TIPG/PEACESAT

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who can request a videoconference?
• Who can I connect to?
• What is a bridge or MCU?
• What is H.323 and H.320?
• What is ATM, IP, ISDN?
• How long in advance should I send in a VTC request form to the STAN Network Operations Center (NOC)?
• Is it possible to record a VTC?
• Is it possible to connect to a commercial satellite for a VTC?
• What are STAN's operational hours?
• What if I want to schedule a conference on non-operational hours?
• What is continuous presence and voice activated?
• How can I join a conference that has been scheduled already?
• Is it possible to implement a PowerPoint presentation with a VTC?
• How do I go about setting up a VTC? What is the procedure?
  
  
• Who can request a videoconference?
  STAN services are primarily available for use by public service entities such as educational and health institutions, government agencies, and other non-profit organizations. TIPG may make exceptions for private sector use of the network for instances such as economic development, training, and other non-commercial uses.
  
  
• Who can I connect to?
  Through the use of the STAN VTC bridge you have the capability to connect to any site that is compliant with the H.323 or H.320 video conferencing protocols.
  
  
• What is a bridge or MCU?
  
A bridge, also known as a MCU (Multipoint Control Unit), is a device used to simultaneously cross-connect multiple video teleconferencing sites. MCUs offer advanced audio and video capabilities, can connect two or more endpoints, and allows sites using various protocols and data-rates to join the same conference.



• What is H.323 and H.320?
  H.323 is a protocol that specifies video conferencing using either the Internet or a Local Area Network (LAN) to connect one or more sites. H.320 specifies a connection through a dedicated link such as ISDN, an ATM link, or a Satellite link. For specific information on the actual sites STAN is able to connect with please contact the STAN Network Operations Center (NOC) at (808) 956-6668.
  
  
• What is ATM, IP, ISDN?
  ATM, IP, and ISDN are different types of connection protocols that a site can use for Video Teleconference (VTC). ATM stands for Asynchronous Transfer Mode and it is a packet based connection that provides high-speed data transfers with quality of service (QoS). QoS allows various data types to move over a shared connection, giving priority to time sensitive data such as audio and video over non-time-sensitive data such as email and web surfing. ATM uses the H.320 protocol to provide video teleconferencing services.
  
  Another H.320 system is ISDN or Integrated Systems Digital Network. ISDN is a circuit based connection. It works similarly to a regular telephone connection except that the data is passed through the lines in a digital format. ISDN connections can be expensive because of the per minute usage charges similar to long distance telephone service.  ISDN bonds or connects multiple lines to provide the necessary bandwidth for smooth video and audio conferences.
  
  IP or Internet Protocol uses a best effort delivery connection over the Internet or LAN. While IP’s H.323 connections take advantage of a high-speed network connection to the Internet the connections between sites can substantially be affected by heavy network traffic unless end to end QoS is guaranteed.
  
  
• How long in advance should I send in a VTC Request Form to the STAN NOC?
  VTC Request Forms should be submitted at least 2-3 weeks prior to the conference date. The 2-3 week advanced notice is especially important if you are requesting a conference outside of normal operating hours. Sites connecting to STAN for the first time should be tested prior to the conference date to verify connectivity and compatibility. Late requested conferences will be approved on a case by case basis by management.
  
  
• Is it possible to record a VTC?
  Yes, conferences can be recorded in DVD or VHS formats. The cost for recording and making a copy of your conference in either format is $10 or you can furnish a new VHS tape or a new DVD for the recording of your conference. Howver, recording tape or DVD's must be received prior to your conference.
  
  
• Is it possible to connect to a commercial satellite for a VTC?
  At this time STAN is unable to provide this service, however, we can supply you with the contact information of other organizations that can downlink satellite broadcasted conferences.
  
  
• What are STAN’s operational hours?
  Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM HST
  Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM HST
  Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM HST
  Holiday Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM HST
  
  
• What if I want to schedule a conference on non-operational hours?
  Conferences during non-operational hours will be approved on a case by case basis by the management. There will be an additional charge of $10/hour.
  
  
• What is continuous presence and voice activated?
  Continuous presence means that multiple participants can be simultaneously displayed during a VTC. Voice-activated means that only the person who is currently speaking is shown on screen.
  
  
• How can I join a conference that has been scheduled already?
  We will add you to the site participants list of a scheduled conference if we have the approval of the conference coordinator and we have the necessary resources to accommodate your request.
  
  
• Is it possible to implement a PowerPoint presentation with a VTC?
  Yes, we can assist you in inserting a PowerPoint slide into your VTC. If you are using our conference room we can even help you setup an LCD projector for you to use during your presentation.
  
  
• How do I go about setting up a VTC? What is the procedure?
  1. Contact the STAN NOC to find out if the date and time you want to hold your VTC is available (should be no later than 2 weeks prior to the conference date).
  2. Request for the appropriate forms or site contact information.
  3. Contact your sites/participants and check the availability of the facilities they use.
  4. Submit the VTC request form and STAN Account Form (first time users only). Within a 24 hour period, we should contact you regarding your request by email, phone, or fax.
  5. We will send you a request confirmation notice to make sure all the information we have is correct.
  6. Upon receiving this notice you should respond with a confirmation or change the information we have on file.
  7. If there are any sites that we have not previously connected with we will ask you to make arrangements for that site to contact us for a test connection. Upon completion of a successful test we will send out a Conference Confirmation Notice to state that the test went well and your conference has been scheduled and confirmed.
  8. Contact the STAN NOC if you have any questions at (808) 956-6668.