Cisco IP/TV
The Cisco IP/TV product line is a hardware and software solution designed to
provide real-time one-way video broadcasting services to desktop computers.
There are two components to this product offering, the IP/TV series of servers
and the IP/TV desktop software.The system differs from typical video-conferencing
systems in that it utilizes multicast traffic to allow several subscribers to
view the same presentation from a single source.This system is often utilized for
employee training or company-wide conferences in which only a few parties
speak.
The IP/TV server family includes five servers. All are preloaded Windows
2000 servers: the 3411, 3422, 3423, 3431, and 3415.The 3411 serves as a management
and broadcast control server. It is responsible for scheduling, server access,
balancing of network resources, and control of video services.The 3422 and 3423
servers are responsible for the actual capture, storing, and transmission of live or
archived video broadcasts.These servers receive their direction and control from
the 3411 server.The 3431 server is an archive server. It is responsible for the
storing and cataloging of prerecorded video-transmissions such as training material.
This material can then, at any time, be retransmitted by the 3411 and
3422/3423 servers.The 3415 server is the video starter system. It provides an allin-
one IP/TV solution for small organizations that are just getting started with
IP/TV. It offers control, broadcast, and storage facilities.While offering an all-inone
solution, it is not intended to replace, nor can it offer the same functionality
of the 3411, 3422/3423, and 3431 servers. Rather, it is intended to be a steppingstone
into the larger environment.
The client side of the IP/TV system is a software application known as the
IP/TV viewer.This software communicates directly with the 3411 control server
to attain information regarding available broadcasts and program listings.When
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50 Chapter 2 • New World Technologies
the appropriate program is selected, the IP/TV viewer allows the user to view
the broadcast.