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Loran Williams Jr.
Presentation of a Project Proposal for a Video Streaming System for the Texas Education Telecommunications Network
Unit 4: 4/25/05 - 5/8/05
Tasks


Analysis Phase

Task 1: Analyze the requirements and collected information to determine essential video streaming system features. [In Progress]

Major accomplishments: The best definition I found for analysis as it relates to this project is that it’s an investigation of the component parts of a whole and their relations in making up the whole. The whole, in this case, is the entire video streaming solution. The components being analyzed to create the solution are the video streaming appliance, H.320/H.323 gateway, H.323 gatekeeper, H.323 Multipoint control unit (MCU), and the newly added scheduling and management software. I created a specification table in a Word document for each device with a feature and minimum specification column. Each feature will have a unique identification number for everyone to refer to. The tables will be added to the request for proposal (RFP). I won’t list all specifications here, but all equipment will support most industry standards and meet TETN’s minimum requirements for number of video and audio connections. As an example, we require the video streaming device to support 100 simultaneous streaming connections at variable speeds. Support of industry standards ensure current and future equipment interoperability. Analysis of the video streaming appliance, H.320/H.323 gateway, H.323 gatekeeper, and H.323 MCU was completed this week.

Task 2: Review and select the ISP that best serves the interest of TETN. [Completed]

Major accomplishments: The ISP was selected early during the research phase. I really didn’t expect it to be selected so quickly when the project plan was created. I think this is a good thing though. This task is completed.

Task 3: Analyze the requirements and collected information to determine essential network infrastructure features. [Completed]

Major accomplishments: Cisco representatives helped determine the required network infrastructure features during the research phase by providing analysis and an equipment quote. The equipment quote information will be copied as-is into a table similar to the equipment in task 1. I have written a statement, which will be added to the RFP, requesting post-installation configuration support. This task is completed

Task 4: Define a detailed acceptable use guideline for video streaming system use. [In Progress]

Major accomplishments: I considered what the guideline may include, but I didn’t document anything. I expect the initial guideline will be brief until we have more experience with this type equipment.

Task 5: Analyze cost savings research and prepare to document findings. [In Progress]

Major accomplishments: This task wasn’t worked this week. It should be easily completed next week.

Decisions
Selecting what format to use to document specifications was one of the decisions this week. I decided to use a Microsoft Word table because it looks neat and clearly separates network devices and individual specifications. With many specification listed I felt clarity was important.

My second decision involved which features are actually important to TETN and should be listed in the tables. Selecting standards-based equipment was easy. Selecting specific features was slightly more difficult, but I found my research information was able to answer all my questions.

Learning


1) What helpful feedback did you get in the class (instructor, classmates) and outside the class (user, stakeholder, beneficiary, mentor, expert advisor, others)? What did you learn from this feedback?

I requested feedback on using a table format for the RFP with the stakeholder and expert advisors. They thought it would be a good way to list our requirements. I also discussed my equipment feature criteria with expert advisors to ensure I didn’t exclude someone, or possibly everyone, due to an invalid specification. I learned that even though it takes time to request and receive feedback it probably saves time in the long run.

2) What resources did you use this week (e.g., people, money, equipment, systems, or software)? Did you add new resources? What was your learning?

I was my biggest resource this week. I did use the stakeholder and expert advisors, but I spent most of my time considering or analyzing my research. I learned analysis can create more research. After looking at some of the information, the stakeholder requested we add a scheduling and management package to the RFP.

3) What research did you perform this week that was assisting and/or literature based? What is your findings/learning?

Research Question: What are the standards involved in video streaming and conferencing and how important are they?

Source: To answer this question the following Web site was used:
http://www.h323forum.org/standards/
My research from this project and my own personal knowledge and experience was used too.

Answer: There are many H.323 standards that are described in the Web site link above. After reviewing each of the sources listed, I reinforced my belief that standards-based equipment is essential for interoperability now and in the future. Equipment partially based on proprietary protocols and functions will eventually cause connectivity problems when connecting outside the TETN network.

Learning: I increased my knowledge of H.323 standards. I also realize I don't need to list them all in the specification table. The protocols I consider essential will be listed.

4) What did you learn this week in general in producing your project?

Projects like this generate a lot of interest and I've found others want to evaluate their network for this type of upgrade. The experience I've received from the research and analysis allow me to provide feedback and suggestions to others about their upgrade planning.

Indicators


1) What went well this week? What didn't?

I was able to determine minimum specifications on all the equipment this week. Equipment and management software was added at the last minute so I was unable to complete task 1. Researching and analyzing this software will keep me busy next week, but I expect to finish this phase on time.

2) How well did you stick to your project schedule?

The project is still a week ahead due to completing the previous research phase early. This extra week may be used if I fall behind during another phase.

3) How prepared are you to conclude your project in Unit 10 as required in this course?

I am fully prepared at this time to conclude the project according to plan.

4) How likely is it that you will need to resort to your contingency plan?

Everything is going according to plan and I do not anticipate using my contingency plan.

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