Pros and Cons of IP and ISDN for videoconferencing

Internet Protocol (IP)

PROS

• No per-minute long-distance calling charges are incurred.
• The system offers greater accessibility.
• IP systems let organizations converge communication networks.
• The technology allows better rich-media integration and Web collaboration.
• IP connections are on virtually every desktop.
• IT workers are already familiar and knowledgeable with IP.
• Worldwide IP infrastructure is always growing.

CONS

• A small percentage of videoconferences currently run over IP.
• Compatibility and interoperability concerns still exist.
• The technology requires dedicated, high-bandwidth networks, such as WAN.
• Transmissions can be bogged down with heavy network traffic.
• Quality-of-service is not guaranteed.
• Audio and data skip more commonly than on ISDN.
• Industry still in its infancy.

Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDN)

PROS

• ISDN is a proven, reliable technology.
• It's the most widely used method of videoconferencing.
• The technology delivers clear transmission of voice and video.
• The system offers wide compatibility.
• Technology and protocols are already established.
• ISDN can handle time-sensitive data, such as synced video and audio, better than IP.
• The networks follow the existing telecommunication infrastructure.
• Communication lines are well-established in the United States and Europe.
• The bandwidth has guaranteed performance.

CONS

• Per-minute long-distance charges are incurred.
• Rich-media integration and Web collaboration are difficult.
• The system is too expensive to put on every desktop.
• ISDN connections are unavailable in many rural areas.
• Organizations must maintain a network solely for videoconferencing.