Top Conferencing Systems VCB5 User’s Guide Version 5.0 DOC00074 Rev. 1.0 08.
© 2006 Emblaze-VCON Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Information in this document is subject to change without notice. No part of this document can be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical - for any purpose without written permission from Emblaze-VCON Ltd. Media Xchange Manager is a registered trademark of Emblaze-VCON Ltd. All other product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies or organizations. Limited Warranty Emblaze-VCON Ltd.
Declaration Of Conformity Emblaze-VCON Ltd LTD. Address: P.O.Box 12747, 22 Maskit St. Herzelia 46733, Israel Te: +972-9-9590000, Fax: +972-9-9567244l, Website: www.emblaze-vcon.
Federal Communications Commission Radio Frequency Interference Statement Both products - Safe@Office and VPN-1 Edge - comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
The product has been tested in a typical configuration. Technical file held by Emblaze-VCON Ltd. For a copy of the Original Signed Declaration (in full conformance with EN45014), please contact Emblaze-VCON's Tech Support. Gil Ozeri | Engineering Manger | Emblaze-VCON Ltd. Tel: +972 9 7699839 | Fax: +972 9 7627801 | Mob: +972 54 6605012 | e-mail: gilo@emblaze-vcon.com| .July 12, 2006.......................... Member of the EMBLAZE group ..................................................................
Emblaze-VCON Technical Support This User’s Guide was designed to help you set up and work with your VCB easily so that you can enjoy its many features. If a situation occurs that is not covered by the supplied documentation, contact your local Emblaze-VCON distributor, and request assistance from their Emblaze-VCONtrained technical support department. Please describe the problem, device, and PC operating system (if applicable), and any other relevant details.
Table of Contents TABLE OF CONTENTS Limited Warranty ................................................................................................. ii Declaration Of Conformity.................................................................................. iii Emblaze-VCON Technical Support..................................................................... vi 1 Welcome to the VCB.............................................................. 1 1.1 Introduction.....................................
1 Welcome to the VCB 1 WELCOME 1.1 TO THE VCB Introduction The VCB, Emblaze-VCON’s premier Multipoint Conferencing Unit (MCU), enables: T Initiation and management of multipoint conferences, including both scheduled and ad-hoc conferences, which are multipoint sessions that were expanded from point-to-point calls. T Wide range of rich, dynamic layouts for the simultaneous viewing of several participants. Up to 16 users may be displayed at the same time.
1 Welcome to the VCB The VCB includes the Conference Moderator, which provides administrators and users with the ability to schedule conferences in advance and to manage them remotely. At the appointed time, the Conference Moderator initiates the conference and connects the conference participants. Conference hosts can also control when participants join or exit sessions, and transmit video and data streams to the participants. For more details, see the Conference Moderator Help.
1 Welcome to the VCB T Applies H.239 support with HD DualStream™, in which both video and data application-sharing may be transmitted to conference participants (whose end points support dual streams). End points that don’t support dual streams will receive either the data or video stream, depending on the active VCB Service’s configuration. T The streams may be sent in CIF, QCIF, 4CIF, VGA, SVGA, or XGA.
2 DEFINING THE VCB IP CONFIGURATION Before you can use the VCB for the first time, you have to define a unique IP configuration for it. This task is made up of the following procedures: T Retrieving the VCB’s initial IP configuration T Changing the IP configuration to unique settings, such as a static IP address. 2.
2 Defining the VCB IP Configuration Through the Front Panel The following procedure describes how to get the IP address from the VCB unit’s front panel. ³ To define a static IP address 1 Connect a network cable to any one of interfaces GbE1 to GbE3. Connect to any one of these interfaces. Interface GbE0 has a fixed static IP which cannot be changed. 2 Turn the VCB unit on. A welcome message appears in the LCD display. 3 In the LCD display, press an arrow button until the GET IP command appears.
