Polycom MGC-25 / MGC-50 / MGC-100
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MGC-25? Polycoms MGC-25 is a plug-and-play, multi-network conferencing platform that delivers economical, easy-to-use multipoint voice, video and gateway conferencing in 10 popular configurations, which include gateway only; voice only; and unified (voice, video, data, Web). What is the MGC-50 and MGC-100? Polycoms MGC-50 and MGC-100 multipoint unified conferencing platforms support scalable and customizable conferencing and gateway solutions, including any combination of voice, video, data and Web applications. The 8 slot MGC-50 can be used in either a distributed or centralized deployment of conferencing and gateway services. The 16 slot MGC-100 has twice the capacity of the MGC-50, includes redundant power supplies and meets the requirements for a centralized service application. What are the primary differences between the MGC-25 in comparison to the MGC-50 and MGC-100? The primary differences between the MGC-25 in comparison to the MGC-50 and MGC-100 are: The MGC-25 comes in set system and feature configurations, while the MGC-50 and MGC-100 are custom configurations according to specific customer requirements. The MGC-50 and MGC-100 are scalable and the configurations can easily be changed or upgraded to meet user needs. What are the primary differences between the MGC-50 and the MGC-100? The primary differences between the MGC-50 and the MGC-100 are: The MGC-50 has 8 universal slots versus 16 universal slots on the MGC-100. The MGC-100 can be purchased with redundant power supplies. This is not an option on the MGC-50. What are the similarities between MGC-25, MGC-50 and MGC-100? The MGC-25, 50 and 100 all use the same software and hardware system architecture. This enables all the platforms to offer the same features and functionality, including the same scheduling and management applications. The shared resource architecture of the What makes the MGC-25 a plug-and-play platform? The MGC-25 is designed with an LCD and keypad and comes with a self guided wizard to make it easy for anyone to do the installation. With the LCD and keypad, the installer does not need an additional device to set the initial IP address of the system. The selfguided wizard takes the installer through configuring the system and will only guide the installer through the configuration windows necessary based on the purchased configuration. What applications/configurations does the MGC-25 support? The MGC-25 supports 10 preset configurations. GW 1 Single PRI Gateway GW 2 Dual PRI Gateway IP port IP MCU IP 16+ - 16 port IP MCU plus 8 PSTN voice ports IP 16+ V 16 port IP MCU plus 8 PSTN voice ports and video processing with advanced continuous presence, transcoding and Click&View Unified 24 Maximum of 24 ports for voice (VoIP & PSTN) and video (ISDN & IP) Unified 24 V - Maximum of 24 ports for voice (VoIP & PSTN) and video (ISDN & IP) with video processing including advanced continuous presence, transcoding and Click&View ISDN V 7 to 10 @ 384 kbps T1/E1 port ISDN MCU with video processing including advanced continuous presence, transcoding and Click&View VoicePlus PSTN voice ports VoicePlus PSTN voice ports MGC-50 and MGC-100 is also supported on the MGC-25 and provides inherent back-up of systems resources and flexible conferencing support. All advanced features such as transcoding, IVR/DTMF support, advanced continuous presence, and Click&View capabilities can be supported on all platforms.
Connect. Any Way You Want.
