Cassandra L. Patrizio

1
Welcome to CalREN Video Services

• Cassandra L. Patrizio
• CVS Coordinator
• CENIC

2
Overview

• CENIC is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization
• CalREN is the network, providing connectivity for
  all CCCs, CSUs, and UCs, a number of
  independent universities and 80 of K12 public
  schools
• CVS is CalREN Video Services

3
What is CVS?

• CalREN Video Services (CVS) offers
  videoconferencing services using the statewide
  education network, CalREN
• 110 California Community Colleges, 23 California
  State Universities, 10 University of California
  campuses, and K12 sites throughout California are
  currently participating
• CVS supports IP-based (H.323) codecs and ISDN
  (H.320) dial-in connections

4
How it all works The Infrastructure

• CVS includes
• 3 Multipoint Conference Units (MCUs) in
  Sacramento, Sunnyvale, Los Angeles
• 3 regional gatekeepers for statewide directory
  services in Sunnyvale, Fresno, Los Angeles
• Interoperability with the Internet2 Commons with
  automatic translation between Internet2s
  15-digit Global Dialing String (GDS) and 10-digit
  CVS dial plan
• Centralized Scheduling system with Web-based
  access from all CVS sites for scheduling and
  managing videoconferences

SAC MCU
SVL MCU
SVL GK
FRE GK
LA MCU
LA GK
5
CVS Site Infrastructure
Campus 2 Codec GK
video data

• A local campus gatekeeper (GK) is the hub of
  videoconference activity at each campus
• Codecs register with the GK
• GK handles call setup when codecs use the CVS
  dial plan
• GK also acts as proxy server for video and audio
  data for the local codec(s)

Campus 1 Codec
Call setup
video data
video data
Call setup
Call setup
Campus 1 Codec
Campus 1 GK
SVL GK
FRE GK
Campus 1 Codec
LA GK
Campus 1 Codec
6
When "Plug Play" becomes "Plug Pray"

• Challenges are inevitable . . .
• When Campus firewalls (especially when NAT is
  being used) cause call setup problems
• When new protocols are introduced (for example,
  H.239 or video content)
• BUT help is available
• CENIC Network Operations Center is staffed
  24x7x365 with knowledgeable engineers to assist
  with troubleshooting and testing

7
Programmatic Resources

• The ACME Network
• MAGPI K20 Programs
• PORTS (Parks Online Resource for Teachers and
  Students)
• SWING (Southern Wisconsin Instructional Network
  Group)
• Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration
  (CILC)
• MUSE (Internet2 K-20 Initiative)

8
How is CVS Used?

• Videoconferencing via CVS is used in many ways
• Providing classroom instruction for students who
  are unable to attend traditional classes
• Introducing students to experts in their field of
  study
• Bringing together speakers and participants from
  all corners of the world to participate in
  lectures
• http//www.3cmediasolutions.org/pages/programming/
  Archives/CerritosCollege2006.html
• http//www.3cmediasolutions.org/pages/programming/
  Events/TheWomensConference2008.html
• Classroom-to-classroom collaborations
• Supporting administrative meetings across
  distance to reduce travel costs

9
Steps for Using CVS as an Educator

• Determine opportunities for incorporating
  Videconferencing into your teaching
• Use your network of colleagues and Web-based
  resources to identify speakers and/or scheduled
  events of interest
• Work with the Video Administrator on your campus
  to coordinate logistics
• Who is my video administrator?
• Video Administrators will arrange details such as
  room, equipment, and testing (dont underestimate
  the testing!)
• On the day of your event
• Turn your equipment on
• Make sure you know how to Mute/UnMute your
  microphone
• Keep contact information close at hand for all
  other participating sites, your Video
  Administrator and the CENIC NOC

10
CVS Refresh

• Complete replacement of hardware and software
  supporting videoconferencing
• Planned for summer and fall 2009
• Includes equipment and software
• New services and features
• Support for video content (H.239 protocol)
• Support for PC-based codecs
• Support for HD videoconferencing
• Recording, streaming, and archiving
  videoconferences
• Other?

11
Additional Information

• Questions?
• CVS Web site http//cvs.cenic.org
• Email cpatrizio_at_cenic.org
• Special Thank You to 3C Media for archived
  videoconference footage