Technical White Paper on Communication and Interoperability Between Huawei

Telepresence and CTS

Confidentiality:

Technical White Paper on Communication and

Interoperability Between Huawei Telepresence and
CTS

Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.

All rights reserved.

2012-7-3

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Contents
1.1 Overview of Telepresence Systems .................................................................................................................. 5
1.2 Getting to Know TIP ........................................................................................................................................ 5
1.3 Interoperability Solution with the CTS ............................................................................................................ 6
1.4 Solutions for Implementing Interoperability Between Huawei Telepresence and CTS ................................... 8
1.4.2 Interoperability Between the CTS and Huawei Telepresence Using H.323 ............................................ 8
1.4.3 Interoperability Between the CTS and Huawei Telepresence on the IMS ............................................ 10
1.5 Functions and Limitations of Solutions for Implementing Interoperability Between the CTS and Huawei
Telepresence ......................................................................................................................................................... 11
1.6 Conclusion ..................................................................................................................................................... 13

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Figures
Figure 1-1 Huawei simulated telepresence conference ......................................................................................... 5
Figure 1-2 Principle of point-to-point calls using the CTS ................................................................................... 6
Figure 1-3 Principle of interoperability using an MCU ......................................................................................... 7
Figure 1-4 MCUHuawei telepresence server ...................................................................................................... 8
Figure 1-5 Interoperability between the CTS and Huawei telepresence using H.323 ........................................... 8
Figure 1-6 Interoperability between the CTS and Huawei telepresence on the IMS........................................... 10

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Tables
Table 1-1 Key differences between the CTS and H.323- or SIP-based telepresence systems ............................... 6
Table 1-2 Functions and limitations of solutions for implementing interoperability between the CTS and
Huawei telepresence ............................................................................................................................................. 11
Table 1-3 Bandwidth requirement of the CTS and the Huawei telepresence ...................................................... 13

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1.1 Overview of Telepresence Systems

Since HP introduced its Halo products in 2005, telepresence systems from various vendors
have been gaining in popularity. The following telepresence systems have the largest number
of deployments: HP Halo series, Cisco TelePresence System (CTS), Polycom telepresence
systems, Tandberg telepresence systems, and Huawei telepresence systems.
Video in true-to-life dimensions, eye contact, sound localization, image stitching, and virtual
convergence are essentials to a telepresence system. These features empower participants to
feel as if they were in the same conference room, creating an in-person, "across-the-table"
conference experience. Traditional video conferences provide simple voice and video
communications. The telepresence system, however, demonstrates a historic evolution from
traditional video conferences to telepresence conferences by showing participants in different
locations face to face in true-to-life dimensions. Communication between people in different
locations is not restricted to voice and images. The telepresence system enables users to
communicate with remote participants using gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact;
thereby enhancing the videoconferencing experience.
Figure 1-1 Huawei simulated telepresence conference

1.2 Getting to Know TIP

Cisco originally developed the Telepresence Interoperability Protocol (TIP) as a proprietary
protocol for its telepresence products. Because TIP was implemented only in Cisco's
telepresence products, with no connectivity to the rest of the market, telepresence or video
conferencing, users of the CTS can communicate with those of the same system in a specific
location. Interoperability with telepresence and video conferencing systems provided by other
vendors were impossible. The CTS' exclusiveness was frequently criticized, and Cisco was
once investigated by antitrust law for this. In early 2010, Cisco released TIP as an open
protocol, providing access to its specifications license-free. The ownership of TIP was later
transferred to the International Multimedia Telecommunications Consortium (IMTC), an
effort to encourage other vendors to support TIP and thereby implement interoperability
between the CTS and telepresence systems provided by other vendors.

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Figure 1-2 Principle of point-to-point calls using the CTS

TIP developed by Cisco has the following features:

Developed based on the Real-Time Transport Control Protocol (RTCP), TIP multiplexes
four video streams (left screen, center screen, right screen, and presentation) into one
video RTP session.

For communication with telepresence systems, H.264 Main Profile is used as the video
encoding and decoding protocol, and 1080p 30 fps and 720p 30 fps resolutions are
supported. For communication with video conferencing devices, H.264 Baseline Profile
is used, and only the Common Intermediate Format (CIF) resolution is supported.