Polycom MGC-25 / MGC-50 / MGC-100 Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I initially purchase the MGC-25 VoicePlus 24 configuration but later I want to add video conferencing to my network? No problem. A customer can purchase any configuration of the MGC-25 and upgrade to the Unified 24 configuration without buying another MGC-25 system. An upgrade to the Unified 24 configuration is a software upgrade. Are there any differences in the conference applications and network support on the MGC-25, MGC-50 and MGC-100? There are no differences in the conferencing capabilities over any network connection supported by the MGC. What do you mean by - hardware and software shared resources architecture? This means that the MGC software is common for all conferences and resource management on the MCU. The hardware resources allocate and share software resources dynamically between voice and video conferences to support any conferencing activity. Additionally, the MGC has built in gateway functionality to support multi network configurations. There are no islands of technology on the MGC platform that cannot be used to support a conference. Has the MGC-50 and MGC-100 hardware architecture changed? No. The MGC-50 and 100 is a proven, purpose-built platform which supports some of the largest video conferencing deployments in the world. The MGC architecture is a stable platform which protects your investment and makes adapting to changing requirements easy with a clearly defined migration path. Is the transcoding feature supported on the MGC-25, MGC-50 and MGC-100 Have the MGC modules changed? Yes. The resource modules are always being refreshed with the latest technology, including DSPs. What are the advantages of the MGC 50/100 architecture? The MGC architecture is a highly reliable and scalable, carrier class architecture with hot swappable modules, universal slots and built in redundancy. To support new emerging technologies or features, either the capabilities of the existing resource modules are enhanced or new hardware modules are introduced. The MGC software is enhanced with every new version to support the management of these modules. What are the advantages of having the 50/100 MGC hot swappable architecture instead of a closed box, mix and match MCU solution? There are several advantages of having the MGC hot swappable architecture: Redundancy If a module fails in a MGC, it can be taken out of the MGC without affecting any other module. If there is an alarm sign on a module during an ongoing conference, the conference can be moved to another module without affecting the conference status. This option does not exist in a closed box MCU. If the MCU fails, no conferences take place. Flexible Migration Path Any hardware module can be easily configured in the MGC to meet growing or changing requirements, making the MGC highly customizable. There is no migration path in a closed box MCU solution. Is On Demand conferencing supported on the MGC-25, 50 and 100? Yes, all MGC platforms support all the functionalities of On Demand conferencing, including Entry Queues, Personal Numbers, Virtual Meeting Rooms, and the ability to link to an external database to validate conference and participant attributes. any different from other manufacturers? Yes, the transcoding supported on all MGCs is the only transcoding solution that will automatically transcode the 65,000 different permutations of network protocols, frame rates, video resolutions, data rates, audio algorithms and video algorithms. Other vendors transcoding solutions do not transcode across all of the elements. Also, audio transcoding functionality is a standard feature in all MGC platforms. The Polycom MGC can connect any conference participant regardless of connection attributes. Transcoding makes voice and video conferencing extremely reliable and users can utilize their conferencing equipment at optimum capabilities. What is the difference between IP software Continuous Presence and the advanced continuous presence with enhanced video processing hardware? IP software Continuous Presence comes as a standard feature in all IP systems. IP software Continuous Presence only supports IP participants and two different types of continuous presence layouts. Polycoms advanced Continuous Presence supports ISDN and IP participants, up to 27 different layouts and visual effects with borders, speaker indications, site names and background colors, using the Video+ module. How do the MGC-50 and MGC-100 address firewall security issues inherent in IP conferencing, which includes participant sites inside and outside the firewall? The MGC-50 and MGC-100 have the unique ability to be set-up with different IP module addresses that can reside inside the firewall and outside the firewall. Conference connections that come into a conference from outside the firewall connect to a IP module outside the firewall. All TCP/IP protocols are removed from the data stream as it is routed across the MGC backplane to the IP module inside the firewall and the endpoint within the enterprise. The firewall security capabilities have CheckMark certification. Unified Conferencing The MGC enables multi network, gateway and unified conferencing configurations in the same chassis. In a closed box solution, several MCUs need to be mixed and matched in order to enable multi network capability. The MGC is the only MCU to provide unified conferencing in the marketplace. Maximum Capacity Utilization In a multi network and Unified MGC all the hardware resources can be used to their maximum capacity. In a closed box MCU solution, resources are lost in the process of mixing and matching between different MCUs and Gateways. Firewall The MGC easily addresses the firewall security issues in IP conferencing. A closed box solution cannot provide this capability.