2 Defining the VCB IP Configuration Through Interface GbE0 The following procedure describes how to access the VCB’s configuration directly through the factory-configured interface. ³ To define a static IP address 1 Connect a communications cable between interface GbE0 and a computer. This interface’s IP configuration is: IP address 10.0.10.10 Subnet mask 255.255.0.0 Gateway IP address 0.0.0.0 Connect to GbE0.
2 Defining the VCB IP Configuration Through the Console Port The following procedure describes how to access the VCB’s configuration directly through the Console (or serial) port. ³ To define a static IP address 1 Connect a control cable between the VCB’s Console port and the remote computer’s COM port. From any one of these interfaces to the network From the CONSOLE port to your computer’s COM port 2 Connect a network cable to any one of interfaces GbE1 - GbE3.
2 Defining the VCB IP Configuration 6 After the command prompt (>), type the following syntax: setparam ipstatic [0-3] [IP address][netmask][default gateway address] Make sure that the static IP address is unique, in order to avoid collisions on the network. 7 To confirm the new IP configuration, type listip next to the command prompt and press .
3 Logging into the VCB 3 LOGGING INTO THE VCB When you start the VCB program, you must first log in. Emblaze-VCON’s Media Xchange Manager® (MXM) provides gatekeeper functions for the VCB. The MXM manages the videoconferencing environment among end points registered in it, including multipoint conferencing managed by the VCB. ³ To log in to the VCB 1 In your web browser, enter the URL of your VCB. The Login page appears. Logging Into the VCB 2 Enter your login name and password.
3 Logging into the VCB 5 Click the VCB tab to enter the VCB Configuration pages. VCB Configuration is divided into Settings and Services.
4 Setting Up the VCB 4 SETTING UP THE VCB This chapter provides instructions for setting the VCB configuration in the VCB Configuration program, and describes the properties so that you can set up the most suitable configuration for your installation. 4.1 VCB Settings The Settings tab contains general device configuration. These appear under the MCU Settings and Administrators categories. MCU Settings ³ To display MCU Settings 1 After logging in, click the Settings tab and then MCU Settings.
4 Setting Up the VCB 3 To implement the changes, click Apply. If an open conference is using the VCB when you make configuration changes, some of these changes may take effect immediately. Otherwise, changes will take effect in the next session. In the MCU Settings tab, the following properties are read-only: 14 Network Address IP address of the VCB. Vendor ID Identity of the manufacturer. Product ID Manufacturer's identity of the product.
4 Setting Up the VCB Build Number Version information for the VCB. Licensed Ports Maximum number of concurrent participants that may be serviced by in this VCB. Last Log On Most recent date that the VCB logged in to the MXM or H.323 gatekeeper. Last Log Out Most recent date that the VCB logged out of the MXM or H.323 gatekeeper. If the Last Log On date is later than the Last Log Out date, the selected node is currently logged into the MXM.
4 Setting Up the VCB Administrators List The Administrator tab lists administrators with permission to work with the VCB. ³ To display the list of Administrators T In the Settings tab, click Administrators. List of Administrators ³ To change an Administrator password T In the Name column, click the name. The Edit Administrator dialog appears. Changing Administrator Password To keep the same password, leave the Password boxes blank. New Password Type a new password for the administrator.
4 Setting Up the VCB 4.2 VCB Services Configuration VCB Services define the usage of resources used during a multipoint videoconference managed by the VCB. After the VCB's installation, you can add or edit service entries. One directory number (E.164) is created for each service type. To handle situations in which additional participants require additional resources, set up several VCB Services with incremental increases in bandwidth, number of ports, or multicast capabilities.
4 Setting Up the VCB ³ To delete a VCB Service 1 Click the checkbox to the left of the VCB Service entry. 2 Click Delete. 3 Click OK to confirm. The following subsections describe the VCB Service properties. General In the General page, enter identity information of the VCB Service. VCB Service - General In the General tab, the following properties appear: 18 Number Number to be dialed for using this service. Description Name of the service.