For communication with telepresence systems, the MPEG-4 Low Delay Audio Coder
(AAC-LD) protocol is used as the audio protocol. TIP multiplexes four audio streams
(left screen, center screen, right screen, and presentation) into one audio RTP session; the
output uses three audio channels after audio mixing. For communication with video
conferencing devices, the G.711 protocol is used.

1.3 Interoperability Solution with the CTS

The codecs used in the CTS all use proprietary technologies. The call signaling protocol and
audio-visual transmission after compression used by the CTS are self-defined by Cisco. Table
1-1 lists the key differences between the CTS and H.323- or SIP-based telepresence systems.
Table 1-1 Key differences between the CTS and H.323- or SIP-based telepresence systems

Frame protocols

Video protocols

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CTS

H.323or
SIP-Based
Telepresence Systems

SIP

H.323 or SIP

TIP, an extension of RTCP

HD: H.264 Main Profile

SD: H.264 Baseline Profile

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CTS

H.323or
SIP-Based
Telepresence Systems

Video
transmission

One RTP session for three

screens

Three independent RTP sessions for

three screens

Video resolutions

1080p 30 fps

1080p 60 fps

720p 30 fps

1080p 30 fps

CIF

720p 60 fps

720p 30 fps

4CIF

2CIF

CIF

Dual
stream
transmission

TIP

H.239 standard

One RTP session for both

video and presentation

Independent RTP session for the

presentation

Audio protocol

AAC-LD and G.711

AAC-LD, G.722, G.711, G.728, and

other protocols

NOTE
SIP = Session Initiation Protocol

To support TIP, the telepresence systems provided by other vendors must be enhanced, which
may require change to the existing software and hardware. In addition, to maintain
interoperability with the CTS, these telepresence systems must be upgraded whenever TIP is
optimized. This solution is time-consuming and laborious, and affects the experience of users
on existing networks. The disadvantages outweigh the advantages.
To hold a conference attended by multiple telepresence systems, a bridge (an MCU) is
required for the exchange and transfer of audio, video, and data signals. If the bridge supports
all call signaling protocols and video encoding and decoding methods used by different
telepresence systems, no change is required to the existing telepresence systems, because the
bridge can function as a translator for different types of telepresence systems. This is the best
method for implementing interoperability between telepresence systems.
Figure 1-3 Principle of interoperability using an MCU

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To protect investments of users and facilitate interoperability between different telepresence

systems, Huawei has started to provide solutions for implementing interoperability between
the Huawei telepresence and video conferencing systems and the CTS, in 2011. The solutions
feature Multipoint Control Units (MCUs) supporting TIP.

1.4 Solutions for Implementing Interoperability Between

Huawei Telepresence and CTS
The MCUs used in Huawei telepresence and video conferencing systems already support
H.320, H.323, and SIP protocols, and the audio-visual compression algorithm using H.264
and AAC-LD. To implement interoperability between Huawei telepresence systems and CTS,
only the software of the MCUs needs to be enhanced to support audio-visual compression and
transmission using TIP. Using this solution, the legacy conference management and exchange
platforms can be made compatible with the current HD and SD video conferencing systems,
without any additional devices or change to the existing devices.
Figure 1-4 MCUHuawei telepresence server

1.4.2 Interoperability Between the CTS and Huawei Telepresence

Using H.323
Figure 1-5 Interoperability between the CTS and Huawei telepresence using H.323

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Video conferencing systems usually use either H.323 or H.320. To communicate with video
conferencing systems, telepresence systems and MCUs must register with gatekeepers (GKs)
using H.323 for call management. To communicate with the CTS, MCUs must register with
the Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM) for call signaling with the CTS.
After a multipoint conference is initiated using the Huawei service management platform or
the SiteCall function unique to Huawei telepresence, the MCU establishes calls with
telepresence sites using different methods after determining the site type.

If the site is a Huawei telepresence site using H.323, the MCU exchanges H.323
signaling with the site using a Huawei GK, to establish a call with the site.

If the site is a CTS site, the MCU exchanges SIP signaling with the site using a CUCM,
to establish a call with the site.

