Video conferencing applications can be classified according to a matrix
of network type and number of participants. The network types are primarily
LAN (Local Area Network, i.e., Internet connectivity) and ISDN (phone system);
the participant number is person-to-person or group. Often the determination
of whether to videoconference with a remote site must be based on whether
that site uses H.323 (LAN) or not. ISDN is still very prevalent at commercial
sites and even in some educational sites.
While desktop video conferencing itself may not be sufficiently mature to
warrant investment of large amounts of resources for wide deployment, desktop
collaboration is evolving as a valuable tool for the workplace. Desktop video
still may be very appropriate in some cases. A person who is considering use
of desktop videoconferencing needs to be aware of the current shortfalls imposed
by network bandwidth restrictions and the impact of other network usage. In
general, a site that uses Internet 2 will not experience the same network congestion
as a site on the commercial Internet. This is an area that is continuing to
evolve. Early adopters may gain valuable experience, but also may need to make
equipment and hardware upgrades regularly to take advantage of advances in
the field.