1. 1 Report from Fermilab to the CSMM Working Group Meeting 2/12/2004 Sheila Cisko and Al Thomas

2. 2 Video Conferencing Technologies Used at Fermilab Room based: IP (H.323, ESnet, VRVS); ISDN (being phased out); Hardware based (Polycom). Significant ancillary equipment (microphones and speakers, audio processors, projectors and/or monitors, cameras, etc.). Desktop based: IP only; Hardware (Polycom ViaVideo); Software (NetMeeting, packet-based tools (vic/rat). T.120 (?) Web repositories Agenda servers

3. 3 Video Conferencing ISDN Statistics

4. 4 Video Conferencing IP Statistics (from netflow)

5. 5 Video Conferencing Current Operations Reserve video conf resources (scheduling FNAL endpoints for multipoint meetings); Troubleshoot video conferences; including FNAL & offsite rooms involved in FNAL meetings & bridge personnel (ESnet, VRVS or DoE EM); Appoint new FNAL rooms with video conf gear and related multimedia, as requested from division HQs; Train users and FNAL support personnel to use video conf equipment; Consult with on- and off-site users in technology and equipment; Maintain documentation of room systems, codec firmware, utilization and ISDN charges.

6. 6 Video Conferencing Areas of Expertise Design of video conferencing rooms; Operation of Polycom and ancillary audio/visual processing equipment; Support of standards based videoconferencing (H.323); Technology R&D.

7. 7 Video Conferencing Investigations and Technology R&D CMS Virtual Control Room Project, participants include Data Communications and PPD/CMS. At present we’re determining best equipment for the testbed; Video conference technology and tools: H.264 (higher speed v/c with mpeg); Desktop collaboration tools (H.323, Polycom ViaVideo, Microsoft NetMeeting, T.120, etc.). Audio and video technology and equipment; Video Streaming.

8. 8 Fermilab Video Conference Room Installations Currently Fermilab has 19 video conferencing rooms. All are public, but certain divisions or collaborations have primary access and use of their own video rooms. All rooms are scheduled by different divisions. Each division may assign a technician or administrative support person to oversee video meetings. Level of expertise and knowledge varies. Approximately two new rooms added each year. Installations requested by other laboratory divisions to Computing Division Video Conference Coordinator. Design and installation assistance from CD/Data Communications Infrastructure group and outside vendors. We recommend room treatments wrt to acoustics, lighting, etc. but often not implemented.