The Access Grid™ and Video Conferencing

The Access Grid™ and Video Conferencing
The Access Grid™
The Access Grid™ (AG) is a tool for group-to-group collaboration across
worldwide high-performance networks (e.g. IVEC + AARNet). The AG is an
ensemble of resources including multimedia large-format displays, presentation
and interactive environments, and interfaces to Grid middleware and to
visualization environments. The AG technology was developed in the USA by
the Futures Laboratory at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) and is deployed
by the NCSA PACI Alliance. Australian researchers are now active contributors.
An individual site connected to the AG is generally known as a node. The AG is
now used at over 150 institutions worldwide, located in 26 countries. The AG
community is continually growing, with software becoming easier to configure
and hardware cheaper to obtain. The list of registered nodes can be found at:
http://www.accessgrid.org/community/nodes/nodes.html. Because inclusion on
this list is voluntary, it only gives an indication as to the total number of installed
nodes.
AG events are held via Virtual Venues (pre-designated Internet IP addresses
and ports) to which participating AG nodes login using the AG Client software
that is pre-installed on the individual site’s AG computer(s). A list of institutions
providing venues can be found at: http://venues.accessgrid.org/AG/venues.php.
To help with the scheduling of meetings, some Venues (i.e. ANL and NCSA)
can be booked via their respective website-based scheduler.

Example of an AG node in operation – ©Copyright AARNet Pty Ltd

The AG can be described as a software application with accompanying
hardware that connects remote, geographically distant sites through a high
bandwidth network. Participants hear and see one another in real time over the
AG for the purpose of scientific collaboration, education, training, and
professional communication at all levels. The AG is used for impromptu get-
togethers, large formal meetings, collaborative work sessions, seminars,
lectures, tutorials and training. It has been used to support conferences such as
SC Global 2001, the Alliance Chautauqua series held in 1999 and 2000, and
Graphite 2004 in Singapore. Although it does not eliminate travel, the AG can
reduce the need for travel while significantly increasing the level of
collaboration.

Prepared by: Dr AP Squelch - iVEC@Central 1 9/11/2004
andrew.squelch@ivec.org ©Central TAFE

Access Grid vs Video Conferencing
The Access Grid™ (AG) and commercial Video Conferencing (VC) systems are
essentially aimed at providing the same end result: ‘virtual meetings’ where
groups of people come together and collaborate without having to travel to a
single common location. A comparison of the two systems is somewhat
dependant on the time in the development cycle that the assessment is made.
Video and audio quality can be better with AG than VC but that is dependant on
the quality of the components used. Also, a certain amount of leapfrogging goes
on as one system overtakes the other for quality. AG software is OpenSource,
therefore free, and the hardware is commodity-ware; whereas VC software and
hardware is proprietary.
The AG is designed for group-to-group collaboration (not person-to-person) with
multiple camera views of each site/room being transmitted selectively and
concurrently. The number of sites that can participate in an AG ‘meeting’ is
effectively unlimited (even with multiple room views) and requires no additional
overhead. Participants at an AG node can observe all the video transmissions
going out from their site as well as those coming in from the other sites.

Video display selection
made independently at
each AG node
Access Grid
Virtual Venue

Video feeds from
participating AG
nodes

Schematic of Access Grid connectivity and display configuration

Conversely, with VC systems the number of connected sites is often limited to
one-to-one without the use of a Multipoint Control Unit (MCU) Bridge, which is
an expensive piece of hardware. On the minus side, many networks do not (and
may even be unwilling to) support multicast needed for AG. However, the


AARNet and GrangeNet networks do support multicast within Australia and to
peer networks overseas. The AG is solely network/Internet based whereas VC
can be delivered over a network or ISDN lines.

Pre-configured video display
transmitted to all participants

Video
Conference
provider and
Video feeds from
MCU
participating VC
sites

Schematic of Video Conference connectivity and display configuration

Being PC (Linux or Windows) based, the AG allows digital data and shared
applications to be used to share additional information with other participants,
beyond just video images. VC currently has limited ability to present additional
data especially without expenditure on proprietary tools.
The setup of the AG video display system means that greater display ‘real
estate’ is available. This is possible because the AG software can make use of
more than one video output source. These video display sources can come
from multiple PCs (each with a graphics card) and/or a single PC with a multi-
channel video graphics card. For ease of viewing, the typical configuration
consists of three display outputs projected side-by-side on to a large wall (or
screen). This gives a large format display image that is three times the width of
a single screen image. The individual content windows (i.e. video feeds from
other sites) can be individually sized, placed anywhere on the display screens
or even hidden, as desired.

