Centralized MCU is the approach used by all manufacturers whose products we tested. All endpoints send their video to a designated MCU, which selects the party that is talking, and sends that video back to the others. However, central-design MCUs can be cascaded to reach groups of participants, and a form of decentralization can be achieved by placing them in different segments of the enterprise network. Standalone servers, operating in linked domains, copy the presentation generated in a head server, where the conference is managed. Our grades reflect our belief that, although designs are distinctly different, each type of H.323 MCU has something to offer.
Buyers have intriguing trade-offs among price, reliability and feature sets.
The yardsticks we use depend on implementation category. But once configured, Lucent and RadVision equipment can be left alone 24x7 in a wiring closet and managed with PC software from anywhere on the network. Of the server-based solutions, VideoServer Encounter NetServer most closely resembles the utility model. Post-installation support and the need to deal with poorly met user expectations can cost plenty. The entire staff of Network Computing extends their thoughts and prayers to the victims of this nationwide tragedy, their families and friends.