Video Conferencing Over IP - Configure, Secure and Troubleshoot

For many years, the promise of high-quality, low-cost video calling and videoconferencing has been just out of reach for individual users and small enterprises. The lack of affordable Internet bandwidth combined with primitive hardware usually resulted in disappointing results. Now, that has all changed. The capacity has been created, the hardware works, and videoconferencing is within reach. And before you start spending money, you may discover that you already have almost everything you need to get started. This book demystifies the technology behind videoconferencing and provides single users and small enterprises with the information they need to deploy videoconferencing efficiently and cost-effectively.

• Learn the Lingo
  Do you have POTS? Can your PBX connect to your ISP? Are you laggy?
• Take Inventory
  You may discover that you already own much of the hardware and software required for video conferencing.
• Select Your Bandwidth
  Discover the pros and cons of cable, DSL, satellite and wireless connections.
• Keep It Simple
  If your goal is one-on-one calling, avoid the complexities of large-scale videoconferencing.
• Protect Your Privacy
  Learn how firewalls, access control, and common sense can create a secure and safe environment.
• Find Inexpensive Software Solutions
  These Include Yahoo Messenger, AOL, Apple iChat AV, MSN Messenger, SightSpeed, and Skype.
• Choose the Right Business Solutions
  Discover which One-on-One, Multi-person, Multi-IM, SIP, H.323, or Chat Room solutions fit your business needs.
• Configure Your Firewall Port
  Appendix A provides DSL, cable router, personal firewall, and corporate firewall settings.