interactive multicast for multi-party videoconferencing is a software alternative to the expensive mcu (see chapter 8 for more information on mcus). interactive multicast uses bandwidth more efficiently than an mcu does, and it does not limit the number of users in a session or the number of sessions per license; most mcus do.

    during an interactive multicast, identical video streams, audio streams, and data application sharing packets are sent from one party to multiple parties. the initiating party (chair) calls one or more parties (participants) at the start of the conference and controls its progression. all parties receive identical transmissions.

    mediaconnect provides the capability to carry out interactive multicast video meetings over a local area network (lan), in which the chair and all participants may be seen and heard during the duration of the meeting. interactive multicasts can proceed in the form of a lecture or demonstration, in which participants. participation is restricted and controlled by the chair, or as a free discussion, in which everyone has the right to be seen and heard without the need to receive permission from the chair.

    during the meeting, the chair can decide to receive questions from participants or to grant the floor temporarily. in addition, other participants may join in an interactive multicast while it is in progress.

    if data sharing is active, all participants receive identical copies of any application opened by the chair. if the chair permits, participants may collaborate on the application. the chair and participants can also send and receive files.