An abbreviation for Access Grid. Access Grid is an open source software platform designed to utilise a variety of different hardware setups. Access Grid allows users to connect to other Access Grid 'nodes' (which we commonly refer to as endpoints on our website) and has a variety of different features to enable collaboration. There are several Access Grid endpoints across the country, which are used frequently. To view some of the meetings taking place, visit the AG calendar.

H323 decribes a protocol used by many commercial VC systems for transmitting data across endpoints. A protocol is a specific 'code' the units use communicate, several different protocols exist. Two systems that are made by different companies may still use the same protocol, therefore they can still connect to each other.

An abbreviation for Crown Research Institute. You can read more about these here.

An Endpoint refers to a room, office, site or any other space set up with VC functionality. A personal computer running a desktop VC system is an endpoint, as is a room dedicated to a VC system such as Access Grid, or an H323 platform. Endpoint is often used interchangeably with 'node' or site.

An abbreviation for High Definition. High Definition refers to a picture resolution (the sharpness of an image) greater than Standard Definition. Many VC technologies now allow communication in High Definition, which makes reading facial expressions easier, and allows communication of more detailed imagery.

The Kiwi Advanced Research and Education Network. KAREN is a high capacity, ultra high-speed connectivity between New Zealand’s tertiary institutions, research organisations, libraries, Wananga, schools and museums, and the rest of the world. Any member can connect through KAREN to any other member or to collaborators on other advanced networks internationally.

KAREN's core membership includes New Zealand's universities, Crown research institutes and the National Library. Polytechnics, schools and partners are also connected to KAREN.

As of April 2009, there are 61 KAREN members, partners and aggregators at 103 sites across the country. You can find more information about KAREN on their website.

A Node refers to a room, office, or any other space set up with VC functionality. A personal computer running a desktop VC system is a Node, as is a room dedicated to a VC system such as Access Grid, or an H323 platform. Node is often used interchangeably with 'endpoint' or 'site'.

An abbreviation for Video Conference.

A webcam is generally a small camera which connects to a computer via a USB connection. These can be purchased for as little as $50, and are almost always built into new laptops.

Multicast is a network technology that enables the sender of network packets to only send the information once to any participants listening, rather than having to send the network packets individually to each listening participant.

For more information, please visit the Wikipedia article on multicast