4 Setting Up the VCB Reserve Ports If selected, the VCB reserves an equal number of ports as the number of maximum users in this session, in accordance with your VCB license terms. For example, if the session is limited to a maximum of 8 participants, the VCB will reserve 8 ports. None of those ports will be available for other sessions. Ad-hoc Select to enable expansion to an ad-hoc conference.
4 Setting Up the VCB Layouts In the Layouts tab, define the layout for displaying multiple users on the screen at the same time. VCB Service - Layouts Choose the type and if necessary, schema for the layout: Display one user at a time. Display up to four users at a time. Display changes automatically depending on the number of users in the conference. 1->2->3->2*2->3*3->4*4 1 = 1 user 2 = 2 users 3 = 3 users 2*2 = 4 users in 2 rows 3*3 = 5-9 users in 3 rows 4*4 = 10-16 users in 4 rows.
4 Setting Up the VCB Media The Media tab contains the settings for audio formats, video formats and dual-video streaming. VCB Service - Media Audio Only audio codecs that are specified in your VCB’s license may be used during its calls. In the Audio list, select the codecs that are available for conferences using this specific VCB Service. To reach the maximum active participants per session/server, enable no more than two codecs per session. Video Format The video codec (H.261, H.263, H.
4 Setting Up the VCB Dual Video End points that support Emblaze-VCON’s HD DualStream™ (vPoint HD, HD5000, HD4000, HD3000 and HD2000) or other dual-video capability can send video and data streams simultaneously to a multipoint conference through the VCB. During a conference, end points supporting HD DualStream can view documents, graphics, and presentations as the main image, while the video appears as a PIP inset on the screen. Format The video codec (H.261, H.263, H.264) used by the streaming source.
4 Setting Up the VCB Send second video channel to legacy devices If a receiving end point does not support dual streams, it receives only the stream carrying the shared data application. However, the data appears in video format. If data sharing takes place during a multicast conference, When streaming send the multicast session’s Participants receive the data stream only.
4 Setting Up the VCB QoS The QoS tab contains properties for controlling the type of Quality of Service that will be used for transmitting packets during a multipoint conference that’s initiated using this VCB Service. VCB Service - QoS Priority Type (QoS) Select the type of QoS used for transmitting packets during heavy network congestion conditions. 24 No Priority Network transfers packets using normal Best-effort (or Routine) packet transmission.
4 Setting Up the VCB Priority Values Video, Audio and RTCP Priority For each packet type, select an appropriate priority level. The item with the highest priority number will be sent first, the item with the next highest number will be sent second, and so on. The priority levels vary, depending on whether the selected Priority Type is IP Precedence or Diffserv. Defaults Click to restore the default QoS configuration.
4 Setting Up the VCB Encryption Method Choose the mode of encryption for conferences using this service. T Choose None to allow unsecured calls. T Auto enables the transmitting end point to encrypt a call if the remote sides have also enabled encryption. If they have not enabled encryption, an outgoing call will be unsecured.
4 Setting Up the VCB Enable Silence Suppression Select to enable the VCB to lower bandwidth and CPU usage during periods of low audio and silence. Enable On Screen Display Select to display the names of the displayed users in Continuous Presence. Maximum Packet Size To allow Continuous Presence calls to proceed, set this parameter either equal to or lower than your network’s MTU.
4 Setting Up the VCB In CP, how to handle low bandwidth calls (cont.) T Use Symmetric Video - The call continues at [4x the VCB Service's defined bandwidth + 64 Kbps audio]. However, all end points that do not support the call's bandwidth receive the call at the bandwidth defined in their configuration. The table below shows the bandwidth used when a Continuous Presence call of [320 x4 Kbps + 64 Kbps audio] connects, resulting in the transfer of the full 1.
5 Setting Up a Dedicated VCB Service 5 SETTING UP SERVICE A DEDICATED VCB The tasks described in this chapter are procedures which you perform in Emblaze-VCON’s Media Xchange Manager® (MXM) Administrator application. 5.1 Dedicated Service for End Points A dedicated VCB service is set up only for expansion to an ad-hoc conference that includes a specific end point. That is, the service is “dedicated” to that end point.
