Abstract: A plurality of multipoint conference units (MCUs) may optimize bandwidth by selecting particular video streams to transmit to endpoints and/or other MCUs participating in a video conference. An endpoint may generate video streams and audio streams and transmit these streams to its managing MCU. During the video conference, an endpoint may also receive and display different video streams and different audio streams. In a particular embodiment, a controlled MCU receives video streams from its managed endpoints, selects potential video streams based upon the maximum number of video streams that any endpoint can display concurrently, and transmits those potential video streams to a master MCU. The master MCU may also receive video streams from its managed endpoints and may select active video streams for transmission to its managed endpoints and to the controlled MCU, which transmits selected streams to its managed endpoints.

Abstract: A method includes registering with a first remote conference manager operated by a first entity and a request to enable conferencing with a second entity. The method also includes querying the first remote conference manager for at least one conference room hosted by the second entity and updating a directory of conference rooms comprising at least one local conference room to further comprise the at least one remote conference room. The method further includes receiving a request to schedule a conference. Upon determining at least one remote conference room is to be used for the scheduled conference, the method also includes transmitting the request to the first remote conference manager. Upon the second remote conference manager transmitting an acceptance of the conference, the method also includes receiving details from the first remote conference manager for establishing a connection for use with the conference and transmitting the details to the at least one local conference room.

Abstract: A plurality of multipoint conference units (MCUs) may optimize bandwidth by selecting particular video streams to transmit to endpoints and/or other MCUs participating in a video conference. An endpoint may generate video streams and audio streams and transmit these streams to its managing MCU. During the video conference, an endpoint may also receive and display different video streams and different audio streams. In a particular embodiment, a controlled MCU receives video streams from its managed endpoints, selects potential video streams based upon the maximum number of video streams that any endpoint can display concurrently, and transmits those potential video streams to a master MCU. The master MCU may also receive video streams from its managed endpoints and may select active video streams for transmission to its managed endpoints and to the controlled MCU, which transmits selected streams to its managed endpoints.

Abstract: A plurality of multipoint conference units (MCUs) may optimize bandwidth by selecting particular video streams to transmit to endpoints and/or other MCUs participating in a video conference. An endpoint may generate video streams and audio streams and transmit these streams to its managing MCU. During the video conference, an endpoint may also receive and display different video streams and different audio streams. In a particular embodiment, a controlled MCU receives video streams from its managed endpoints, selects potential video streams based upon the maximum number of video streams that any endpoint can display concurrently, and transmits those potential video streams to a master MCU. The master MCU may also receive video streams from its managed endpoints and may select active video streams for transmission to its managed endpoints and to the controlled MCU, which transmits selected streams to its managed endpoints.

Abstract: A method for identifying a multipoint control unit (MCU) for hosting a conference includes receiving a notification indicating one or more conference parameters and ranking a plurality of MCUs wherein the ranking is based on one or more, network conditions. The method includes selecting a first MCU based on a rank associated with the first MCU and determining whether the first MCU is capable of hosting the conference. In response to determining that the first MCU is capable of hosting the conference, the method includes assigning the conference to be hosted by the first MCU.

Abstract: A method includes registering with a first remote conference manager operated by a first entity and a request to enable conferencing with a second entity. The method also includes querying the first remote conference manager for at least one conference room hosted by the second entity and updating a directory of conference rooms comprising at least one local conference room to further comprise the at least one remote conference room. The method further includes receiving a request to schedule a conference. Upon determining at least one remote conference room is to be used for the scheduled conference, the method also includes transmitting the request to the first remote conference manager. Upon the second remote conference manager transmitting an acceptance of the conference, the method also includes receiving details from the first remote conference manager for establishing a connection for use with the conference and transmitting the details to the at least one local conference room.

Abstract: A plurality of multipoint conference units (MCUs) may optimize bandwidth by selecting particular video streams to transmit to endpoints and/or other MCUs participating in a video conference. An endpoint may generate video streams and audio streams and transmit these streams to its managing MCU. During the video conference, an endpoint may also receive and display different video streams and different audio streams. In a particular embodiment, a controlled MCU receives video streams from its managed endpoints, selects potential video streams based upon the maximum number of video streams that any endpoint can display concurrently, and transmits those potential video streams to a master MCU. The master MCU may also receive video streams from its managed endpoints and may select active video streams for transmission to its managed endpoints and to the controlled MCU, which transmits selected streams to its managed endpoints.

Abstract: A method for identifying a multipoint control unit (MCU) for hosting a conference includes receiving a notification indicating one or more conference parameters and ranking a plurality of MCUs wherein the ranking is based on one or more, network conditions. The method includes selecting a first MCU based on a rank associated with the first MCU and determining whether the first MCU is capable of hosting the conference. In response to determining that the first MCU is capable of hosting the conference, the method includes assigning the conference to be hosted by the first MCU.