Set up guide
This page provides some recommendations from the GCSN about how to set up your video conferencing equipment within your network.
- Our general recommendation in brief
- Technical/Network Requirements
- Project Management for schools receiving VC Equipment
- Videoconference Room Requirements
Our General Recommendation in brief
We recommend schools install their video conferencing equipment in a publically accessible area behind their firewall called a DMZ (demilitarized zone). A DMZ is a no man’s land, not part of the trusted computer network and not in the Internet, it’s a land between the two. A DMZ should be used to place public facing servers (e.g. video conferencing equipment). In computer networks, a DMZ is a computer host or small network inserted as a “neutral zone” between a company’s private network and the outside public network.
A DMZ is far easier to set up than other connectivity options for video conferencing. Users of the public network outside the company can only access designated equipment within the DMZ (in this case your video conferencing equipment). The DMZ may typically also have a school’s Web pages so these could be seen by the outside world. However, the DMZ provides access to no other company data. In the event that an outside user penetrated the DMZ security, the Web pages might be corrupted but no other company information would be exposed and there is very little risk to the video conferencing equipment. So, this prevents unwanted visitors from gaining access to your school’s server or network but makes it easy to set up and use video conferencing equipment within your school.
Technical/Network Requirements
Placement Behind a Firewall
The GCSN recommends you place your system behind a firewall. You can place it in the DMZ with a public IP address or in a private LAN with Network Address Translation (NAT). The GCSN recommends that the DMZ method is adopted.
DMZ with a Public IP Address
Placing your systems in the DMZ allows you to assign them public IP addresses, making it easier to connect with public video communications devices in the Internet.
Project Management for schools receiving VC Equipment
Project management
The school provides project management, unless a 3rd party is contracted to provide project management services to the school.
Network
Installation of videoconference systems does not include resolving any network issues that may be present; these are outside the control of the installer. If your network is complex, or issues are anticipated, it is recommended that you request that your network administrator completes a network audit to assess both the ability of the network
to support videoconferencing and the impact of videoconferencing on other network traffic.
Quality of Service cannot be guaranteed when calling over the Internet and call quality should be expected to fluctuate. However this is expected to improve with the use of fiber networks.
Delivery, installations and training
Most hardware is ex-stock by the distributor. If it is, expect approximately two/three weeks to deliver and install and longer for multiple site projects. Freight charges are usually included in the price of installation.
Network must be active prior to installation being scheduled, if engineers have to make multiple site visits, additional charges may be incurred. Please be aware that the room may need to be available for up to three hours for installer to complete installation.
A brief overview of the solution will be given at the time of installation but training is recommended for new users.
PC based videoconferencing
PC based videoconferencing solutions are provided as a self-install solution. Please ask, as there is technical information available to support your IT team to install the software, but the installation and configuration is usually the responsibility of the purchaser.
Videoconference Room Requirements
• Sufficient power (min. two outlets – for display and videoconference system)
• Live network port
• Room design considerations:
• Position of videoconference system and display – for both mobile or fixed solutions
• Lighting – it should be bright and even.
• Ideally the background that will be displayed to the far end will be a plain blue colour
• Eliminate/minimise any potential noise issues – loud air conditioning, traffic, etc.
If you want more information on any of the above please inquire via the GCSN website, or approach your local VC supplier directly. They will be able to provide you with the information you require, including detailed advice on room design for videoconferencing. Videoconferencing equipment needs to be installed correctly and it is important that you get the solution that meets your local requirements.