Is there an API for the MGC architecture? There is a comprehensive XML API available for custom software integration. This API is consistent for all services delivered on the MGCs architecture. The API made available to the customer and third party integrators is the same API used to support all other MGC applications including Polycom MGC Manager. This means that the API included in any release of the MGC will be current. Are conferences on the MGC-25, MGC-50 and MGC-100 secured? Yes, there are several ways to conduct secured conferencing on the MGC Platform. MGC Version 7.0 supports Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), that can be enabled at the conference or participant level. When using Meeting Rooms for On-Demand conferencing the chairperson has extensive conference control. Each Meeting Room has a unique conference password, and the chairperson has the right to block any unauthorized participants from joining the meeting. The chairperson can lock an ongoing conference, terminate select participants and enable announcement of participants names as they enter or exit the conference. When an external database is used for On-Demand conferencing, additional security validation can be implemented based on the user profile (conference ID, numeric ID, chairperson ID etc.) The MGC-50/100 architecture supports an integrated firewall gateway solution, as well as several MPI modules that can be connected directly to an encryption device. There are also some inherent security features because of the MGC-50/100s modular architecture.
What are the key new features in Release 7.0 (Q4/2004)? Feature IP Enhancements Enhanced Network Security High Quality Video Resolution Higher Capacity Modules Enhanced Video Compression Standards based People and Content Unique Voice Conferencing Feature Increased network reliability Increased scalability Enhanced tools Protocol SIP AES encryption, DNS, NAT 4CIF, XGA MUX+ H.264 (VSW & CP) H.239 Silence IT RTP/RTCP Monitoring, Alternate GK H.323 P+C cascade XML API
2004 Polycom,Inc. All rights reserved. Polycom and the Polycom logo are registered trademarks and MGC and Click&View are trademarks of Polycom, Inc. in the U.S. and various countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective companies. Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Polycom Headquarters:

www.polycom.com
4750 Willow Road, Pleasanton, CA 94588 (T) 1.800.POLYCOM (765.9266) for North America only. For North America, Latin America and Caribbean (T) +1.925.924.6000, (F) +1.925.924.Bath Road, Slough, Berkshire SL1 4DX, (T) +44 (0)1753 723000, (F) +44 (0)Polycom Hong Kong Ltd., Rm 1101 MassMutual Tower, 38 Gloucester Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong, (T) +852.2861.3113, (F)+852.2866.8028

Rev. 10/04

Polycom EMEA: Polycom Asia Pacific:

Polycom MGC-25 / MGC-50 / MGC-100
Industry-leading technology on a proven platform that supports your voice, video, and unified multipoint conferencing needs, today and tomorrow
Benefits One MGC platform Supports your voice, video, data, Web, and unified conferences over any network IP (H.323, SIP), PSTN/ISDN Complete flexibility Modular, open architecture allows you to choose the precise configuration you want Ease of Use The simplest way to conference! Take advantage of one-number dialing and a single pass code for both voice and video applications, or point and click on the Polycom WebOffice conferencing portal to initiate instant desktop conferencing On Demand or Scheduled Supports both on-demand conferencing and scheduled conferencing with easy-to-use, Webbased management tools Low-to high-end scalability Scalable capacity supports concurrent conferencing on the same platform Automatic transcoding Reduce IT management with the MGCs full transcoding capabilities, which ensure every voice and video endpoint dynamically connects to the conference at optimal capability Advanced conference management features Interactive keypad control (IVR/DTMF) for both voice and video conferencing gives participants the same features for all applications Multi-level security Secure conferencing includes password management, conference control, media encryption (AES) and an integrated firewall gateway solution Easy, clearly defined migration path Start with ISDN, add IP (H.323), and then introduce SIP-based multipoint conferencing all without purchasing a new platform!
Polycoms MGC Unified Conferencing solutions, which include the MGC-25, MGC-50, and MGC-100, deliver reliable and secure multipoint and gateway conferencing with unique easy-to-use features for any application, any endpoint, any network!
