Multipoint Control Units
MCU, as shown in Figure 5-8, is an endpoint on the network that allows three or more
endpoints to participate in a multipoint conference. It controls and mixes video, audio,
and data from endpoints to create a robust multimedia conference. An MCU might also
connect two endpoints in a point-to-point conference, which might later develop into a
multipoint conference.
258 Authorized Self-Study Guide: Cisco Voice over IP (CVOICE)
Intranet Internet
H.323
Terminal
Multimedia
conferencing mixing
audio, video,
and data.
H.323
Terminal
H.323
Terminal
Gatekeeper
Multipoint Control Unit
(MCU)
V
H.320
Terminal
(ISDN)
Gateway
H.320
Terminal
(POTS)
PSTN
Figure 5-8 Multipoint Control Unit