This is an essential technical component in organizing online meetings, conferences, and workshops. The basic connection diagram for meeting nodes includes the following components:
Multipoint Control Unit (MCU):
The MCU is a device responsible for managing the entire video conferencing system. It receives all video streams from endpoint devices (meeting nodes) and packages them to send back to the nodes based on specific requirements. The MCU can either be a dedicated hardware device or a computer installed with specialized software.
Dedicated Endpoint Device (Endpoint):
The endpoint is a device that performs video compression and decompression (codec-decode) and handles sending and receiving video with the MCU. Endpoints are connected to display devices, audio systems, cameras, and the MCU via an IP connection. They can either be dedicated hardware or PCs, laptops, or tablets installed with specialized software. (See the detailed diagram below.)
Network Connection:
This is a critical component of the system, as it directly affects the quality of the meeting. The network connection’s function is to transmit data between endpoint devices and the MCU.