5 Setting Up a Dedicated VCB Service 3 4 30 Double-click the end point, click MXM, and then click the MCU Services tab. In the Dedicated MCU Service list, select the service. Click OK.
5 Setting Up a Dedicated VCB Service 5.2 Dedicated Service for a Zone A dedicated ad-hoc service for a neighboring zone may be used only if any of that zone's end points are in the resulting ad-hoc conference (either one of the original two end points of the conference or the invited end point). ³ To dedicate a service to a specific end point 1 In the MXM Administrator, double-click the VCB Service and then click the Session tab.
6 Adding the VCB to an Ad-hoc Permission Group 6 ADDING THE VCB TO PERMISSION GROUP AN AD-HOC The tasks described in this chapter are procedures which you perform in Emblaze-VCON’s Media Xchange Manager® (MXM) Administrator application. An Ad-hoc Permission group is a set of VCB services that are defined for use in adhoc conferences. It helps you control the use of resources for expanding to ad-hoc conferences. An Ad-hoc Permission group may consist of one service or multiple services.
6 Adding the VCB to an Ad-hoc Permission Group 6.1 Ad-hoc Permission Group Properties In the Ad-hoc Permission Group dialog box, you can view and change the following configuration information: • • General Permission Group General In the Description box, type a name for the Ad-hoc Permission Group. This name will appear on the system tree and in the VCB’s Properties dialog boxes' Product Info tab.
6 Adding the VCB to an Ad-hoc Permission Group Permission Group The Permission Group Properties page includes all registered services that are defined for use as an ad-hoc resource, which is a service which is set up to connect ad-hoc conferences. Select any number of VCB services from the list to be in the Ad-hoc Permission Group. The group may also include combinations of services from more than one registered VCB unit. — — To place all services in the permission group, click Select All.
6 Adding the VCB to an Ad-hoc Permission Group Setting the Usage Order The services' locations in the list determines the order in which the MXM tries to use them. After an end point invites another end point, the MXM first tries to use the first service defined in the permission group. If the first service is not available, it tries to use the second defined service, and so on. If all enabled services are unavailable, the MXM does not complete the "invitation" to the additional end point.
7 Ad-Hoc Conferencing 7 AD-HOC CONFERENCING To “invite and join” additional parties into an ad-hoc videoconference, users must initiate the Invite function from their videoconferencing application during an open session. This chapter instructs how to invite from the following Emblaze-VCON applications: • • • • • vPoint™ vPoint HD HD5000/4000 HD3000/2000/1000/600 Other H.323 videoconferencing applications 7.
7 Ad-Hoc Conferencing The session is now a multipoint conference. The parties’ video is displayed in Continuous Presence (multiple users’ video on screen at all times) or Voice-Activated Switching (speaker’s video only on screen), in accordance with the MCU/VCB Service configuration. 7.2 38 Inviting from HD3000/2000/1000/600 1 Press any of the number keys on the remote control. The Manual Dial dialog box and SoftKey menu open. 2 Press the red MXM CALL CONTROL Softkey.
7 Ad-Hoc Conferencing Press the green Softkey to transfer the videoconference to the entered address Enter the address of the additional party for transferring the conference 5 The HD device dials the number. After several seconds, the additional party is added to the session, which is now a multipoint conference with VCB management. The parties’ video is displayed in Voice-Activated Switching. 7.
7 Ad-Hoc Conferencing 7.4 Inviting from Other H.323 Videoconferencing Applications In VCON’s MediaConnect 6000 and other H.323 videoconferencing applications, you must enter a code in order to invite other users to an ad-hoc videoconference. If you do not know the code, ask the system administrator. ³ To invite and join other parties into an ad-hoc videoconference 1 During an ongoing point-to-point videoconference, open your application’s Dialing utility.
