Multipoint LAN conferencing

The author outlines research done on a prototype desktop conferencing system (the Max project), the problems encountered, and likely solutions for some of these problems. This working prototype of a desktop video conference uses Intel Indeo Video (software playback) and inexpensive PC audio hardware without hardware audio compression. Standard Intel486 microprocessor-based PCs are used both as workstations and as the conference bridge. The project initially focused on point-to-point and broadcast conference modes. Modules were developed to support data, audio, and video conferencing and to allow participation by nodes without video capture ability. This experiment ran across a dedicated Ethernet LAN (local area network). The Max project demonstrated that desktop video conferencing was indeed feasible for low-cost PC platforms.<>