AG multi-group, multi-view display – ©Copyright AARNet Pty Ltd


Close-up of AG multi-group, multi-view display – ©Copyright AARNet Pty Ltd

The AG servers run 24/7 so, once installed, an AG node can be used at any
time of day or night and does not need any prior booking with a ‘Telco’ to
establish connectivity. A VC event is usually an explicit cost paid to the ‘Telco’
on each and every occasion, with exact costs being dependant on the length of
conference and if a MCU bridge is required.
The cost of an AG node ranges from $100 (the cost of a webcam and
headphones added to an existing PC), through $25,000 for a mid-size room to
$70,000 for a large installation. The price for a professional video conferencing
system (e.g. PictureTel, Polycom) in Australia is typically $5,000 - $10,000 (but
can go much higher) with running costs of ~$50 per hour. They usually require
dedicated lines (e.g. ISDN or similar). ISDN line call rates for national and
international linked sites are about $100/hour and $300/hour, respectively.
In most cases an AG session is effectively free to operate at the department
level. This is because the cost of providing the necessary multicast
Internet/network connection is carried at the Institutional level as part of the
external network subscription that is already in place (e.g. AARNet or
GrangeNet); and it is not dependant on duration of use. For example, the IVEC
network already has access to the AARNet multicast capability and GrangeNet
access can be added for an annual subscription of $5,000. An AG node does
need IT support (at the very least someone with enough knowledge to operate
it) but possibly no more than required for a VC event.


Summary of features
Access Grid™ Video Conference
Research tool developed at Argonne
Commercial product.
National Laboratories.
Uses Open Source VIC and RAT
Hardware-based audio / video coding.
coding for video and audio.
An ensemble of commodity hardware
Proprietary video conferencing
and open source software which
software and hardware for audio and
supports the capture and display of
video, e.g. Polycom VSX 7000 $5300.
many video streams.
Pretty good penetration worldwide – Very good penetration worldwide –
mainly in research institutions. good business acceptance.
Extends the traditional video Traditional video conferencing model
conferencing model from a single of single camera views or pre-
view of a site to multiple views from configured tiled view, arrangement of
many sites, with the flexibility for each both is dictated by the VC/MCU
site to choose which views are seen hardware and software. Less user
and in what size and order on screen. choice.
Suitable for one-to-one and multiple
Suitable for one-to-one and multiple
groups meeting and conference
groups (with MCU) meeting.
participation.
Differs from existing video Unicast, point-to-point tool – needs
conferencing systems by operating additional infrastructure (i.e. MCU
over a multicast network instead of bridge) for multipoint. Can use a
requiring an MCU to mix audio and Bureau Service to save on MCU
video streams. purchase.
$25,000 to $70,000 for a room setup. $5,000 to $70,000 (or even more) to
But a personal node (headphones + setup. But some point-to-point
webcam) on an existing PC/Laptop desktop starter kits for $2000. Can
can be done for ~$100. Software and require cost for MCU (~$30,000),
use of Virtual (meeting) Venues is installation of the ISDN lines and the
free. Network requirements are on-going line rental as well as the
usually already in place at Institutional initial purchase of the H.320
level and multicasting via AARNet equipment or network switches and
and/or GrangeNet. routers.
Expensive to use, e.g. ISDN call rates
Inexpensive to use – effectively free UK to Australia from $400/hr to
at Institution department level A$1300/hr. Australian call rates
$100/hr (local) to $300/hr (overseas)
Becoming easier to set up and use – Easy to setup – usually pay extra for
plenty of free help and support support
Expensive to administer (becoming
Easy to use
less so)
Dedicated room – but personal node
Mobile – but often dedicated room.
on laptop offers mobility.

NB. This summary has been compiled from various sources and represents information and
opinions published at different points in time and from different standpoints.


Overview for Decision Makers
Tutorial developed and © by Access Grid User Documentation Project:
http://www.accessgrid.org/agdp/
(also refer to separate 2-page Tutorial supplement fact-sheet: supplement.pdf)

Objectives
This tutorial provides the information needed to determine the benefits of
establishing an Access Grid Node at your organization and the resources you
will need to set up and operate it.

