Comparison of video conference realization schemes

In this paper, we investigate the issue of how multiparty-to-multiparty communication should be realized. In order to quantify the different techniques, we examine the network-layer (bandwidth and buffer) allocations of four models for realizing multiparty-to-multiparty communication. An example application considered in this paper, where such communication will be needed, is video conferencing based on MPEG video streams. Analytical comparisons are carried out based on actual data obtained from empirical measurements of the source characteristics of MPEG video (determined to be a 40 state Markov modulated fluid source). Our results show that in order to minimize bandwidth and buffer (network-layer resources) allocations, we must exploit the effect of statistical multiplexing by using shared buffers for such multiparty-to-multiparty communication. Using these results we identify the best technique for multiparty-to-multiparty communications.