Although we failed to set up the conferencing call I believe Daniel and his team did their uptmost – the problem was with the other end. We will definately use you again.

Office Manager

The adoption of video conferencing in courtrooms throughout the United Kingdom means more and more cases are being heard via video link. This provides services connected to the legal services with the ability to reduce risk and cost while increasing accessibility.
We provide facilities for all hearings.

We have provided far end video conferencing services to courtrooms all over the world since 2003. Our network of partners cover every major city in the world, which enables us to deliver witnesses to the courtroom in any time zone.

Our “Portable Witness Solution” delivers high definition video conferencing from the home, workplace or one of our local  rooms throughout Europe. We work with solicitors who either have no video conferencing ,IP video conferencing or PC based video conferencing software.

Our aim is to help the legal proffession provide justice to all those who seek by helping winesses, expert wintnessess and defendants appear in court without travelling. for general enquiries call 08458 380 562. Or email cs@videoconferenicnglondon.co.uk

Sarah | Senior Associate

Firewall Port Forwarding for H.323 video

H.323 uses a single fixed TCP port (1720) to start a call using the H.225 protocol (defined by H.323 spec) for call control. Once that protocol is complete, it then uses a dynamic TCP port for the H.245 protocol (also defined by the H.323 spec) for caps and channel control. Finally, it opens up 2 dynamic UDP ports for each type of media that was negotiated for the call (audio, video, far-end camera control). This first port carries the RTP protocol data (defined by the H.225 spec) and the second one carries the RTCP data (defined by the H.225 spec).

As per TCP/IP standards, ports are divided into 3 sections: 0-1023 (privileged ports), 1024-49151 (registered ports) and 49152-65535 (dynamic ports). H.323 specifies the dynamic ports in the dynamic range are open. Polycom has added a feature to its product line that allows the ports to use a fixed ports (instead of dynamic ports) so that it can more easily traverse a firewall. Only the system behind the firewall need to turn on this feature, since the firewall will prevent the audio/video/FECC from the outside to come in unless this is enabled.

You must forward the traffic to and from the video endpoint through the firewall using the specified port numbers and protocol types for outgoing calls. To receive incoming calls, your must forward traffic using the 1720 TCP port.

The following are details on port forwarding assignments for various products:

Polycom Port Forwarding

For Polycom products, the following ports must be opened in the firewall and assigned to the IP address of videoconferencing endpoints (e.g. a video endpoint could be at 192.168.0.109):

Port 389 (TCP): For ILS registration
Port 1503 (TCP): Microsoft NetMeeting T.120 data sharing
Port 1718 (UDP): Gatekeeper discovery
Port 1719 (UDP): Gatekeeper RAS (Must be bi-directional)
Port 1720 (TCP) H.323 Call setup (Must be bi-directional)
Port 1731 (TCP): Audio call control (Must be bi-directional)
Ports 3230-3235 (TCP/UDP): Signaling and control for audio, call, video and data/FECC
Port 3603 (TCP): ViaVideo Web interface (ViaVideo users only)
So, a typical H.323 call would use 2 TCP fixed ports (3230-3231) and 6 UDP fixed ports (3230-3235) during the call.

Polycom M100 Desktop Video Software – from Help Book V 1.0 – Specifying Call Settings Preferences: Network NATs and firewalls provide security for your network by limiting outside access to your internal network. Some access, however, is necessary for video conferencing. Therefore, to enable your Polycom Telepresence m100 to freely place and receive calls with the outside world, while still maintaining protection for your network, you must also open ports in the firewall. If your system is on a network where the transmit bandwidth is significantly lower than the receive bandwidth, use asymmetric network to ensure that there is sufficient bandwidth for outgoing calls. To open media ports in the firewall: 1. From the main window, click Menu > Preferences > Call Settings 2. Set the media port range used by the system. 3. Open the same range of ports in your firewall. You must also open these ports in your firewall:

• Port 1718 (UDP): Gatekeeper discovery
• Port 1719 (UDP): Gatekeeper RAS (must be bidirectional)
• Port 1720 (TCP): H.323 call setup (must be bidirectional)
• Port 1731 (TCP): Audio call control (must be bidirectional)
• Port 5060 (TCP and UDP): SIP

Recap of all firewall port configurations for H.323 Polycom video & Network Products
LifeSize Port Forwarding

Login to the Firewall/Router:

Forward port 1720 TCP to the private IP of the LifeSize system.
Forward 2 TCP ports 60,000 and 60,001 to the private IP of the LifeSize system. If you have other services on these ports, you can forward any other 2 TCP ports in the 60,000 – 64,999 range.
Forward 6 UDP ports 60,000 to 60,007 to the private IP of the LifeSize system. If you have other services on these ports, you can forward any other 8 UDP ports in the 60,000 – 64,999 range.
(NOTE: 3 TCP and 8 UDP is the minimum number of ports required for a single point-to-point H.323 video call.)

