Know and understand the hardware, software and network connection required to set up each type of electronic conference

Published by Patrick Mutisya · 14 days ago

ICT 0417 – Networks and Electronic Conferences

4. Networks and the Effects of Using Them

Learning Objective

Know and understand the hardware, software and network connection required to set up each type of electronic conference.

1. Types of Electronic Conference

  • Audio Conference (telephone or \cdot oIP)

  • Video Conference (point‑to‑point or multipoint)

  • Web Conference (shared screen, chat, whiteboard)

  • Webinar (large audience, presenter‑focused)

  • Virtual Classroom (interactive learning environment)

2. Required Components for Each Conference Type

Conference TypeHardwareSoftware / PlatformNetwork ConnectionTypical Bandwidth Requirement
Audio Conference

  • Microphone (headset or desk mic)

  • Loudspeaker or headphones

  • Telephone handset (optional)

  • VoIP client (e.g., Skype, Zoom Audio, Teams)

  • Conference bridge service

Wired Ethernet or Wi‑Fi (stable IP connectivity)≈ 64–128 kbps per participant (mono) or 128–256 kbps (stereo)
Video Conference

  • Webcam (HD 720p or higher)

  • Microphone and speakers/headphones

  • Optional: external capture card for high‑quality video

  • Video‑calling software (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Cisco Webex, Google Meet)

  • Optional: dedicated video‑conference system (Polycom, Cisco Room Kit)

Wired Ethernet preferred; Wi‑Fi acceptable if signal strong≈ 1–2 Mbps per participant for 720p; 3–4 Mbps for 1080p
Web Conference

  • Computer or tablet with webcam and microphone

  • Dual monitors (optional for presenter)

  • Web‑based platform (GoToMeeting, Adobe Connect, Microsoft Teams)

  • Screen‑sharing, whiteboard, chat modules

Wired Ethernet recommended; high‑quality Wi‑Fi acceptable≈ 1.5–3 Mbps (depends on shared content quality)
Webinar

  • High‑definition webcam (optional for presenter video)

  • Professional microphone (cardioid condenser)

  • Lighting equipment (softbox, ring light)

  • Webinar platform (Zoom Webinar, Webex Events, GoToWebinar)

  • Streaming encoder (OBS Studio, Wirecast) if using RTMP

Wired Ethernet with low latency; upload speed critical≈ 3–5 Mbps upload for 720p; 5–8 Mbps for 1080p
Virtual Classroom

  • Computer or tablet per learner

  • Headset with mic for each participant

  • Interactive whiteboard (optional)

  • Learning Management System with live class module (Moodle, Canvas, Google Classroom)

  • Integrated video‑conference tool

Wired Ethernet preferred for schools; robust Wi‑Fi for remote learners≈ 2–4 Mbps per active video stream; higher if multiple streams are simultaneous

3. Network Effects on Conference Quality

  1. Latency – Delay between sending and receiving data. High latency (>150 ms) causes noticeable lag, especially in interactive sessions.

  2. Jitter – Variation in packet arrival time. Causes choppy audio/video; mitigated by buffering.

  3. Packet loss – Missing data packets lead to audio drop‑outs or frozen video frames. Typical acceptable loss < 1% for voice, < 0.5% for video.

  4. Bandwidth saturation – When multiple streams exceed available bandwidth, quality degrades or connections drop.

  5. Network congestion – Heavy traffic on shared networks (e.g., school Wi‑Fi) can increase latency and jitter.

4. Practical Set‑up Checklist

  • Verify hardware functionality (camera, mic, speakers) before the session.

  • Test network speed: use a speed test tool to confirm upload/download meets minimum requirements.

  • Configure Quality of Service (QoS) on routers to prioritize \cdot oIP/Video traffic.

  • Ensure firewall ports required by the chosen software are open (commonly TCP 443, UDP 3478‑3480 for STUN/TURN).

  • Perform a trial run with a small group to identify any latency or audio‑echo issues.

5. Effects of Using Networks in Different Contexts

ContextPositive EffectsNegative Effects / Risks
Business Meetings

  • Reduced travel costs

  • Instant sharing of documents

  • Flexibility of remote participation

  • Security concerns (unauthorised access)

  • Potential technical failures causing delays

Education (Virtual Classroom)

  • Access to resources for remote learners

  • Interactive tools (polls, breakout rooms)

  • Digital divide – unequal bandwidth among students

  • Distractions from multitasking on devices

Public Webinars

  • Large audience reach

  • Ability to record and reuse content

  • Higher risk of “Zoom‑bombing” or disruptive participants

  • Server load may cause crashes if capacity exceeded

Healthcare Tele‑consultations

  • Quick patient access to specialists

  • Reduced need for physical appointments

  • Strict data‑privacy regulations (HIPAA, GDPR)

  • Potential loss of diagnostic detail without high‑resolution video

6. Suggested Diagram

Suggested diagram: Typical network layout for a multipoint video conference, showing routers, switches, firewalls, and participant devices.

7. Summary

Setting up an electronic conference requires a clear match between the conference type and the supporting hardware, software, and network infrastructure. Understanding the effects of latency, jitter, packet loss and bandwidth ensures that the chosen solution delivers reliable, high‑quality communication, whether the context is business, education, public events, or specialised fields such as healthcare.