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Secure Videoconferencing ■
Security ■ Bandwidth ■ Reliability ■ Interoperability ■ Switching ■ Bonding ■ Circuit Consolidation
Videoconferencing gaining ground in government agencies Advanced video switch technology reduces costs and simplifies videoconferencing networks. Videoconferencing is once again growing in popularity, especially in government agencies where the need for more frequent, secure communications is weighing in more heavily than ever. The need to communicate with remote locations, while keeping travel expenses in check, has steadily increased with recent geopolitical events. As things heat up, Homeland Security, Department of Defense, and civilian agencies are returning to tried-and-true videoconferencing technology to support collaborative efforts, distance learning, and other programs.
ISDN versus IP
Many agencies have an existing videoconferencing system in place, operating over ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network), IP (Internet Protocol), or a combination of both. Often characterized by inefficient circuit usage, aging equipment, and cumbersome diagnostics, older video networks may not be capable of handling increased demand for capacity and security. Fewer vendors are supporting ISDN-based technology, especially the wide area connectivity aspect, so fewer choices exist for upgrading or expanding existing secured videoconferencing operations.
ISDN has been used for videoconferencing for years, and it remains the best choice for many applications, particulary secure videoconferences. This technology is a circuit-switched service operating at Layer 2 of the OSI model (the Data Link Layer), eliminating the possibility of intrusion that exists with IP networks operating at Layer 3. ISDN provides the guaranteed bandwidth and low latency necessary for high-quality video transfer. It performs reliably and is a widely deployed, standardsbased technology. ISDN is also better suited as a Wide Area Network (WAN) when using the synchronous serial encryption devices approved for government agencies.
A solid partner ADTRAN is one of the world’s most successful telecom equipment suppliers, with a 17-year history of industry-leading products and support. ADTRAN products are firmly entrenched throughout today’s telecommunications networks. It is highly probable that at least some portion of your daily business or personal communications travel over a network using ADTRAN equipment. The innovative networking solutions developed by ADTRAN are in use by every major domestic service provider and many international ones, as well as by thousands of public, private and government organizations worldwide.
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Any IT manager considering a change to a videoconferencing system must evaluate the pros and cons of ISDN versus IP for the wide area connection. To some, video over IP may seem like the only option on the market today. It is readily available, and when deployed over the public Internet, offers potential cost savings; however, public IP networks are subject to certain vulnerabilities. Private IP offers secure communications, but idle, dedicated lines make it the most expensive videoconferencing topology.
ATLAS Video Switch—A strategically important videoconferencing tool Today, there is a viable option for secure WAN videoconferencing. The ATLAS™ Video Switch from ADTRAN is a fully featured ISDN switch that allows multiple videoconferencing systems to concurrently share WAN bandwidth (see diagram). It dynamically switches multiple calls over the same high-speed line to achieve maximum bandwidth utilization, while choosing least cost routes. Suitable for public or private networks, the ATLAS Video Switch performs on- and off-premises switching, and can also emulate ISDN switched services over point-to-point T1. Its versatility accommodates today’s videoconferencing requirements and anticipates tomorrow’s demands, while simplifying network infrastructure and lowering costs.
A flexible connectivity solution The ATLAS Video Switch fits readily into new or existing videoconferencing networks. It includes a variety of common, industry-standard interfaces for connecting
ISDN WAN Access Using the ATLAS Video Switch
encryption devices, H.323 gateways, and video codec equipment to the WAN. Equipment interfaces include ISDN PRI/ BRI, V.35, EIA-530, RS-449, and RS-366 dialing. WAN interface options include T3, T1, PRI, BRI and E1/PRA. The system supports high-resolution video transmissions from 112 Kbps up to full PRI (1.472 Mbps) using Bonding technology.
Extensive diagnostics and management One of the key operational benefits of consolidating multiple video systems onto an ATLAS Video Switch is informative, easyto-use diagnostics and management. The platform offers extensive diagnostics and troubleshooting, including detailed L2 (Q.921) and L3 (Q.931) message decoding, call trace information, WAN trunk usage statistics, and a detailed event log. These tools enable effective network planning and management.
ISDN PRI sharing and overbooking Many legacy networks dedicate multiple WAN circuits to individual video codecs or gateways. This topology precludes bandwidth sharing, resulting in underutilized circuits and higher monthly costs. ATLAS can use a single WAN circuit to support multiple videoconferencing systems.All channels are available for voice or video, whether the calls are inbound or outbound. There is no need to predefine or dedicate bandwidth. Bandwidth unused by videoconferencing is available for other voice and data applications supported by the ATLAS platform. This circuit consolidation and sharing results in higher bandwidth utilization, increases the number of users supported, and lowers costs.
Several models available ADTRAN offers multiple models of its ATLAS Video Switch. The ATLAS 830 is an 8-slot modular chassis suitable for small to medium-sized networks. It supports up to 64 ISDN BRIs and up to 10 simultaneous 384 Kbps videoconferences. The ATLAS 890 is a 15-slot modular platform with optional full system redundancy for mission-critical networks. It is suitable for larger, central sites that require up to 96 ISDN BRIs and up to 20 simultaneous 384 Kbps videoconferences. Both models support T1, PRI, and BRI interfaces to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). ADTRAN also offers a full line of ISDN terminal adapters, ISDN inverse multiplexers, and NT1s.
Industry-leading technical support Every ATLAS Video Switch includes a fiveyear warranty and unlimited, toll-free telephone technical support. For added protection, ADTRAN offers an extended services program that guarantees 30-minute call back and on-site product replacement by a certified ADTRAN technician in as few as four hours, depending on the plan selected. ADTRAN customers also enjoy access to a comprehensive classroom and web-enabled training program that includes free and fee-based options.
New information Online! Now available — new information on ADTRAN solutions for videoconferencing.
www.adtran.com/info/securevideo