Login to the LifeSize system:

Go to System Menu –> Administrator Preferences –> Network –> NAT
Enable Static NAT, and enter the public IP address of the firewall in the "NAT Public IP Address"
Go to System Menu –> Administrator Preferences –> Network –> Reserved Ports.
Enter the TCP & UDP port range you chose in the steps above.
TANDBERG Port Forwarding

"In order to properly support a NAT configuration, the firewall will need to be configured as a one-to-one relationship between a public IP address and the private IP address for all ports in the H.323 range (which include 1718 UDP, 1719 UDP and 1720 TCP as well as other vendor-specific TCP and UDP ports needed to complete H.323 calls). For the specific range needed, consult your endpoint manufacturer."

Polycom GMS Ports:

21 (FTP) – Software Updates & Provisioning
80 (HTTP) – Pulling ViewStation/VS4000 info
3601 (Proprietary) (Data Traffic) – GAB data
3603 – TCP – Pulling ViaVideo info (since might be non-web server PC)
389 (LDAP and ILS)
1002 (ILS)
GMS listens for connections on ports 80 and 3601 (GAB) and in the future will listen on port 3604 (ViaVideo) and other potentials later.

H.323 Ports (IP based video conferencing):

80 – Static TCP – HTTP Interface (optional)
389 – Static TCP – ILS Registration (LDAP)
1503 – Static TCP – T.120
1718 – Static UDP – Gatekeeper discovery (Must be bidirectional)
1719 – Static UDP – Gatekeeper RAS (Must be bidirectional)
1720 – Static TCP – H.323 call setup (Must be bidirectional)
1731 – Static TCP – Audio Call Control (Must be bidirectional)
8080 – Static TCP – HTTP Server Push (optional)

1024-65535 Dynamic TCP H245
1024-65535 Dynamic UDP – RTP (Video data)
1024-65535 Dynamic UDP – RTP (Audio data)
1024-65535 Dynamic UDP RTCP (Control Information)
These ports can be set to "Fixed Ports" on Polycom systems, as opposed to dynamic.

Other Polycom ViewStation Ports:

21 (FTP) – Software Updates & GMS Provisioning
23 (Telnet) – For Diagnostics & API Control
3220 to 3225 – TCP Ports
3230 to 3247 – UDP Ports
Other ViaVideo Ports:

3604 (GMS Server Discovery) (Used by ViaVideo) (Broadcast)
Accord (Polycom Network Systems) Additional Ports:

5001 – Static TCP – MGC Manager (5003 can be chosen instead within MGC)
21 – Static TCP – FTP (retrieve MGC config. Files etc.)
RADVision Additional:

1820 – Gateway Signaling/Call Setup
2720 – MCU Signaling/Call Setup
d-Link DVC-1000 Ports:

The port 1720 (TCP) and the 6 ports 15328-15333 (TCP and UDP) need to be forwarded. d-Link indicates that NetMeeting and the H.323 cannot co-exist behind the same router simultaneously.

further reading

Named the Telemedicine Programme of Kosovo (TPK), the programme has established a network
of telemedicine centres throughout the country designed to enable knowledge-sharing and medical
collaboration.


Each telemedicine centre is based on a Polycom room video conferencing system that links to
the other telemedicine centres in Kosovo as well as to seven local hospitals, along with links to
international medical expertise in well-equipped and resourced hospitals in the University of Arizona,
Tucson, Arizona, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, Graz University, Austria,
Regensburg University, Germany, Oslo University, Olso, Norway and more than 20 other universities
and hospitals across Europe and the rest of the world.

The TPK is the first of many initiatives of this kind to be instigated in underdeveloped countries by
the International Virtual e-Hospital (IVeH) programme and is now world-renowned as a model for
telemedicine success in developing countries.

The International Virtual e-Hospital Programme
The International Virtual e-Hospital (IVeH) programme (www.iveh.org) was established in 2001 by
Dr. Rifat Latifi, President and Chairman of the Board of the IVeH. Dr Latifi had the energy and vision
to campaign at the highest political level for a programme for rebuilding the medical systems in
developing countries through the introduction and implementation of telemedicine, tele-health and
virtual education programmes.

“The most significant challenges in implementing the IVeH programme is changing the mindset
of physicians and convincing governments of the need for such investments,” explained Dr Latifi.
“Creating true partnerships and transparency in the region has been the key to the programme’s
success.”

Since 2001, Dr Latifi and his team, have brought their vision to life by creating a network of
international partnership and sponsors. The result is that the IVeH has attracted support by European
Union (European Agency for Reconstruction, State Department of USA, USAID and industry partners).

