Chapter 34: Multimedia Communication over IP Networks | Principles Digital Communication System & Computer Networks (Charles River Media Computer Engineering)

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OVERVIEW

Until a few years ago, the Internet was used mainly for text communication (e-mail, file transfer, chat, etc.). Though multimedia is supported in the form of graphics, voice, and video clips through the Web service, it is mainly one way-the server downloads the graphics or voice/video clips onto the client for the user to hear or view.

During the last few years, we have witnessed a revolution-using the Internet for two-way (and multiparty) voice and video communication, transmiting fax messages over the Internet, and broadcasting voice and video over the Internet. Similarly, multimedia communication over local area networks and corporate intranets spread over a large geographical area is also possible. This mode of communication results in tremendous cost savings for users. Multimedia communication over IP networks presents immense opportunities but many technical challenges as well. We will study the intricacies of this technology in this chapter.

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