Be part of the future
In the 1980s, corporate executives didn't think of the Internet as an essential
business tool. In just 10 years, the World Wide Web turned the Internet into an
essential communication tool and a main way to conduct business. Just as the
Web changed the way we interact in the 1990s, the Access Grid will be a vital
part of the next generation of communications technologies. By establishing an
Access Grid at your organization, you can become a link in its growing chain of
worldwide science, engineering, and education users.

What is it?
The Access Grid is a suite of hardware and software that supports multiple
group-to-group communications via high-speed networking. It provides high
quality audio and real time video for interactive experiences for users at multiple
sites. All the hardware is off the shelf and readily available at a reasonable cost,
so that your organization can successfully set up its own Access Grid site,
called a Node -- one point on a large mesh of institutional users. Researchers at
Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) developed the Access Grid concept. Other
scientific organizations are part of its growing research and development group.

Target Audience
Those individuals who are interested in the bottom-line issues of the Access
Grid and/or those individuals who make the final decisions.

Topics
Advantages to Your Organization
Overview of Setting up an Access Grid Node
Access Grid Resource Commitments

Advantages to Your Organization
• Here you'll find how your organization can:
• Substantially Reduce Travel
• Gain Access to Scientific Creativity
• Join a Growing Community
• Enable Remote Group Interactions


• Participate in a Wealth of Remote Events
• Benefit from the Access Grid’s Advantages over Commercially
Available Systems
• Get Free Support for Your Access Grid Node from Experts

Substantially Reduce Travel
Hold regular meetings nationally or worldwide without leaving your office. The
Access Grid brings people face-to-face electronically, reducing the need for
travel. This not only saves time and money, but also reduces stress associated
with travel.

3-D collaboration over the Access Grid and the Immersadesk™

Gain Access to Scientific Creativity
Your researchers can have real-time access to a worldwide community of
researchers who collaborate over the Access Grid, both within your organization
and at respected universities, government laboratories, and in industry.

Join a Growing Community
Your staff can join the expanding community of scientists, engineers, educators,
and managers who are developing and utilizing the communications
infrastructure of the 21st century.

Class over the Access Grid from the Ohio Supercomputer Centre


Enable Remote Group Interactions
The Access Grid can conveniently host live, travel-free group interactions, such
as:
• Small, informal meetings that a manager calls rapidly
• Large meetings planned in advance
• Training sessions, seminars, and classes
• Project and program reviews with your funding agencies and branch units
• Medium-to-large conferences, such as the one shown below

Participate in a Wealth of Remote Events
Your organization will have access to public educational and scientific events
broadcast over the Access Grid from other institutions, including Argonne
National Laboratory, Boston University, National Center for Supercomputing
Applications (NCSA), University of Kentucky, University of New Mexico, and
North Dakota State University. There are a multitude of sites. See
http://www.accessgrid.org/community/nodes.html for a growing list of sites.

A "Gallery on the Grid"
event hosted by Boston
University. The piece
"Tracer" by Deborah and
Richard Cornell, is a
luminous environment
where the gestures of
language, art, and nature
meet and are transformed
by remote participants.

Benefit from the Access Grid’s Advantages over Commercially
Available Systems
The Access Grid has marked advantages over today's commercially available
videoconferencing systems.
• Scientists and engineers at multiple sites can simultaneously share
scientific instruments, conduct experiments, and manipulate the
same data sets and visual simulations across the Web, while
talking back and forth.
• The Access Grid supports multicast, a highly-scalable networking
model.
• Because of its separate, high-speed networking streams, Access
Grid video is smooth and lacks the jerky motion or slow scan rate of
many videoconferencing systems.
• Access Grid audio quality is high, letting multiple participants in
large and small meetings to be heard among all attendees.


• The Access Grid screen display is the size of a wall--not a small
computer monitor. Local and remote participants in an Access Grid
event can simultaneously view each other, PowerPoint slides,
scientific simulations, and other visuals.
• Your Access Grid Node can be available whenever scientists,
engineers, and others in your organization need it--24 hours a day,
7 days a week.

Audiences from AHPCC, Boston University, CINECA, Dartmouth, NCAR,
NCSA, OSC, PSC, SDSC, University of Kansas, University of Kentucky, and
University of Manchester participate in HPC workshop led by Troy Baer from
OSC.