The Telemedicine Programme of Kosovo
As a Kosovar himself, Dr Latifi recognised the medical infrastructure of Kosovo in particular was left in
a poor state by the 1990s Balkans war, by subsequent neglect, lack of funding and poor management.        

My confidence is securely underpinned with the long awaited launch of polycom’s M100. The M100 is Polycom’s latest addition to their suite of telepresence solutions. It is a PC based personal telepresence software solution that will transform your computer in to a fully working standards based video conference end point. Within a click of a mouse you will know how to video conference.

This piece of software is hot because it will ensure you can have

meetings over video with any standards based codec including Lifesize, Tandberg, and of course polycom. Don’t stop reading the best is coming..

After installing the M100 you will instantly have a Polycom solution in your mits, (lets not forget the fact that Polycom are currently the world’s number one video conferencing manufacturer as reported by wainhouse) you will then have the ability to access some of the video conferencing tools that will ensure you a place at any world summit.

When I speak of tools I’m referring to multipoint video conferencing, connecting to ISDN based video conference systems and of course sharing presentations. If that’s not enough to whet your video conferencing appetite, read on for the crème d résistance.

This software is available now with a RRP of less than £70 per seat and if that didn’t excite you the fact that you can download a fully working 30 day trial version today for free should.

To get your trail version complete this form. Use the software for 30 days then come back and buy a license for it. If you mention this post when you order I will give you £5.00 off the RRP as a small gesture of thanks.

You might find that suppliers, clients or other offices within your business may want to connect with you using video conferencing. For those who already have video conference devices say hi to them from me, and those that don’t have the equipment, simply point them to this page or ask them to contact me Patricks@videoconferencinglondon.co.uk don’t forget to mention this post to get the £5 discount.

And finally after you install the software read “How to start video conferencing on a budget”

‘It’s official’ videoconferencing is fast becoming the conferencing solution of choice

After a few tepid years, videoconferencing is fast becoming the conferencing solution of choice on the back of technological advancements and deeper market penetration of high definition (HD) systems. End-user perception of this technology has taken a turn for the better due to its improved capabilities such as higher picture resolution, enhanced reliability, better sound quality, ease of use and connection through the Internet rather than integrated services digital network (ISDN). These product benefits, coupled with rising customer awareness, cheaper bandwidth, and increased affordability of videoconferencing endpoints, are driving the uptake of the solutions.

The superior features, while helping videoconferencing offer effective communication and collaboration, also aid organisations in meeting their larger business goals of expansion and operational cost savings. As videoconferencing is being increasingly adopted as a tool for enhancing business productivity, market participants are expected to experience deeper market penetration. The increased replacement rate, upgrade orders and opportunities from the newer Greenfield sectors such as healthcare and government are likely to spur the growth of videoconferencing endpoints. “High-end videoconferencing solutions such as telepresence are creating an additional ‘buzz’ in the market and are attracting much needed publicity for visual communication,” says the analyst of this research. “This, in turn, has helped increase the awareness and sale of high-end and mid-range HD systems, as telepresence solutions remain expensive for the majority.”

Migration to IP to Catalyse the Large-scale Adoption of Videoconferencing

End users generally suffer from low technology tolerance with regard to videoconferencing. If they have experienced bad quality or technology problems while using the videoconferencing solution, they are usually reluctant to try the solution again. This issue has been compounded by the increased competition from alternative, less pricey solutions such as web conferencing. However, the transition from ISDN to IP-based networks has greatly worked in favour of videoconferencing solution providers, as IP networks allow them to offer more services at lower costs. “Even though many vendors offer dual mode (IP/ISDN) endpoints, most solutions are deployed over IP,” notes the analyst. “The migration from ISDN to IP is mainly due to better reliability and management, cost efficiencies, and convergence of video, voice and data on IP network.” In regions such as the Nordics, the United Kingdom and Germany, which already have a high-quality network in place, the switch to IP is proceeding smoothly and rapidly. However, market participants will have to strategise differently for some regions such as Central and Eastern Europe, which have poor IP infrastructure and higher bandwidth costs.

Another market segment that is likely to be affected by high prices and bandwidth requirements is the end-to-end HD videoconferencing solution. Although standard definition (SD) systems are more affordable, HD systems are expected steal a march over them, as their prices have dropped and a wider range of products are available from all major manufacturers. “Moreover, the promotion of telepresence by major communication vendors has enhanced the awareness of ‘next-generation’ visual communications and raised the bar for both audio and video quality,” observes the analyst. “The growing awareness and appreciation of HD as an ‘aspirational’ standard for visual presentation is further boosting the market for this product and driving up revenue in the overall market.”

