This presentation/demonstration has three parts: 1) nomadic computing and wireless networks, 2) streaming and webcasting using wireless networks, and 3) videoconferencing and streaming using LAN and wireless technology.

As bandwidth increases, it is increasing possible to use synchronous communication incorporating real time or near real time audio and video, either in unidirectional webcasts or multidirectional videoconferences, all over IP. Advances in wireless technology make it possible to use these technologies nomadically, from laptops. The NLM has been experimenting with these technologies independently and in combination.

NLM's experimentation with wireless technology concerns developing 802.11b wireless networks. These networks are used to connect portable computers equipped with wireless cards to the LAN. We are also developing applications that use handheld devices to access knowledge sources such as MEDLINE and other databases at the point-of-need.

NLM has experimented with streaming, both live and on demand. Most of these applications are routine, but the NLM has used streaming and wireless technology together. One application was wireless live webcasts of selected poster sessions at the American Medical Informatics Association in Washington, DC in 2001. A wireless hub was installed in the exhibit and poster area and Real Encoder software was placed on camera equipped laptop to roving reporting from the floor. The live stream was sent from the meeting site to a server at NLM in Bethesda for webcast. The streams were archived and SMIL files were subsequently developed to access the entire stream or selected posters on demand. Increasing the encoding resolution and changing the type of camera employed would improve quality without impacting network performance. Some of the archived videos will be demonstrated.

NLM has experimented with streaming videoconferences - all over IP. Four sites in four different time zones participated in a discussion of web site evaluation that was streamed to a larger audience that could communicate with those in the conference and each other via chat. While the quality of service for those in the conference was high, the quality of the webcast stream was inferior. The continuous presence format of the conference, encoding constraints for streaming the conference and audio artifacts created problems. The streamed videoconference was archived will be demonstrated briefly and strategies for improving quality will be discussed.

NLM is planning additional webcast/streaming experiments over IP. One experiment involves doing a point to point videoconference over wireless networks. Parts of the presentation will be done by videoconference over wireless networks at the NLM and at the SOL site in Toronto. The presentation itself will be a demonstration of the technology, if arrangements can be made with the University of Toronto. The technology used will be shown at the conclusion of the discussion.

BENEFIT TO PARTICIPANTS ATTENDING SESSION: Participants will learn about wireless networking, streaming, and videoconferencing. This presentation will provide information about our experiences with what works and what does not and suggestions on how they may want to implement these technologies in their own settings.

Paul Fontelo
OHPCC
National Library of Medicine
Bethesda, MD 20894
Phone: 301-435-3265
Fax: 301-402-4080
Email: fontelo@nlm.nih.gov
Website: http://collab.nlm.nih.gov

CO-AUTHORS:
Craig Locatis
Charles Schneiderman
Michael Ackerman
Same
Phone: 301-435-3254
301-435-3277
Fax: Same
Email: locatis@nlm.nih.gov
ackerman@nlm.nih.gov
Website: Same