Conferencing

Changes in technology have dramatically changed the way businesses communicate internally and with external sources like potential clients, suppliers, investors and more. Video conferencing innovations mean people are able to meet from anywhere in the world, share information and presentations and collaborate on projects with ease.

This has enabled even the smallest of businesses to become global, for remote and work from home employees to communicate easily with the wider organisation and for the instant relay of information to expedite business processes and functions.

There are numerous conference room solutions like displays and interactive screens that make video conferencing simple to achieve with leading brands like Jabra, Poly, EPOS, Yealink and Grandstream producing new innovations every year. And for those working remotely, at home or in the field, there are technologies like USB speakerphones, Bluetooth speakerphones and the IP conference phone range.

Numerous software packages have been released and refined to further improve the video conferencing experience as well, with options available including Microsoft Teams Meeting Solutions, Zoom Room Solutions, Teams Certified and a range of hybrid working solutions. This provides businesses with a range of benefits including:

Improved productivity
Time efficiencies
Dramatically reduced travel expenses
Better collaboration

And video conferencing provides those benefits and more without the need to coordinate face-to-face, physical meetings that can be extremely challenging and expensive - especially with team members scattered all over the state, country or even the world.

What is video conferencing?

The basic definition of video conferencing is two or more people communicating using internet-connected video display devices to carry out work functions. This can include meetings, job interviews, product demonstrations, presentations, team meetings and much more.

There are many different technologies that can be used in this process. Conference rooms can be wired up to include large, interactive display screens, microphones, speakers and more so workers in a central office location can communicate with other team members that are at home, in the field, working remotely or working at another geographic location.

Video conferencing is hosted on a central software platform like Zoom or Microsoft teams which can also be used on devices like smartphones, tablets and computers and there is a range of audio and visual technologies that can be used to enhance the experience. There are five major reasons why every modern business should be using video conferencing including:

It humanises the digital workforce: With businesses moving toward decentralised models with staff spread far and wide, technology can begin to take over. Humans need to interact with other humans and video conferencing allows for this communication and collaboration.

It creates a company culture: Technology can do a lot of things, but it cannot create a real human culture in the workplace. Even with remote workers and people located in different geographic locations, video conferencing allows businesses to create and foster their workplace culture.

Simplified management: There are numerous programs, apps, tools, storage methods and other factors that make digital workplaces complicated. Centralised collaboration hubs used for video conferencing help simplify and streamline workplace management.

Reliability: In the modern world, digital video conferencing is the fastest and easiest way to communicate with all team members no matter where they are located.

Cost savings: Today there are holistic conferencing technologies available that allow for easy audio conferencing and video conferencing. Instead of having a range of different devices (with their own costs associated with licensing, support and maintenance) businesses can roll their conferencing needs into full video conferencing solutions and achieve greater cost efficiencies.

What is Australia's most popular video conferencing platform?

There are numerous video conferencing platforms and you can even have your own platform built for your specific requirements. There are five primary platforms that Australians are using that are loaded with pretty much every function you could possibly require, including:

Cisco WebEx Business: This comes loaded with almost every feature you could want for team meetings including polls, breakouts, simple information sharing and you can also record audio from these meetings. Best of all, it is very user friendly which reduces training and onboarding time.

Intermedia AnyMeeting: This platform provides the best value for money of all the video conferencing software solutions. Anyone can pick this platform up and use it immediately and it has plenty of features, making it a preferred option for many businesses.

Zoom Meetings: Zoom rocketed to prominence in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to be a key player today. Its greatest strength is the ability to host large audiences, for when you need to present pitches or webinars to a wide audience.

Google Meet: One of the major benefits of this platform is the way it seamlessly integrates with the Google suite of cloud-based office products. If you are primarily using Google (including Gmail, Google Docs, Google Drive etc) then it makes sense to use Google Meet. To gain access to the best features and functions you will need to subscribe to Google Workspace.

Microsoft Teams: When you are looking to reduce the number of systems, apps and platforms your business uses, Teams is a fantastic choice. It links to all Microsoft Office products, you can store files, chat with individuals or groups and a host of other features. It is more of an all-in-one office tool than a dedicated video conferencing platform, but the video conferencing capabilities will not let you down.