8 Chair Control During Conferences 8 CHAIR CONTROL DURING CONFERENCES As an option, organizations employing the VCB may utilize Emblaze-VCON’s Conference Moderator, which allows users to schedule conferences in advance and control their progression, including Chair Control. Chair Control is the ability of one videoconferencing user to control what the other participants in a multipoint conference see and hear.
8 Chair Control During Conferences ³ To control the Chair 1 On the right side of the screen, click Chair Control. Click either the Chair Control button or the hotspot. Opening the Chair Control 2 Set Chair Control parameters for the session: Used By Choose the participants who will view the conference according to the parameters you set now. In this version, the only available option is All participants. Control Choose the level of chair control.
8 Chair Control During Conferences The available viewing methods are: T Voice-Activated Switching - The participants see the video of the participant whose audio signal is strongest. For example, the non-speaking participants see the person speaking. T Continuous Presence - Several participants in a multipoint conference are viewed and heard simultaneously. T Automatic Layout Transitions - Dynamic layout schemes, according to the selected scheme and the number of connected participants.
8 Chair Control During Conferences Fixed Showing specific views throughout the conference’s duration, selected by the conference’s initiator. From the Participant list box, choose the name of the user whose video will be seen. Timer Showing a cycle of views at rotating, timed intervals. From the Interval list box, choose the rate for changing the display. 4 44 Click Apply.
9 Upgrading the VCB License Key 9 UPGRADING THE VCB LICENSE KEY Replacing your VCB license key is required if you need to change the number of permitted concurrent participants. In the Web Management program, the Upgrade page contains your VCB’s license key, number of licensed ports, and the expiration date. When you order an upgrade, please supply this information to your Emblaze-VCON representative according to the instructions below.
10 SSH Commands 10 SSH COMMANDS This chapter defines the commands available when you access the VCB unit through a Secure Shell (SSH), Hyperterminal, or similar application connected to the Console port. A Secure Shell application, PuTTY, is included on the CD-ROM supplied in your VCB package. ³ To run the PuTTY program 1 Insert the VCB compact disc to your computer’s CD drive. 2 Browse to the Utilities folder’s putty.exe program. 3 Copy the putty.exe file to your desktop or another location.
10 SSH Commands Command changeservicestartmode Syntax changeservicestartmode Description Change the specified service’s starting mode. Parameters T Automatic T Manual T Disabled For example: TermService, a service allowing remote desktop connection, is disabled by default. To enable it, set the service start mode to Manual, and then start the service using the “startservice” command.
10 SSH Commands Command getparam Syntax getparam Description Retrieve the specified parameter. Parameters T appver - Display the VCB/MXM application version. T dhcp <0-3> - Display DHCP-defined IP configuration of the specified NIC, and if it’s enabled or disabled. T hwserial - The first NIC’s MAC address. T machinename - The name of the node. T sshver - Display the SSH Server version. T time - Display the current system date and time.
10 SSH Commands Command healthcheck Syntax Description Displays system information about the VCB’s host computer, such as CPU usage, virtual memory usage. Command help Syntax Description Lists all SSH commands and their possible syntaxes. Command killprocess Syntax killprocess Description Aborts the specified process. Command listip Syntax listip <0-3> Description Displays the IP address of the specified NIC.
10 SSH Commands Command services Syntax services Description Lists the services that start with the substring and displays their status. services VCON will list only VCON services. For example, • VCON VCB AGENT_1 Command setgkaddress Syntax setgkaddress Description Define an IP address to the associated MXM. Command setmcuaddress Syntax setmcuaddress Description Define an IP address to this VCB.
10 SSH Commands Command setvcbadminparam Syntax setvcbadminparam . Description Define the specified VCB Admin parameter. Parameters Name and password of the administrator. Command setvcbridgeparam Syntax setvcbridgeparam Description Define the specified VCB parameter. Command setvcbsessionparam Syntax setvcbsessionparam . Description Define the specified VCB Session parameter.