After the MCU establishes calls with Huawei telepresence sites, CTS sites and video
conferencing sites, it functions as a translator for the adaptation and transfer of audio and
video streams of different systems: The MCU converts the audio and video of CTS sites to
formats that can be identified by Huawei telepresence sites and video conferencing sites; the
MCU also converts the audio and video of Huawei telepresence sites and video conferencing
sites to formats that can be identified by CTS sites. This achieves interoperability among CTS
sites, Huawei telepresence sites, and video conferencing sites.
The following are the advantages of this solution:

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Only the software of the Huawei MCU is upgraded to support TIP. The MCU registers
with both CUCM and the Huawei service management platform, functioning as a bridge
between CTS sites, Huawei telepresence sites, and video conferencing sites in multipoint
conferences. The CTS, Huawei telepresence, and video conferencing systems can still be
used independently for holding conferences. Interoperability and independence are
achieved.

CTS sites, Huawei telepresence sites, and video conferencing sites can be predefined on
the Huawei ResourceManager (RM). From the RM, conferences can be managed in a
centralized manner and conference control operations can be performed. The RM
supports the following conference control functions, to improve user experience:

Broadcast a site

Give the floor to a site

Mute and unmute speakers

Mute and unmute microphones

Set continuous presence

Enable and disable voice activation (the only available operation for multipoint
conferences hosted by the CTS)

Users can schedule a conference from the RM or reserve ports for a conference from the
Web interface. In addition, users can use the touch panel provided with a Huawei
telepresence system or the remote control provided with an HD video terminal to initiate
and control a multipoint conference. All operations are easy and do not require
intervention of administrators.

One Huawei VP8660 MCU allows up to 170 tri-screen telepresence sites or 1024 IP sites
to attend the same conference. The system capacity is increased significantly.

Huawei MCUs support cascading up to five levels. The capacity of the whole system can
be expanded infinitely. Multiple video streams can be simultaneously transmitted from
and to master and slave MCUs using multi-channel cascading. Therefore, telepresence
sites can view videos of each other, regardless of whether the site is located on a master
MCU or a slave MCU.
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The following are the disadvantages to this solution:

A Huawei MCU is required for interoperability between Huawei telepresence sites and
CTS sites.

Huawei MCUs currently support TIP V6, and can communicate with the CTS in versions
1.6.5 or later only.

1.4.3 Interoperability Between the CTS and Huawei Telepresence

on the IMS
Huawei can provide a SIP-based video conferencing solution on the IP Multimedia Subsystem
(IMS). The entire system adopts the architecture of an IMS network, and components of the
system are deployed in a distributed manner. Telepresence systems, video conferencing
systems, and teleconference systems can coexist on the network. In addition, the following
functions are supported: service provision, billing, and conference notification using emails or
text messages.
Figure 1-6 Interoperability between the CTS and Huawei telepresence on the IMS

On the IMS network, the Huawei MCU and telepresence systems use SIP to register with the
SIP server under the IMS. Because the MCUs and telepresence systems cannot register with
the CUCM using SIP on this network, a trunk is configured in both CUCM and IMS. Then the
IMS examines the call numbers' prefixes and determines the types of calling and called parties.
If the call to be established is between the CTS and a Huawei telepresence system, the Media
X, a component of the IMS, automatically schedules a multipoint conference whose
participants include the Huawei telepresence site and the CTS site. Call routing is completed.
After calls between the MCU, CTS sites, and Huawei telepresence sites are established, the
MCU translates and transfers audio-visual streams between the sites, to implement
audio-visual communication.
The following are the advantages of this solution:

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SIP is used across the entire system, the standard IMS architecture is adopted, and
components of the system are deployed in a distributed manner. This solution is ideal for
operators to set up operational networks, with the following features: convenience of
system expansion, service provision, billing, abundant service applications.
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The following types of conferences are supported: telepresence conferences, HD

conferences, SD conferences, teleconferences, and hybrid conferences. A CTS site can
join a conference as a telepresence site under the IMS architecture.

Only the software of the MCU is enhanced to support audio-visual compression and
transmission using TIP. No changes are required to other components of the system.

This solution has the competitive advantages of a large-scale network. Multiple methods
for scheduling and initiating a conference are supported, including Web portal and
SiteCall. In addition, abundant conference control operations are supported, including:

Broadcasting a site

Giving the floor to a site

Viewing sites in turn

Voice activation

Continuous presence

Discussion

The following are disadvantages to this solution:

A Huawei MCU is required for interoperability between Huawei telepresence sites and
CTS sites.

An additional gateway is required for communication with H.323 and H.320 SD video
conferencing systems.

