From time to time, many K-20 institutions need to conduct either point-to-point (2 sites) or multipoint (2 or more sites) MCU video conferencing calls including remote sites that are not part of the K-20 network. The sites outside of the K-20 network are commonly called off-net sites. The following scenarios will assist you with planning, testing, and conducting these calls successfully based upon the type of video conference you would like the off-net site or sites to be included in.

If you have a relatively new IP video conferencing device, you may be able to call the off-net video conferencing unit's IP address directly. In some cases, you may need to disable your gatekeeper settings temporarily in order to call the off-net site using an IP address. Also, even if you are unable to call the off-net site directly using an IP address, the remote site personnel may be able to call out to you successfully using the direct calling approach described above. Testing the connection before the live event is important, and if you encounter any firewall or other network/equipment issues during testing you may also need to contact your regional Video ITU for assistance with resolving these issues before you can place a successful call.

Scenario 2: An off-net IP site calling into a K-20 MCU event:

Off-net sites calling into the K-20 MCU (Multipoint Control Unit, or video bridge) will need to either register with the K-20 gatekeeper or verify they are registered to a gatekeeper that is peered with the K-20 gatekeeper through the ViDeNet gatekeeper hierarchy. Documentation to guide both K-20 users and off-net site personnel through the planning, testing, and operational aspects of this effort can be found through the following links:

Scenario 3: A K-20 site connecting with an off-net site directly via ISDN video conferencing:

For point-to-point ISDN calls, one of the sites will have to pay the ISDN charges for the connection. These charges result from using a specific amount of ISDN bandwidth for a given amount of time. If the off-net site will originate the call, the video support staff members need to be aware that their institution will incur the cost of maintaining the connection between the two locations at the agreed upon call bandwidth. If the K-20 site chooses to originate the call, site personnel will either need to verify that the institution is authorized for long distance ISDN calling, or fill out the billing authorization form and return it to K-20. For more information about K-20 billing and calling rates for off-net calls, please visit the links below:

Scenario 4: An Off-net ISDN site calling into a K-20 MCU event:

The off-net site personnel need to be aware that they will incur ISDN costs while connected to the K-20 MCU. For more information, please visit the following link: