There are several types of video traffic that may be sent over a network and each type could have different requirements. Different tools can be used to ensure the reliability and seamless integration of video applications into your data network.
Video Conferencing: Video conferencing is a real-time application. Users on one end of the conversation expect to see fast response times and synchronized voice conversations. The communication is full duplex meaning that traffic is sent and received simultaneously. High quality video conferencing is now sent using high-definition equipment often requiring significant bandwidth.
Streaming Video: Streaming video sends traffic in only one direction, away from the source. This traffic is either watched by viewers at the same time (eg. CEO webcast) or watched by viewers at their own discretion (eg. CBT - Computer Based Training). In the case of a webcast, a network protocol termed Multicast can be used to ensure that multiple copies of the same data stream are not send over the same circuit. Multicast can reduce bandwidth usage and improve the quality of the video stream. As for the latter, content management and caching service can be used to ensure that the same video doesn't need to traverse root links when viewed for a second or third time.
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