The MGC-25, MGC-50 and MGC-100 support voice, video, data, Web, and unified conferencing applications on a single platform in flexible configurations, making it the most customizable solution in the industry, while providing the highest ROI. Industry-Leading Technology Platform All platforms are based on a purpose-built architecture which efficiently shares both hardware and software resources across all applications, improving system reliability, increasing flexibility, and decreasing the cost of ownership. Ease of Support An open, modular architecture, the MGC supports any endpoint, any connection speed, and any application over any network all transparently to the end user. Advanced features such as automatic transcoding, automatic resource allocation, hot swappable modules, and a single management interface all contribute to a significant reduction in IT management. Complete Conferencing Flexibility Connect any way you want with easy conferencing access. The MGC supports both on-demand and scheduled conferencing, making it simple for end users to initiate an instant conference from their keypad (voice), remote control (video), or buddy list (WebOffice.) Alternatively, users can take advantage of Webbased Microsoft Outlook or IMB Lotus Notes scheduling tools to easily book conference resources and invite participants.

Connect. Any Way You Want.
Advanced Conference Management Extensive conference management features put conference control into the users hands to ensure more productive meetings. With just one number to dial for both voice and video conferencing, its easy for participants to conference from anywhere at any time. Interactive keypad control (IVR/DTMF) for both voice and video conferencing applications ensures a true interactive experience for both chairpersons and participants. Polycoms unrivaled Continuous Presence feature offers participants high quality visual effects that include site naming, customized borders, and speaker indications with a wide range of layouts. And the addition of Click&View provides an easy-to-use, end-user management interface that further simplifies multipoint video conference control with a click of your remote button. The MGC-25 A Compact, Ready-to-go System An easy conferencing start with preset configurations, the MGC-25 provides high-value conferencing in a plug-and-play platform. Because the MGC-25 takes advantage of the same software as the MGC-50 and MGC-100, it includes the same unique features and functionality. Organizations large and small can get their conferences up and running in no time. Complete Set of Management and Scheduling Tools Included with every MGC-25, 50, and 100 configuration is a MGC Manager license. This is a comprehensive, client-based scheduling and management package. In addition, the MGC can support Web-based management and scheduling with Polycom WebCommander, Polycom Conference Suite, and Polycom ReadiManager LX 100. A proven platform for multipoint unified conferencing to access the power of Polycom unified collaborative communications solutions. With the greatest breadth and depth of integrated video, voice, and Web solutions, only Polycom delivers the ultimate communications experience. Our market-leading conferencing and collaboration technologies, supported by world-class service, enable people and organizations to maximize their effectiveness and productivity. Add to that the most experience and proven best-practices in the industry, and its clear why Polycom has become the smart choice for organizations seeking a strategic advantage in a real-time world. Polycom MGC-50 / Polycom MGC-100 MGC-50 MGC-100 offer scalable support for multipoint voice, video, unified, and gateway conferencing Polycoms MGC-50 and MGC-100 platforms support scalable conferencing and gateway solutions, deliver proven reliability and ease of support. The eight-slot MGC-50 can be used in either a distributed or centralized deployment of conferencing and gateway services. The 16-slot MGC-100 with twice the scalable capacity of the MGC-50 and redundant power supplies can support a large number of ports, multiple concurrent applications, and multiple network connections. Multi-network Support for