Connecting with the GCSN
This page outlines how to use your video conferencing equipment to connect to other schools around the network using the GCSN Bridge.
For those schools not using Polycom HDX6000s, or other 3rd parties calling the GCSN Bridge, please refer to the General Connection Details
- GCSN Bridge explained
- Organising a meeting
- Connecting to your school's room
- Joining another room from a GCSN endpoint
- General Connection Details
- Calling to outside the Network
GCSN Bridge explained
The GCSN have supplied our schools with a High Definition video conferencing bridge in order to maximise what we can do with the video conferencing systems being deployed around the network.
What does the GCSN bridge do?
A video conferencing bridge is a device which sits somewhere on the internet or a local network, it receives calls from video conferencing systems and allows people to meet in 'rooms' reserved for their meetings. It provides a central meeting place for both small and large groups to meet and hold their video conferencing sessions.
The GCSN Bridge can be reached from amnywhere in the world. That means you can meet with other GCSN members, other schools and organisations around New Zealand, or parties from anywhere in the world.
Why use a bridge?
While video conferencing systems can call each other directly, there are some good reasons to always use a bridge to meet with people, if you have access to one.
- More than two groups can join your meeting
When you join a room on a bridge, more than two parties can be in this room, unlike point-to-point calls. That means you can have large meetings with several schools involved at the same time. - Better compatibility with other participants equipment
Even if you are only calling one other site, it's often considered best practice to use a bridge. This is because bridges are better at handling any differences between your equipment and the other group you are meeting with. This can help you avoid connection and quality issues. - Support
Everyone in the GCSN has access to technical support when calling the Bridge. That means if things arent going well, friendly fast support is close by. To speak to support, call the number in the top right corner.
Organising a meeting
The GCSN is providing lots of opportunities for schools to use their video conferencing equipment, however you can always organise your own meetings too. These might be for teachers to share resources with each other, presentations, or and event or speaker you want to share with other classrooms around the network.
To host a meeting on the GCSN bridge, all you need to do is arrange a time with the other parties as you normally would, and supply them with your schools unique PIN number on the bridge. On the day, the host (you) will follow the directions for Connecting to your schools room, while your invitees will either refer to Joining another schools room from a GCSN endpoint or General Connection Details.
We also recommend you have a look at the Etiquette/Best Practice page.
Connecting to your school's room
When joining you own room, you are normally planning to invite other parties to meet in there with you. This makes you the Host of the meeting. Other parties will need to be given the contact details for the GCSN Bridge (send them a link to this page), as well as your Room PIN.
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Step 1 First ensure that your television and Video Conferencing system are turned on. |
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Step 2 Next, using the arrows on your remote, navigate up or down to the option which reads 'My GCSN PIN XXXXXX'. The PIN number here is your school's unique VC room on the Bridge. This is the PIN number to give other parties when you are hosting a meeting. |
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Step 3 Next press the select button. This will automatically dial the bridge and connect you to your school's room. If you want to invite other schools or 3rd parties to meet you here, simply give them your PIN number, and tell them to follow the Joining another schools room guide below. |
Joining another room from a GCSN endpoint
If you are joining the meeting room of another school, then they are the host. Make sure you have a Room PIN to connect to
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Step 1 Make sure you have been given the room PIN, it should be a 6 digit number. First ensure that your television and Video Conferencing system are turned on. |
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Step 2 Next, using the arrows on your remote, navigate up or down to the option which reads 'GCSN Bridge'. Press the select button. |
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Step 3 Once, connected you will see a welcome screen, and you will receive an audio prompt asking you for a meeting PIN. Enter the PIN here via your remote, then press enter. After a short pause you should be connected to your meeting. |
General Connection Details
The GCSN Bridge is accessable from the internet, to make a connection you will need an H.323 compatible endpoint, and the Room PIN (a 6 digit number) of a school or meeting room you are being invited to join.
The IP Address of the GCSN Bridge is 123.100.85.195##100000
You will also need the Room PIN of the meeting you have been invited to
Once, connected you will see a welcome screen, and you will receive an audio prompt asking you for a meeting PIN. Enter the PIN here via your remote, then press enter. After a short pause you should be connected to your meeting.
Calling outside the Network
In some cases you may have to call a video conferencing endpoint or bridge outside the GCSN. In these cases there are several ways to proceed, using either the built in directory or direct dailing a specific IP address. For these cases, please refer to the General Use page.