There are three general reasons for a video conferencing system not to connect. The First is the network – More often than not this is the source of the problem. The Second is the physical layer – Something got disconnected, like the router. The Third general reason is the CODEC or video conferencing system itself – The network settings in the configuration were changed.
Let’s focus on the first source of the problem – the network. Over the years with all the calls we receive in for a video conferencing malfunction, ninety-nine times out of one hundred the problem is in the network, not the CODEC or the system. The first question we ask is — Did you change phone service or circuit providers recently? The second question is – Did your IT staff or IT provider change anything in the network? Sometimes there is a new network server or new router installed and they are not finding the CODEC. Another overlooked problem in the network is bandwidth. Many times there is simply not enough bandwidth to accommodate video conferencing. Those video conferencing from their homes through cable will notice a significant drop in performance or disconnection after 3:00 pm when all the kids are home from school and start surfing the internet. In any event always look at the Network first. Another way to check the network is the green and yellow network indicator lights on the back of the CODEC. They should be on with a steady light — not blinking. It’s a good idea to look at the network lights on the back of the CODEC first.
The second potential source is the physical layer in the network. Again look at the network lights on the back of the CODEC. If they are totally off, this usually means something down the line is disconnected or off like the router. Make sure everything is connected properly to the router and modem. When there is a disconnection it’s usually caused accidentally by the cleaning staff or maintenance people. One of our clients is a law firm, and they use video conferencing for depositions, interviews and interrogatories. All their conferences are critical. One time they called and said the system is down. We immediately opened a trouble ticket. Our technician found that someone simply unplugged the router’s power supply and Ethernet connection and stuck the router on a shelf in the Telco closet — Very simple and quick fix and one of the few times the problem was discovered in the physical layer.
As a rule, the last thing to look at is the CODEC itself. More often than not it’s the power supply which is external. It’s very simple and inexpensive to replace the power supply. Other times it’s a simple change in the configuration, i.e. IP address; DNS server; Gateway settings, etc. Unless the CODEC is old, (10 years plus), it’s rare for one to simply stop working. Most CODECS are solid state with backwards compatible firmware – They just always seem to work.
J.W. Hornyak Videoconferencing & Telecommunications
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