1.5 Functions and Limitations of Solutions for

Implementing Interoperability Between the CTS and
Huawei Telepresence
Table 1-2 Functions and limitations of solutions for implementing interoperability between the
CTS and Huawei telepresence

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Functions

Limitations

The MCU supports SIP, TIP, and H.323, and

can enable the CTS and Huawei telepresence
sites to communicate with each other with HD
video, multi-channel audio, and dual stream.

Cascading of MCU and Cisco

TelePresence Multipoint Switch
(CTMS) is not supported.

The MCU supports TIP V6, and can

communicate with the CTS in versions 1.6.5 or
later.

Features of TIP V7 are not

supported, such as encryption.

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Functions

Limitations

The Huawei telepresence systems, HD video

conferencing systems, and CTS can coexist on the
network.
Audio-visual
and
presentation
communication is supported.

Because
of
the
CTS'
specifications, only 1080p 30
fps and 720p 30 fps are
supported, and 720p 60 fps and
1080p 60 fps are not supported.

Only the frame rate of 5 fps at

512 kbit/s is supported for
presentation sharing. The frame
rate of 30 fps at 4 Mbit/s is not
supported.

The following conference control operations are

available:

Mute and unmute speakers

Mute and unmute microphones

Set continuous presence

View a site

Enable and disable voice activation (the only

available operation for multipoint conferences
hosted by the CTS)

When a point-to-point call

between a CTS and a Huawei
telepresence system is being set
up, the MCU automatically
schedules a two-point conference
for the call, with the MCU as the
transit station.

Users can also work on the left, center, and right

screens of the CTS separately.
4

The system capacity is increased significantly:

CTMS supports a maximum of 48 ports, while the
Huawei VP8660 MCU supports up to 170
tri-screen telepresence systems. In addition,
multi-channel cascading of MCUs allows system
expansion.

The MCU cannot be deployed on a

private network.

Users can schedule a conference from the

resource management control center (RMCC) and
the Web interface. Users can also use multiple
methods for initiating a conference, such as using
SiteCall from a Huawei telepresence system.

Scheduling a conference from the

office automation (OA) system or
Cisco TelePresence Manager
(CTS-MAN) is not supported.
Cisco's methods for initiating and
controlling an IP teleconference
are also not supported.

The CTS and Huawei telepresence system can

coexist without affecting each other's
performance.

Because
of
the
network
requirements from the CTS, super
error concealment (SEC), a
Huawei proprietary technology, is
not supported, and the packet loss
rate must be lower than 1% for
interoperability.

Table 1-3 describes the difference between the bandwidth requirements of the CTS and the
Huawei telepresence. The bandwidth requirement of three screens is triple that of one screen.
The bandwidth per screen for interoperability is the bandwidth required by the system whose
requirement is higher, that is, the CTS.
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Table 1-3 Bandwidth requirement of the CTS and the Huawei telepresence
Video
resolution

1080p 30 fps

Quality

Best

Recommended

Minimu
m

Best

Recommended

Minimu
m

Bandwidth
per screen
for the CTS

4
Mbit/
s

3.5 Mbit/s

3 Mbit/s

2.25
Mbit/s

1.5 Mbit/s

1 Mbit/s

Bandwidth
per screen
for Huawei
telepresence
systems

> 3
Mbit/
s

3 Mbit/s

1 Mbit/s

> 1.5
Mbit/s

1.5 Mbit/s

512
kbit/s

Bandwidth
per screen
for
interoperabi
lity

4
Mbit/
s

3.5 Mbit/s

3 Mbit/s

2.25
Mbit/s

1.5 Mbit/s

1 Mbit/s

720p 30 fps

1.6 Conclusion
In conjunction with Huawei MCUs that support H.323, SIP, and TIP, Huawei telepresence
systems can communicate with the existing CTS and video conferencing systems. No change
is required to the software or hardware of the existing systems, and users' investment is
protected. By providing larger capacity and more conference control functions, Huawei
MCUs offer an advantage at system capacity increase and better conference experiences.
Using Cisco's proprietary TIP to implement interoperability between telepresence systems is
not a standard practice, and allows intercommunication to a certain extent only. There is still a
long way to go to implement complete interoperability. As one of the leaders in the
telepresence and video conferencing industry, Huawei will spare no effort in working together
with other vendors to formulate a common protocol for the industry.

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