Chapter 5 - Basic Operations

Connecting to a Conference/Entry Queue

Defined dial-in participants can connect to any conference by dialing the conference dialing string (ISDN, H.323 or SIP). The MCU identifies their CLI or IP address (as defined in the participant properties) and routes them to the appropriate conference. Dial-out participants must be defined in the conference.

Undefined participants can connect directly to conferences defined as Meet Me per Conference or Meeting Room by dialing its dial-in string. If required, the participants enter the conference password before joining the conference.

Undefined participants can also connect to a single-dial Entry Queue to access conferences. The dialing methods are the same as for the conference. Once participants connect to the Entry Queue, they are routed to their conference according to the conference numeric ID or password that they enter.

In the default templates, just the Audio Only template is defined with Entry Queue Access. To create a new video conference with Entry Queue Access, see Chapter 7, “Creating an On Going Video Conference” on page 7-6.

Dialing-in to a Conference/Entry Queue

Undefined dial-in participants can access the conference using the following methods:

ISDN/PSTN Participants

Audio Only and ISDN Video participants dial the conference/Entry Queue ISDN dial-in number, as assigned to the conference by the operator or automatically by the MCU. The dial-in number can be viewed in the MGC Manager Status pane.

H.323 Participants

When a gatekeeper is present, H.323 participants dial: the [IP Network Service Prefix] and [conference/Entry Queue Numeric ID or name] for example, if the Network Service prefix is 925 and the Conference Numeric ID is 1222, participants will dial 9251222. If participants dial only the Network Service Prefix, or if the wrong numeric ID is dialed, participants will be automatically routed to the default Entry Queue if one is defined. For more information about the IP Network Service Prefix, see Chapter 3.

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Polycom MGC-100 Connecting to a Conference/Entry Queue, Dialing-in to a Conference/Entry Queue, ISDN/PSTN Participants

MGC-50, MGC-100 specifications

The Polycom MGC (Multipoint Gateway Controller) series includes notable models such as MGC-100 and MGC-50, designed to enhance video and audio conferencing capabilities in various organizational setups. These systems are pivotal for facilitating effective communication in a world where remote collaboration is increasingly essential.

The Polycom MGC-100 serves as a powerful multipoint control unit (MCU), allowing multiple concurrent video and audio sessions. It is particularly suitable for larger enterprises and organizations that require sophisticated conferencing capabilities. Supporting both standard definition (SD) and high definition (HD) video, the MGC-100 can manage high-quality video streams seamlessly. Its ability to integrate with different conferencing systems and technologies makes it a versatile tool for enterprises looking to enhance their collaboration efforts.

Some standout features of the MGC-100 include its support for a wide range of protocols, including H.323 and SIP, ensuring compatibility with various endpoint devices. This model can accommodate a substantial number of participants, depending on the configuration, with options for scalability. The system also boasts advanced features such as content sharing, enabling users to present slides, documents, and other materials during conferences.

On the other hand, the Polycom MGC-50 is designed for smaller organizations or departmental use. While it provides fewer simultaneous sessions than the MGC-100, it still offers robust features that make it ideal for moderate conferencing needs. The MGC-50 also supports both H.323 and SIP protocols, ensuring smooth interoperability with various video conferencing endpoints. This model features straightforward management capabilities, allowing administrators to set up and control conferences with ease.

Both models are built with advanced video processing technologies, ensuring high-quality audio and video transmission. The inclusion of error correction and packet loss recovery technologies further enhances user experience, minimizing disruptions during calls. The systems also support a variety of codecs, ensuring optimal performance across different network conditions.

In terms of characteristics, both the MGC-100 and MGC-50 emphasize reliability and ease of use. They come with user-friendly interfaces and remote management capabilities, making it simple for IT professionals to maintain and configure the systems. In conclusion, the Polycom MGC series, with its MGC-100 and MGC-50 models, exemplifies a commitment to quality and performance in multipoint conferencing, catering to diverse organizational needs while facilitating effective communication strategies.