The Multipoint Control Unit (MCU) is a "video bridge" that allows a conference coordinator to schedule a multi-point videoconference. When three or more sites wish to hold a videoconference, they must all send the audio and video from their videoconference systems to the MCU. The MCU will select one or more of the audio/video signals to send back to the clients. The sites can thus hold a multi-point videoconference giving each site a chance to talk and see the other participating sites.

In order for all of the sites that want to participate in a given session to connect to that session, a conference coordinator must schedule the conference on the MCU for a particular time and date and reserve a given number of ports- one for each participant. We have created web pages with forms to be completed by the coordinator to help in the reservation process.

After a videoconference is scheduled, participants can go to the scheduling pages to view the details for the event. Email describing the event will also be mailed to the conference coordinator. Should changes to the conference be necessary (i.e. a change in the time or date or number of participants attending), the scheduled event can be modified.

To get to the scheduling and viewing web pages, either click on the appropriate link on the "home page", click on the "My Conferences" icon at the top of each page, or click here.