Optimum design of videoconferencing systems over ATM networks

Information infrastructures have been deployed which allow videoconferencing systems to be applied in tele-learning. In this paper, simplified dimensioning methods are proposed for CBR (constant bit rate) and VBR (variable bit rate) schemes in an ATM system. In the light of the dimensioning methods, the optimum video bit rate is analyzed considering utility and economic aspects such as (for example) transmission costs. The measure representing the utility of the videoconferencing system is introduced as a convex monotonically increasing function of the video bit rate. Approximate formulas for "utility" are estimated by opinion tests of "willingness to pay" and "percent score". The optimum video bit rate is analyzed to maximize the utility per transmission cost.