Get Free Support for your Access Grid Node from Experts
• Access Grid developers at Argonne National Laboratory and their
National Computational Science Alliance colleagues created
tutorials for various levels of interest in the technology. These are
continually maintained and updated. More are planned.
• Online support is provided for new and continuing users. The goal
is to have your staff become proficient in this developing
technology.


Overview of Setting up an Access Grid Node
Some organizations have chosen to purchase their AG nodes from a Value
Added Reseller, which may simplify procurement and installation issues.
Here you will find a summary of the necessary actions for Setting-up an Access
Grid Node.

An Access Grid Node operator monitors a session

Action Brief Description

Ensure adequate A multicast enabled 100bT connection to the node hardware is
networking required and at least DS3 bandwidth to the Internet from the
node is strongly recommended.
Set aside physical When selecting the room for your AG, consider how you will
space in your office use it. Another room consideration involves the ability to place
location the AG equipment so that it is as unobtrusive as possible.
Assign staff Staff are needed for facility preparation and set-up, hardware
and software installation and maintenance, and event
production. For staff estimates, see Access Grid Resource
Commitments in this tutorial.
Obtain necessary ~ $50,000 to cover the cost of equipment for one Node
funds
Order and Install Access Grid node overview:
Equipment • Four cameras
• Three or more projectors
• Display wall
• Four consumer-grade computers
• Audio speakers (2 minimum)
• Sufficient number of Microphones (~4)
• Keyboard/video/monitor switch
• Gentner™ device, an echo cancellation device
• Matchmaker device
• Two telephone lines
• Sufficient electrical outlets for your configuration
• Chairs and tables, as needed


Access Grid Resource Commitments
Below are 3 tables that provide a summary of estimated resource commitments
for preparing, building, operating and producing events with an Access Grid
Node at your site. The first table shows resource commitments for one time
costs, the second for recurring costs, and the third for event costs.

One Time Costs
Staffing
Senior Technical variable time arranging networking; variable time preparing the
Staff Access Node room
1 FTE week to purchase Node equipment; 1 FTE week to build
Technical Staff
Node equipment
Non-technical
variable time preparing Access Grid Node room
Staff
Purchase and build Node equipment (mostly non-proprietary, commodity equip)
Prepare room
• Install projectors
• Build display wall
• Install lighting
• Install 2 phone lines
• Purchase furniture
Arrange networking
1. Last Mile +
2. Connection to high-speed net (costs vary based on Node location: rural
vs. populated vs. international)
Software (mostly free)

Recurring Costs
Staffing
Senior variable time supporting network
Technical Staff
Technical Staff ~2 FTE days/month maintaining & updating equipment
Non-Technical ~1 FTE day/month scheduling & maintaining room
Staff
Networking support
Access to high-speed network
General room overhead expenses


Per Event Costs
Informal Events
Staffing

Technical Staff 1 FTE/hour operating node
Formal Events
Staffing - Additional staff may be needed for elaborate events

Technical Staff 1 FTE/hour operating Access Grid
Node
Non-Technical Staff: 1-2 FTE/hour AV operations, 0.2
FTE/hour catering services, 1
FTE/hour clerical support
Public channel teleconference, if required
Catering, if required


Registered AGs in Australia
(as listed at http://www.accessgrid.org/community/nodes/nodes-australia.html)

AARNet - Australian Academic and Research Network
http://www.aarnet.edu.au/rd/accessgrid/

Australian National University

Central Queensland University (Gladstone)
http://www.hpc.cqu.edu.au/accessgrid.html

Central Queensland University (Rockhampton)
http://www.hpc.cqu.edu.au/accessgrid.html

Griffith University - Nathan Campus
http://www1.qpsf.edu.au/gu/

James Cook University
http://www.jcu.edu.au/office/itr/hpc/accessgrid/

Queensland University of Technology
http://www.qut.edu.au/its/hpc

Smart Internet Technology CRC
http://www.smartinternet.com.au

University of Adelaide

University of Queensland
http://www.itee.uq.edu.au/agn/

University of Southern Queensland

University of Sydney - Sydney Vislab
http://www.vislab.usyd.edu.au/research/accessgrid/

University of Technology, Sydney
http://research.it.uts.edu.au/accessgrid/

University of Western Australia
UWA Interactive Virtual Environments Centre

Victorian Partnership for Advanced Computing
http://www.vpac.org/content/services_and_support/access_grid/index.php


The Access Grid™ and Video Conferencing

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