Voice, Video, and Unified Conferences IP (H.323 & SIP) and ISDN (H.320) video PSTN and VoIP voice Data V.35 via MPI module Flexible Deployment Options MGC-50 Customizable, enterprise platform MGC-100 Customizable, large-enterprise/carrier-class platform Centralized or distributed network deployments Configure to support voice, video, or unified conferencing Transcoding Audio Algorithms G.711, G.722, G.722.1, G.723, G.728, G.729a, Siren 7, Siren 14 Networks IP (H.323, SIP), ISDN, PSTN, V.35 Network Speed 128 Kbps up to 2 Mbps Resolution QCIF or CIF Video Algorithms H.261, H.263, H.264 Frame Rate 7.5 fps-30 fps 60 fields-per-second Data Rates 6.4-46.4 Kbps MLP, 64-128 Kbps HMLP - People + Content H.239 Resource Sharing Software Resource Sharing MGC operating system software Unified Conference Suite (enables IVR/DTMF in both voice & video) Packet Commander (Polycom implementation to synchronize IP packets in a video stream that improves QoS) Hardware Resource Sharing MGC platform Voice, video, network, and data modules IP QoS Support Reorders and synchronizes incoming IP packets IP Error Resiliency IP Precedence Support IP DiffServ Support Firewall Security Works with existing data firewalls MGC platform firewall solution is Check Mark certified

MGC Platform Management and Scheduling Tools MGC Manager Powerful system operator tool to support conferences and system administration on the MGC Bridge WebCommander MGC-centric, Web browser-based end-user tool to schedule and manage conferences, includes Microsoft Outlook interface Global Management System Intelligent, Web-based management software solution for IT professionals who need to manage Polycom network devices Polycom PathNavigator Advanced H.323 gatekeeper that fully understands IP and ISDN communication protocols for enforcing network bandwidth policies across the enterprise Polycom Conference Suite All-encompassing software package that includes two fully integrated modules: Network Aware Scheduler and Video Network Management Network Aware Scheduler Allows users to invite guests, book rooms, and select necessary equipment, all through a Web browser or from within Microsoft Outlook for IBM Lotus Notes. Video Network Management Provides tools for IRT professionals to proactively track and adjust the network as needed from any location. ReadiManager LX100 single appliance that connects directly to the enterprise network to deliver simplified video/voice conference scheduling and device management API Software Developers Kit (SDK) CDR Collector
Technical specifications Audio support G.711a, G.711u. G.722, G.722.1, G.723.1, G.728, G.729a, Siren 7, Siren 14 Video support H.261, H.263, H.frames per second, 60 fields per second QSIF, SIF, 4SIF, QCIF, CIF, 4CIF, VGA, SVGA, XGA, PAL, NTSC video resolution Conference data rates 128 Kbps to 2 Mbps Security AES Network interface support 10/100 Ethernet 2 PRI Interface ISDN and Dedicated, T1/EPRI Interface ISDN and Dedicated, T1/EPRI Interface ISDN and Dedicated, T1/ET1 CAS 4 T1 CAS 8 T1 CAS MGC-50 chassis dimensions Height 40.8 cm (16 inches) Width 38.1 cm (15) Depth 50.2 cm (19 inches) 8 Slot Chassis Power, 120-230VAC, 50/60Hz MGC-100 chassis dimensions Height 40.8 cm (16 inches) Width 58.4 cm (23) Depth 50.2 cm (19 inches) 16 Slot Chassis Power, redundant power supplies, 3 load sharing 110-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, -48 DC NEBS Level 3 Compliance with special-order systems MGC-50 and MGC-100 chassis operating environment Oper Temp 10 to 40 C (50 to 104 F), 3400 BTU/hr Storage Temperature -40 to 70 C (-40 to 158 F) Relative Humidity 15% to 90% non-condensing Operating Altitude Up to 3,000 m (10,000 ft) Storage Altitude Up to 12,000 m (40,000 ft) Operating ESD +8kV Storage ESD +15kV
