Mcu

[lokter]

I am in education with 4 systems per location and 5 locations. Which makes 20 systems in all. I am running Polycom VSX 7000 and 8000 with the built in multipoint. I am looking into getting MCU, because getting lots of packet loss from the sites, which is really affecting the video quality. Our locations are in remote areas so we are stuck with the ISP we have. What does anyone suggest for an MCU to repair this problem. Can I just use a gatekeeper? Any information would be greatly appreciated

[DRI]

A GK is helpful for simplified dialling, bw control, etc and an MCU will be good to include more sites in a call (as well as other things) than what your VSXs offer with their in built multipoint features...but an MCU or a GK isn't going to exactly resolve your network issues. However, you don't mention whether this is ISDN or IP...I'm assuming IP since you mention ISP. You also don't mention how much bw is available to you and what bw your using in your calls. In any case, I'd recommend focusing on your network and maybe adding a GK or BC (whichever is suitable in your sitiuation) so has to possibly control and maintain the bw available to you.

[lokter]

Yes its IP. In my calls I'm using 384 and at all my sites we have enough bandwidth. 5MB at some and 10MB at others. Just on the 5MB our ISP is really over selling their bandwidth which is causing all this network issues. Especially in the afternoon when its peek time. Do you have any suggestions on MCU or GC to use?

[DRI]

Yes its IP. In my calls I'm using 384 and at all my sites we have enough bandwidth. 5MB at some and 10MB at others. Just on the 5MB our ISP is really over selling their bandwidth which is causing all this network issues. Especially in the afternoon when its peek time. Do you have any suggestions on MCU or GC to use?

I'm bias to Tandberg so I'd recommend the Tandberg Codian MCUs...either the 4200 or 4500...depending on your needs and budget. Both Tandberg Codians have in built gatekeeper features but the GK functions are simple functions. If you want or need a more robust GK, then the Tandberg GK or TVCS Control. If your having to traverse firewalls, then I'd also look into the Tandberg Expressway solution. See the Tandberg website for more details or make contact with a Tandberg reseller.

www.tandberg.com

[helix-2000]

Are you using async or sync broadband? Or do you truly have a dedicated uplink of 384 for each endpoint?

[Wise82Guy]

Just to throw the Polycom hat in the ring, I'd mention that the Polycom solution can help here too. Check out the website or speak with a sales person about Polycom's MCUs, gatekeepers, and firewall traversal solution.