Virtual Conferencing Glossary

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WAN (Wide Area Network) - A data network typically extending a LAN outside a building or beyond a cam-pus. Typically created by using bridges or routers to connect geographically separated LANs. WANs include commercial or educational dial-up networks such as CompuServe, Internet and BITNET.

Webcasting - Webcasting is the process of using the Internet to broadcast information. It implies real-time transmission of encoded video or audio that is under the control of the server. Multiple recipients are able to receive the broadcast at the same time.

Web cam - A Webcam is a desktop or video camera whose output is placed on a web page either by displaying images at intervals or producing a live video stream. That web page is then viewable via the Internet. Webcams in operation around the world show everything from travel destinations, people, or offices.

Web conferencing - Web conferencing utilises tools that most of us use on a daily basis – our PC, our telephone, and the Internet. By integrating ‘rich media communications’ technologies such as voice, video and data in a web-based browser, you are able to communicate and collaborate in ‘real-time’ with customers, suppliers, employees and business partners regardless of time or location.

Whiteboarding - A term used to describe the placement of shared documents on an on-screen "shared notebook" or "white-board." Videoconferencing software includes tools that enable you to work with familiar tools to mark up the electronic whiteboard much like you do with a traditional wall mounted board.

Wideband - A medium-capacity communications circuit/path. It usually implies a speed from 64Kbps to 1.544Mbps.