Polycom MGC-25 By offering 10 different preset configurations, the MGC-25 can support multiple types of applications and networks including gateway conferencing, fullfeatured multipoint voice and video conferencing, or both with unified conferencing. For quick installations, the MGC-25 has an easy-to-use LCD and keypad located on the front of the system for simple IP address assignment. To configure the MGC-25, end users employ a self-guided interface that takes them through as little as one or two configuration screens. The installation can be completed in two steps: 1) Enter an IP address of the MGC-25 from the LCD and keypad on the front of the system. 2) Connect to the self-guided wizard and configure your system. Now you have completed installation and are ready to start conferencing. MGC-25 Configurations The MGC-25 is available in 10 configurations of Gateway, Polycom VideoPlus, Polycom VoicePlus, and Unified Conferencing GW 1 Single PRI Gateway GW 2 Dual PRI Gateway IP port IP MCU IP 16+ - 16 port IP MCU plus 8 PSTN voice ports IP 16+ V 16 port IP MCU plus 8 PSTN voice ports and video processing with advanced continuous presence, transcoding, and Click&View Unified 24 Maximum of 24 ports for voice (VoIP & PSTN) and video (ISDN & IP) Unified 24 V - Maximum of 24 ports for voice (VoIP & PSTN) and video (ISDN & IP) with video processing including advanced continuous presence, transcoding, and Click&View ISDN V 7 to 10 @ 384 kbps T1/E1 port ISDN MCU with video processing including advanced continuous presence, transcoding, and Click&View VoicePlus PSTN voice ports VoicePlus PSTN voice ports Upgrade to the MGC-25 Unified 24 Any MGC-25 gateway, IP 12, IP 16+ or VoicePlus 24 system can be easily upgraded in the field to a Unified 24 configuration. Upgrade to the MGC-25 Unified 24 V The MGC-25 IP 16+ V and ISDN V systems can also be upgraded in the field to ISDN V configuration. MGC-25 Technical Specifications Transcoding Audio Algorithms G.711, G.722, G.722.1, G.723, G.728, G.729a, Siren 7, Siren 14 Networks IP (H.323 and SIP), ISDN, PSTN Network Speed 128 Kbps up to 2 Mbps Resolution QCIF or CIF Video Algorithms H.261, H.263, H.264 Frame Rate 7.5 fps-30fps Data Rates 6.4-46.4 Kbps MLP, 64-128 Kbps HMLP - H.239 fully transcodes between proprietary implementation

Resource sharing Software resource sharing MGC operating system software Unified Conference Suite (enables IVR/DTMF in both voice & video) Packet Commander (proprietary Polycom implementation to synchronize IP packets in a video stream that improves QoS) Hardware resource sharing MGC platform Voice, video, network, and data modules IP QoS support Reorders and synchronizes incoming IP packets IP Error Resiliency IP Precedence Support IP DiffServ Support MGC platform management and scheduling tools Same as for MGC 50/100 see technical specifications for MGC 50/100 above Audio support G.711a, G.711u. G.722, G.722.1, G.723.1, G.728, G.729a, Siren 7, Siren 14 Video support H.261, H.263, H.frames per second, 60 fields per second NTSC, 50 fields per second PAL QSIF, SIF, 4SIF, QCIF, CIF, 4CIF, VGA, SVGA, XGA, PAL, NTSC video resolution Conference data rates 56/64 Kbps to 2 Mbps Cascading Simple and H.243 Cascading Network interface support 10/100 Ethernet 2 PRI Interface ISDN and Dedicated T1/E1 MGC-25 chassis dimensions 2U Width: 19 (48 cm) Depth: 19 (48 cm) MGC-25 chassis operating environment Operating Temp 10 to 40 C, (50 Environment to 104 F), 3400 BTU per hour Storage Temperature -40 to 70 C (-40 to 158 F) Relative Humidity 15% to 90% non condensing Operating Altitude up to 3,000 m (10,000 ft) Storage Altitude up to 12,000 m (40,000 ft) Operating ESD +8kV Storage ESD +15kV Power supply AC input 100 - 240 VAC, 50/60 HZ Power consumption AC voltage up to 2 AMP at 100 VAC. 1 AMP at 240 VAC
2004 Polycom, Inc. All rights reserved. Polycom and the Polycom logo are registered trademarks and MGC, VideoPlus, Click&View, Siren, Polycom WebOffice, WebCommander, Polycom Conference Suite, ReadiManager, Global Management System, Polycom PathNavigator and Network Aware Scheduler are trademarks of Polycom, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Information in this document is subject to change without notice.

Polycom Headquarters:

www.polycom.com
4750 Willow Road, Pleasanton, CA 94588 (T) 1.800.POLYCOM (765.9266) for North America only. For North America, Latin America and Caribbean (T) +1.925.924.6000, (F) +1.925.924.Bath Road, Slough, Berkshire SL1 4DX, (T) +44 (0)1753 723000, (F) +44 (0)Polycom Hong Kong Ltd., Rm 1101 MassMutual Tower, 38 Gloucester Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong, (T) +852.2861.3113, (F)+852.2866.8028