What Is Video Conferencing?

Video conferencing is the way to communicate with your team. It's the modern way of ensuring everyone is on the same page, whether in New York or Nigeria. Video conferencing ensures you're making eye contact with your colleagues and that they're not just looking at their computer screens while talking. It also helps you track who's done what to ensure everyone gets credit for their excellent work. Video conferencing makes it easier for you to have meetings from anywhere, which means you can be there if there's an important meeting, no matter where you are or what time it is! Video conferencing was first commercialized in the early 1980s when videoconferencing equipment in corporate offices. By 2000, broadband Internet access was widely available, and business video conferences were typical. Consumer adoption of video conferencing could have been faster. The first IP-based video conferencing products were released in the late 1990s. The arrival of Google Hangouts, Microsoft Skype, and other products accelerated consumer adoption of video conferencing equipment integrated into laptops and smartphones; by 2010, video conferencing was widely available and commonly used. It remains an essential aspect of communication. The systems were costly and required high-bandwidth communication lines to work. As the Internet was popular in the 1990s, interest in VoIP grew. Introduced IP telephony products in the mid-1990s. By the end of the 1990s, VoIP was widely available and affordable, but it was not widely adopted because it had several limitations and disadvantages compared to traditional telephone service. VoIP adoption increased as internet access became more widespread and faster in the early 2000s. In the early 2010s, smartphones were introduced, which allowed people to make phone calls over the Internet and bypass traditional telecommunications providers. The best part? Video conferencing is super easy to set up! You don't need special hardware or software, just your computer, webcam and speakers. If you want to take things up a notch? Use our video conferencing app to connect with other people who use our app as well.

By TechDogs Editorial Team

Trending Definitions

Security Token

A security token is like a magic amulet that allows you to go wherever you want. You have probably seen them before, but you may need to learn what they are called. You might have heard people call them "tokens" or "smart cards," which are both correct, but we will dig into what makes them unique. A security token is electronic software access, and an identity verification device is used instead of or with an authentication password. Security token technology is based on the two-factor or multifactor authorization, meaning it has something extra than just your password (which we have all used for a long time). Security tokens use a cryptographic algorithm and biometric information to verify your identity, so they can only get past the door if they have the proper credentials! Security tokens, also known as USB tokens, cryptographic tokens, hardware tokens, hard tokens or key fobs, are small devices you can use to authenticate yourself. These devices generate a unique code when they are plugged into your computer. That code is then entered into the website or application you are trying to access, and if it matches what is stored on the device itself, you will be granted access. Nowadays, it is standard for companies to ask you to use a security token when signing up for an account or logging into an existing one. It is also common for companies to give them out as gifts at conferences or other events where you want attendees to feel secure about their data. Security tokens are the new black. They are not just for geeks anymore. They are for everyone. Security tokens are the current hottest technology trend if you have not heard. They are being used by everyone, from celebrities to tech CEOs, and they are becoming more mainstream daily. What is a security token? Well, think about it: what do you have on your keychain? Keys? A few different plastic cards? A USB drive? Some secret codes or fingerprints could be stored on your phone. Security tokens combine all of those things into one device! They are like a Swiss army knife for your life online. They will protect you from hackers, keep track of your digital assets, and ensure you never get locked out of any apps again.

Multiple Access With Colision Avoidance (MACA)

Imagine you're in a room full of people and spontaneously decide to perform a song for them. You can hear the people immediately surrounding you distinctly, but you cannot listen to them directly in front of or behind you because others are blocking your view. This is precisely what occurs when Multiple Access with Colision Avoidance (MACA) is utilized in data communication on wireless LANs. In this scenario, the "people" are hidden stations, and the fact that they transmit simultaneously as other stations on the network are the root cause of the data collisions they create. Using slotted media access control is how MACA can handle this problem. This method enables all stations to communicate simultaneously, but just one at a time during each slot. Every station is given its location, preventing any two stations from transmitting simultaneously. The MACA is analogous to a dinner gathering. When you get an invitation to a dinner gathering, you should respond with your RSVP. The host is likely interested in finding out how many people will be attending the event so that they can make appropriate preparations. After you have responded to the invitation with your RSVP and the host has validated that you will be attending, they may ask you to bring a beverage, such as wine or beer. This is necessary because the host wants their guests to bring something to contribute to the potluck! The meal will begin as soon as everybody has arrived and got something to contribute to the potluck. Before anyone can start digging into their meal, the host must ensure that each guest's glass is supplied with the beverage the individual specifically requested. The host will not indicate that it is time to eat dinner until after all the glasses have been refilled. After eating and having a good time with their meal, it is time for dessert. If we were to discuss this regarding MACA, it would be the same as sending data over a cellular network.

Mobile Location Protocol (MLP)

To begin, then, what exactly is MLP? The simple explanation is that your mobile device can share its location with other gadgets and apps. This is crucial because it enables apps and services to provide content relevant to your location. If so, then how does MLP function? It's a protocol, just a set of guidelines for how electronic gadgets should communicate with one another. MLP uses geolocation tools like global positioning systems, wireless local area networks, and mobile phone tower triangulation to determine where you are. Your device will share your precise location with the appropriate program or service once it has acquired it. This happens mechanically in the background without your involvement or attention. You may be wondering what the big deal is with MLP. Location-based services have been around for quite some time now. In this regard, MLP represents a significant advance because it allows for acquiring more accurate and trustworthy location information. This is paramount in fields where exactitude is required, such as emergency services. MLP enables rescue workers to pinpoint the exact location of those needing assistance. The use of MLP, however, isn't limited to emergencies; it's also implemented in a wide variety of commonplace apps and services. For instance, if you're checking the weather, your app can pinpoint your precise location to give you the most accurate forecast possible. Alternatively, a ride-sharing app can use your location to have a driver meet you at your door. The potential is enormous. There are some privacy issues, so that MLP could be better. After all, only some people are okay with having their every move monitored. That's why it's usually an option to disable location services on mobile devices and apps. If you're concerned about how apps and services you use might use your location information, it's a good idea to read their privacy policies. That is it; an overview of Mobile Location Protocol. It may not seem like much, but believe us when we say it's a big deal. We can look forward to ever-more-intelligent and user-friendly gadgets thanks to MLP.