Technical Support
Bridge Videoconferencing
UTN Member Security (Weekly Report)
Live Network Status (for registered technicians)
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Desktop Videoconferencing: ViaVideo & PVX

Both videoconferencing and data services are delivered via the Utah Telehealth Network.

Videoconferencing

UTN supports two videoconferencing standards:

• H.320, or traditional ISDN-based video, which uses a telephone number for dialing;
• H.323, or "IP video" which connects using a computer IP address.

Our bridge, an Accord MGC-100, has the capability and flexibility to connect sites using both videoconferencing standards into the same call. It can also connect sites running at different speeds (bandwidth). The speed most commonly used is 384 kbps, but connections are made as low as 128 kbps. The bridge can connect up to 24 sites into a single conference, and can connect both UTN and non-UTN sites.

Typically, multipoint conferences are voice activated, meaning that the view for all participants is on whichever site is speaking. However, the bridge's lecture mode allows the conference view to remain on the lecturer if so desired. It also allows up to nine sites to share the screen at the same time, a feature that is commonly referred to as "Hollywood squares".

The bridge can accommodate any brand of videoconferencing equipment as long as it is H.320- or H.323-compliant. Most UTN sites are using Polycom Viewstations. Some but not all sites have medical peripherals, such as general exam cameras and otoscopes, which are connected into the videoconference equipment for patient exams. Polycom's Via Video has become a popular desktop solution for videoconferencing that provides a quality image and shares many features of the more advanced room systems.

The use of videoconferencing has increased dramatically as H.323, or IP video, has become more popular. Its flexibility to run over a variety of different connections and to use the Internet in lieu of long distance lines has made it a cost-effective solution. While concerns have been raised about maintaining quality of service (QoS) over the Internet, our experience has generally been positive in this regard. However, IP video connections using the Internet can be challenging. Working through firewall issues can take a lot of testing, trial and error, and patience to resolve. To ensure quality of service and for security reasons, it remains preferable, but certainly not a requirement, to conduct IP video over a dedicated network.

Network

The Utah Telehealth Network is set up as a hub and spoke model, with all UTN sites capable of making direct connections to each other and sites outside of the network. Most network sites utilize dedicated T1s, or in some cases T1 frame relay, which connect into DS3s to the University of Utah hub. The hub has a dedicated T1 to the State of Utah ITS network and an ISDN PRI for dial-up connectivity to non-network sites.

Most UTN sites elect to use the network for both data and video to maximize the use of the bandwidth. Data services include email, Internet access, access to the Eccles Health Sciences library resources, and teleradiology. Telehealth will grow rapidly in this area as we add data services, such as video streaming for continuing education and secure web sites for patient care.

Network Security and HIPAA

Security for the Utah Telehealth Network has been designed in partnership with the University Health Sciences Center's HIPAA Compliance Office and ITS Network Team. The Utah Telehealth Network is protected by firewalls, both at the "front door" of the network and at each site.

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are used to allow network sites to securely connect to non-network partners and business associates. Assistance in helping set up VPNs is available to network member sites.