Links & Gateways

There are many different networks and types of network in use that support video conferencing. A participant on one network is only able, by default, to talk with others on the same kind of network. To get around this restriction special eqiupment called Gateways can be introduced to bridge the gaps and link the networks, and by association the differenet participants together.

The illustration above shows some of the different networks that can be brought together in this way, these networkds are:

  • PSTN: This is the public telephone system as operated in the UK by BT. A Gateway to this system allows participants to join in using normal telephone lines (though at low speed) and using ISDN-based video conferencing systems.
  • GSM: The mobile phone network may also be brought in to conferences. These normally operate at very low speeds so it is not suggested that any kind of camera is used. However audio participation should be possible.
  • The Internet: The international network of connected computers. Please Note: Schools and colleges are connected to the private National Education Network so a link has to be made through this to the Internet. This, however, is completely transparent to users.