Multipoint Multimedia Communication

Abstract

Multipoint multimedia communication is the underlying technology for a number of applications like video-conferencing and collaborative computing. In this paper, we have explored the networking requirements for multimedia applications and classified the latter accordingly. Some contemporary network technologies have been evaluated for their suitability towards multipoint multimedia applications. Two important technical aspects of such communication, namely synchronisation and multicasting, have been examined in greater detail. We present some case studies of multimedia network implementations and analyse their merits. Finally, the technology trends are discussed.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Hiranmay Ghosh

Hiranmay Ghosh is a Divisional Manager with Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT). His current research interests include Multimedia Systems, Communication Networks and Middle-ware Tools. He received a BSc degree in Physics and a BTech degree in Radiophysics and Electronics, both from the Calcutta University. He is part-time ' PhD candidate with the Electrical Engineer-ing Department of Indian Institute of Technology (11T), Delhi.

Hari M Gupta

Hari M Gupta received the BE degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from the University of Roorkee in 1967, the MTech degree in Electronics and Electrical Commutation Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur in 1969, and the PhD degree in Electrical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur in 1974. He has been with the Department of Electrical Engineering. Indian Institute of Technology since 1973. and a Professor since 1986. He was a Visiting Associate Professor at the Department of Electrical Engineering, McGill University. Montreal. Canada during September 1979-August 1980, and at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Drexel University. Philadelphia, USA during September 1984-December 1985.

He established Photonic Systems research and initiated Telematics Programme at IIT, Delhi. His academic and research interests are Computer Communication Networks, Photonic Information Systems and Networked Multimedia Systems.

He is a Fellow of the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers, a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers (India) a Senior Member of the Computer Society of India, a Member of the Systems Society of India and a Member of the Indian Society for Technical Education. He has been India's representative in International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP)-TC-o Committee on Communication Systems, and the Vice-President of the Systems Society of India. Currently he is a member of the IETE Council.