]]> http://www.videoconferencinglondon.co.uk/video-conferencing-sales-rising/feed 0 http://www.videoconferencinglondon.co.uk/baa-meeting-saved-by-video-conferencing-bridging-facility http://www.videoconferencinglondon.co.uk/baa-meeting-saved-by-video-conferencing-bridging-facility#comments Wed, 24 Aug 2011 15:05:41 +0000 admin http://www.videoconferencinglondon.co.uk/wp/?p=984 [...]]]> London based BAA Chief Executive Colin Matthews was unable to connect his Polycom video conference system to a video conference meeting held at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel New York. BAA’s incumbent service provider simply could not connect the long distance UK IP based video conference to the New York ISDN video conference call. BAA’s Technical Advisor Paul Hayley was delighted when Video Conferencing London were able to connect the two sites with their on demand video conferencing bridging service.

Technical Director Mark Williams said “ Our on demand video conferencing bridging service is the mobile phone of the video conferencing world. We simply give businesses large and small access to the same video conferencing facilities that almost all large organisations currently use every day.
Not only can we connect different video conference systems together, if you can connect your PC to a broadband connection you can connect to any Polycom, Tandberg, Sony, or Life-size system.
We believe that if small businesses are to survive and indeed get to play with the big boys, they will need to adopt tools like video conferencing that will not only give them access to the people sitting in big board rooms but will also help them communicate internally.
Video Conferencing London is a privately owned certified supplier of video conferencing products and services.

Click here for a free trail

]]> http://www.videoconferencinglondon.co.uk/baa-meeting-saved-by-video-conferencing-bridging-facility/feed 0 http://www.videoconferencinglondon.co.uk/how-to-connect-video-conferencing-ip-to-isdn http://www.videoconferencinglondon.co.uk/how-to-connect-video-conferencing-ip-to-isdn#comments Wed, 24 Aug 2011 14:47:11 +0000 admin http://www.videoconferencinglondon.co.uk/wp/?p=975 [...]]]> If you have an IP video conferencing system you can use our bridging service, which is commonly known as video conferencing bridging, to connect to ISDN video conferencing systems. In fact, you can connect to any manufacturer’s video conferencing systems including Polycom, Tandberg, Sony, and Lifesize. That’s not all. You can connect to up to nine sites (you plus eight sites) in a mixed video conference call (IP & ISDN), share your desktop applications (collaboration), record your conference and stream your recording to up to 2000 users who log in to your password protected stream.

What exactly are we offering?

If you take away all the jargon and fan fair, what we are offering is the ability to connect your PC or Video Conferencing system to any PC or Video Conferencing system. While you’re connected you can record, then stream the recording or stream the session live. What is not simple is the diverse number and types of applications that this opens up. Take for instance the Chairman of BAA who found himself unable to connect his IP based Polycom video conference system to an ISDN based system at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York. He had a meeting scheduled within the hour and his incumbent provider could not connect the call. Within twenty minutes of speaking to our engineers, BAA’s Engineers were able to give the Chairman the green light for his scheduled call. A North London Student, who in order to graduate from her PhD course had to deliver a presentation to examiners at her university in Singapore, found out that the cost to hire video conferencing was more than she had, so she had to find a far cheaper alternative or face losing her PhD. She was amazed when she found out that she could use her PC to connect to the Polycom Viewstation in the university’s grand lecture theatre; more importantly she paid 60% less than the amount quoted by even the most basic providers. And for those of you who are wondering what happened . . . she got her PhD. We always have time for those who are running late and consequently cannot make the video meeting on time. We simply tell them to use their mobile phone to dial into the meeting where they can hear everything that is said and more importantly contribute their expert opinion.
What’s in the box?

The key to explaining technology to non technical people is to show them how it solves their problem. You don’t need to know what’s in the box, unless of course there is nothing in the box . . . well, there’s nothing in the box. What you get is a virtual key to your own virtual room which is located on our very real video server.

To use an analogy, imagine you have very high spec video conference system, the type that you would usually purchase for around £150,000, well that is exactly what you have access to, and that is what gives you the ability to connect to almost any video conference system, using your PC. Make good decisions faster.

If you were a baby boomer you may remember a time when the only way to make a phone call was to run 2 miles down the road to the nearest BT phone box. 60 years on do you now think video conferencing is just as inaccessible as phones were back then? The age were business class video conferencing is in the palm of your hands is not yet here, however the speed in which business is conducted dictates that to be efficient, effective and profitable we need to communicate often and well, so that as business people we can make good decisions faster than our nearest competitor.

I agree that there are lots of great products out there that will keep you connected; however there is only one product that doesn’t require any capital expenditure, long term commitment or organisational membership. Our ‘on demand’ video conferencing service really is available on demand. All that we ask is that PC users have a webcam, headset and mic with a fast broadband connection, and video conference users continue as usual.

If you don’t have a video conferencing system and are interested in using your PC to connect to any ISDN based video conference get the free trial version today. If you have video conferencing already and want to connect to a IP or ISDN system connect to our bridge today.

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