Using PictureTel LiveGateway

Overview

With PictureTel LiveGateway installed on a server, LiveLAN and NetConference users and other H.323 terminals can place calls to H.320 clients and to other LiveLAN and NetConference users across an ISDN WAN. LiveGateway is connected to the WAN by an internal ISDN BRI interface and to the LAN by the server on which it resides.

By registering with LiveManager as a special terminal, LiveGateway lets H.323 clients access the WAN. LiveGateway always uses the H.320 protocol in its connection to the WAN. It translates video, audio, and shared application data from the H.323 protocol to the H.320 protocol.

This section describes how to place calls through LiveGateway and manage operator station information. It also describes how to use the LiveGateway Audio Clip Recorder to record customized versions of the LiveGateway automated attendant audio messages. The LiveGateway Audio Clip Recorder is automatically installed when LiveGateway is installed on your server.

The information that describes how to use PictureTel LiveGateway is organized into the following categories.

•Placing calls through LiveGateway

•Outgoing Calls

•Incoming Calls

•DTMF Calls

•Operator-assisted Calls

•A Sample Configuration

•A Typical Calling Scenario for a LiveLAN Client and H.320 Terminal

•Managing Operation Station Information

•Adding an Operator Station

•Changing an Operator Station

•Using the LiveGateway Audio Clip Recorder

Placing Calls through LiveGateway

With LiveGateway, LiveLAN clients and NetConference users can place calls to H.320 terminals and to other LiveLAN clients over an ISDN WAN. The connection is transparent and gives users access to a larger conferencing community.

Note: Since LiveManager cannot accurately detect if a LiveGateway’s ISDN line is active, it is recommended that you disable any installed LiveGateways which do not have working ISDN lines, so that other LiveGateways on the server, or on other servers, can be accessed.

Note: If you have problems placing a LiveGateway call in a system configuration utilizing two or more LiveGateways, carefully review the data recorded in the LiveGateway event log file. The information in this log is helpful for both identifying and resolving issues such as an ISDN line that may be inactive when it is not in use.

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PictureTel 3.1 appendix Using PictureTel LiveGateway, Placing Calls through LiveGateway
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3.1 specifications

PictureTel 3.1 is a landmark software release that revolutionized the realm of video conferencing and remote communication technology in the late 1990s. Emerging from the need for effective and efficient communication in professional environments, PictureTel 3.1 combined innovative technologies and user-friendly features to facilitate high-quality video interactions.

One of the standout features of PictureTel 3.1 is its advanced video compression technology. By utilizing the H.261 standard, it enabled high-quality video transmissions over low-bandwidth connections, making it accessible for a wider audience. This capability paved the way for organizations to implement video conferencing without needing extensive infrastructure investments. The software's ability to dynamically adjust video quality based on available bandwidth ensured smooth sessions, minimizing interruptions and enhancing user experience.

Additionally, PictureTel 3.1 introduced a user-friendly interface that emphasized simplicity and ease of use. This intuitive design allowed users to initiate and manage video conferences effortlessly. The software supported a variety of input devices, including USB cameras, which expanded its compatibility across different hardware platforms. Users could easily connect to meetings with just a few clicks, which was revolutionary for companies looking to adopt remote communication solutions.

Another hallmark of PictureTel 3.1 was its robust multi-point capabilities. This meant that multiple participants could join a single conference, facilitating collaboration among teams dispersed across different locations. The software supported various layouts for video feeds, allowing users to customize their viewing experience according to their preferences and requirements.

Moreover, PictureTel 3.1 integrated seamlessly with existing telephone systems and other communication tools. This capacity for interoperability meant that organizations could combine traditional voice communication with modern video conferencing, creating a holistic communication experience. Features like screen sharing and document collaboration further enriched meetings, providing teams with the tools necessary for effective communication and teamwork.

In conclusion, PictureTel 3.1 exemplified the potential of video conferencing technologies during its time. Its innovative features, including advanced video compression, user-friendly interface, robust multi-point capabilities, and seamless integration with existing systems, set the foundation for future advancements in remote communication. As organizations increasingly embraced remote work and global collaboration, PictureTel 3.1 played a critical role in transforming how businesses communicate, paving the way for modern video conferencing solutions today.
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