DVC Types
Notes:
Isolated video networks allow the use of either separate wires from computer LANs, or a different portion of the spectrum than that used by computer LANs. Data rates are essentially unlimited.
ISDN/telephone networks operate at multiples of 56 or 64 kilobits per second, and require a Multipoint Control Unit (MCU) for operation in more than a point to point mode. Data rates are typically less than 6 megabits per second.
Analog telephone networks are typically limited to the connection speed of analog modems. This limit is no higher than about 33 kilobits per second over a single phone line. Without an MCU, conferences are limited to two points.
LAN/Intranet networks make use of IP network protocols and technology, though some systems make use of special ATM network characteristics for conferencing. Data rates are limited by the network congestion and the speed of the network fabric.
Internet networks can be arbitrarily fast or slow, and can depend on the time of day, phase of the moon or other factors beyond just that of the connection between the desktop system and the Internet service provider.