device that allows wireless communication devices to connect to a wireless network using Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11), Bluetooth or other like standards.
Analog phone
Analog phones use the first telephone technology which converts air vibrations into analogous electrical frequencies. Even today, unless a key telephone system, digital PBX, or voice over IP (VoIP) is used, most homes and small offices continue to use analog phones.
Automatic camera tracking
Automatic camera tracking in video conferencing and telepresence communications uses arrays of microphones or ultrasonic emitters combined with advanced algorithms in Polycom equipment to identify the position of and follow/track participants as they move in the room during a video call.
Bandwidth
Capacity of a network or network segment to receive and transmit video, audio, and data.
Bluetooth
A short-range wireless transmission technology for networking of multiple devices. Due to its limited range, Bluetooth is used for connecting devices that are close to each other, for example, a Bluetooth headset and a Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone.
Caller ID
A popular feature in Central Office switches, IP soft switches, PBXs, IP-PBXs, and video communication systems that allow the user (‘subscriber’ in service provider terminology) to identify who is calling. The information can include the caller's phone number, caller's name, or both. Modern telephones and soft clients expand the definition of Caller ID by associating pictures and ring tones with callers, so that the user can immediately recognise who is calling.
CallManager™
Original name for a software-based call-processing system developed by Cisco Systems, now called Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM).
Conference management
The ability to manage conference calls, that is, schedule conferences, monitor who joins the conference, and be able to add and remove participants. Most of these features are implemented in the conference server (MCU) and are available to the conference chairperson. The features are often used in operator-assisted conferencing and immersive telepresence where the operator or the Video Network Operating Centre (VNOC) can use conference management to provide the best experience for all participants.
Conference phones
Audio or video conference telephones that allow multiple participants to communicate and collaborate. Conference phones have higher quality speakers and microphones than regular desktop telephones and are specifically designed for conference room acoustics.
Conference scheduling software
Server software that allows scheduling of conference calls. It is a subset of 'Conference Management Software' and usually allows access over a web interface and through office collaboration tools such as Microsoft® Outlook and IBM Lotus Notes.
Conferencing network
A group of stations or ‘endpoints’ (telephones, computers, video screens, or other devices) connected by communications facilities for exchanging information. Connection can be permanent, using cables, or temporary, using telephone or other communications links. The medium for transmission can be physical, using fibre optic cable, or wireless, using satellite link-up.
Content
Any data such as presentations, spreadsheets, and schematics that can be displayed and presented to far side endpoints, or received and viewed on the near side.
Continuous presence video
A feature in multi-point conferencing that allows the video endpoint to see images from multiple video endpoints at the same time. All parties remain continuously visible or 'present' for the duration of the call and the user can have control over the screen layout. In comparison, Voice Activated Switching only allows the user to see the current speaker on full screen while the rest of the participants remain hidden. Continuous Presence is better suited for team collaboration since it allows participants to see the reactions (body language) of all participants, not just the speaker.
Endpoint
The term endpoint is used in many standards specifications to describe an entity that can initiate and receive communication. In audio-visual communication, an endpoint is a video system (video conferencing or telepresence), a telephone handset, or a soft client.
Ethernet
The most popular interface (physical and data link layer) used in Local Area Networks, and now also deployed in access networks.
Firewall
A network node set up as a boundary to prevent traffic from one segment crossing over into another.
High definition
Refers to a video system of higher resolution than standard-definition (SD) video, most commonly at display resolutions of 1280x720 (720p) or 1920x1080 (1080i or 1080p). High definition (HD) refers to the visual resolution of television formats (HDTV), high definition video (used in HDTV broadcasting, digital film and computer HD video film formats), high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), an all-digital audio and video interface capable of transmitting uncompressed streams, and other formats for recording and transmitting visual and audio communications.
High resolution
Refers to video systems with display resolutions approximating 704x480 (480p) (16:9 aspect ratio) or 704x480 (4:3 aspect ratio).
Internal multipoint
Capability within a video or telepresence endpoint to bridge multiple parties in a single simultaneous video conference.
Interoperability
In communications electronics systems or equipment for those systems, interoperability is the ability for information or services to be exchanged directly and smoothly between them and their users. More generally, interoperability is the ability of systems and units to provide services and to accept services from other systems and units and to use the services to operate effectively together.
IP phone
IP phones use Voice over IP technologies that enable calls to be made over an IP network such as the Internet instead of the ordinary PSTN system. Calls are conducted via the Internet, or a private IP network, or intercompany intranet. IP phones use control protocols and can be simple software-based or purpose-built hardware devices.
IP video
IP devices are now available that allow users to transmit video signals over an IP network such as the Internet. This technology makes video conferencing and telepresence conferencing possible.
Management
The ability to view, control, provision, update, and allocate resources and rights to video and telepresence endpoints and conference bridges within a video ecosystem. Characterised by a centralised application, management also commonly provides gatekeeper functions, conference scheduling activities, integration with existing IT directory structures, and alarm notifications.
Multipoint call
A multipoint call is one in which several phones, terminals, or stations are all connected, as opposed to point-to-point communications where the communication is between only two stations.
Multipoint conference
Communication between more than two sites. Multipoint conferences may be established internally within a video endpoint, or through an external dedicated device such as a Conference Bridge.
Near end/near side
The local side with a video conference, where the conference is initiated.
Network
A network is a collection of computers and devices connected to each other. The network allows computers and their users to communicate with each other and share resources and information over a variety of connection methods.
Point-to-point call
Point-to-point telecommunications refers to a connection restricted to two endpoints, usually host computers. Point-to-point is distinct from point-to-multipoint which also refers to broadcast or downlink.
Point-to-point video conference
Peer-to-peer video conferences use a computer network to connect participants for user communications as well as file or content sharing. Point-to-point conferencing can transmit audio, video, data or any digital format as well as real-time telephony traffic.
Resolution
A measure of sharpness or clarity on a display.
Scheduling
As it applies to voice, video and telepresence technology, scheduling is the ability to schedule conference areas, resources and equipment for audio or video calls.
Teleconference
A teleconference is a live meeting among several people who are removed from each other by short or long distances, but who are linked by a telecommunications system and equipment. Audio conferencing, voice conferencing, and telephone (or phone) conferencing are all alternative terms used to describe teleconferencing.
Telepresence
A technology that enables highly life-like, face-to-face interactions to occur between individuals and groups over distance. Characterised by high definition video, audio, and content. Subcategories Include ‘Immersive’, ‘Room’, and ‘Personal’.
Traffic management
Traffic or bandwidth management is the process of measuring and controlling the communications (traffic, packets) on a network link, to avoid filling the link to capacity or overfilling the link, which would result in poor performance and network congestion.
Unified communications
Technology that combines voice, video, and content into one real-time communications solution no matter where the participants are located.
Web conferencing
A collaborative session hosted by a service provider, which uses a standard Web browser or downloaded client to share an application, or to make a remote presentation over the Internet. Voice communications to accompany the conference or presentation are typically delivered over the public switched or IP network.