1. Introduction

The University of Houston's Compressed Video Network (UH-CVN) is a dynamic and critical infrastructure necessary for providing distance education via interactive video. While we may dream of the day when we enjoy a system that is transparent and "runs itself," we must live and operate one that is not transparent and does not operate without human intervention. A set of agreed upon standards and support guidelines are necessary for the successful operation of the network. The following document outlines those mutually agreed upon guidelines.

1.1 Definition of Terms

1.1.1 LSP
Local Support Provider. The staff person holding this position is trained and available at the class site during an entire class for which he or she assumes responsibility. Each video class site assumes responsibility for providing this function as well as any necessary staff to fulfill it.

1.1.2 BSP
Backbone Support Provider. At all times when video classes are scheduled, the backbone support provider is available to assist in the connection, disconnection, or correction of problems during transmission. UH Information Technology assumes responsibility for providing this function as well as any necessary staff to fulfill it.

1.1.3 Video Analyst
UH Department of Telecommunications provides this position to provide technical and administrative support of the network backbone and to assist in the support of all local equipment.

1.1.4 TECH/OPS Committee
Technical Operations Committee. This system-wide committee addresses the technical and operational issues of the network.

1.1.5 MCU
Device used to bridge video calls together to create a multi-point or video "conference" call.

1.1.6 Multi-point Call
A call that bridges more than two video connections together. The bridging occurs in an MCU. The MCU can be either the UH unit (7 usable ports) or another providers unit (i.e. DIR, ATT). When setting up a multi-point call, the MCU can either call each participating site or each participating site can call into the MCU to be bridged. The preferred method at UH is the latter.

1.1.7 Point-to-Point Call
A video call consisting of two units connected to each other. Because there is no bridging of multiple sites, the MCU is not necessary. The connection is accomplished when one unit (the originator) dials the telephone number of the other unit (the receiver). Although it is not necessary, the MCU can be used to set up a point-to-point call.

1.1.8 UH-CVN
University of Houston's Compressed Video Network. A digital network connecting UH class and meeting rooms for the primary purpose of distance education. The network hub is located on the UH central campus with ISDN-PRIs and BRIs connecting various video systems. The primary equipment manufacturers are Teleos for switching and CLI (Compression Labs Incorporated) for video systems. The UH-CVN has interconnection to the broadband video network, public video network and the state's video network. It also provides data network connectivity for some UH locations.

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