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One of the most popular techniques for communication through video conferencing is the multipoint videoconferencing. Multipoint video conferencing is basically a form of conferencing that is done simultaneously among three or more remote points. This is done with the help of a Multipoint Control Unit (MCU).

MCU acts as a bridge which can interconnect the different calls coming from a number of different sources. This is very similar in operation to the technique of audio conference. Here all the participants have to call the MCU unit, or they can receive a call from the MCU unit. The MCU than connects the participants to each other for communication.

There are certain forms of Multipoint video conferencing that are entirely software based, while the others use a combination of hardware and software.

There are certain forms of multipoint video conferencing that do not need a MCU. Such types of video conferencing use a standards-based H.323 technique which is also called decentralized multipoint. In such types of multipoint video conferencing, each station involved can exchange the video and audio directly with the other stations involved, and there is no central “manager” involved.

This type of multipoint videoconferencing is preferred sometimes because the video and audio relayed this way is usually of a higher quality because they do not pass a central point. Also the conference users can make their multipoint calls without any concern regarding the control of an MCU. This added convenience and quality can be achieved with a higher network bandwidth.

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