What is a Telecom meeting?

This is another name for a video conferencing meeting, short for a telecommunications meeting. Teleconferencing can also be used as an alternative term for audio or phone conferences.

What is a conferencing system?

These are room-based solutions (usually housed in a conference room) that enable you to host video conferences. A simple setup can include a central computer that hosts the videoconference that can be connected to multiple cameras, microphones and speakers. This computer can also output the signal to a large display that can be used as a digital whiteboard.

People in the office can take part in the video conference in this room while remote workers can access the meeting using a computer, phone or tablet.

What is Zoom Room Conferencing Solution?

When you are looking for hybrid working solutions, Zoom Rooms are dedicated video conferencing rooms that have been designed to allow remote workforces to collaborate and work together on projects in real-time. These Zoom Rooms use artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the conferencing experience including enhancing the view of multiple people in a room for a better face-to-face experience.

Instead of trying to get a range of technologies to talk to each other, Zoom Room provides all of the hardware and software for complete video conferencing capabilities with all of the latest innovations and features.

What is a Teams certified device?

While most USB peripherals like headsets, speakers, webcams etc will be compatible with most video conferencing platforms, there can be exceptions. Microsoft Teams certified devices are plug-and-play with the platform and will require no setup or configuration. If you are using teams, using these certified devices is a good idea to ensure there are no issues with your meetings.

What are the different types of conferencing devices?

There are many different devices that can be used in video conferencing, but these are the five fundamental things you will need:

1). A display. This can include a monitor, television or a more advanced display like an interactive touch screen or a digital whiteboard.
2). At least one microphone and camera. These can include built-in devices on a laptop or smartphone or dedicated devices for higher quality
3). Speakers. These can be anything from built-in speakers, dedicated audio systems, VoIP phones, Bluetooth speakers and more
4). A reliable, high-speed internet connection
5). The video conferencing platform software

You can also get dedicated all-in-one solutions for your conference room to simplify video conferencing, which provide many benefits for businesses of all sizes.

Headsets

Are you considering buying a new headset? Read on to discover all you need to know about the various headsets available, as well as answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding headset purchases.

We stock a great range of headsets from leading brands such as Jabra, Poly, EPOS, Sennheiser and Yealink. Offering advanced hybrid working solutions Australia can rely on to deliver excellent performance and reliability, our range includes wireless and wired headsets, as well as Bluetooth headset options, mobile headsets and MS Team certified products.

What are the different types of headsets?

At their most basic, a headset is a listening device that's worn by users to prevent the sounds from reaching others. Modern headsets usually consist of both headphones (for listening) and a microphone (for speaking). Headsets can be used to communicate with a device (such as a laptop) or to communicate directly with other people via a phone line, Bluetooth or some similar setup.

There are several characteristics that can vary between headsets. These include:
- Whether the headset is wired or wireless (for example a Bluetooth or a DECT headset).
- The type of earphones (noise-cancelling, bone conduction, ear pods, over-ear, closed-back, open-back, waterproof and semi-open, for example). Each type of earphone has a set of pros and cons that can make a significant difference to the user experience and type of application they're best suited to.
- Purpose of the headset. Headsets are made for specific applications (gaming, leisure, telecommunications, sport etc).

What is a DECT headset?

When people think of wireless communication, they tend to think of Bluetooth. An alternative to Bluetooth is DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications). DECT is used to connect a base set with a headset wirelessly. Using similar technology to that used in devices such as baby monitors, DECT can be used by private individuals or by businesses as a method of wireless communication. DECT is a secure form of communication that has a much greater range than Bluetooth.

A DECT headset is typically used in an office environment where users need to move around, but also only need to connect to one device at a time. If a connection with multiple devices simultaneously is needed, a Bluetooth headset would usually be more suitable.

What are the types of Wireless Headsets?

Wireless headsets are frequently categorized according to the type of activity they're needed for, as well as the type of headphones that are included in the headset. In addition to being available with many different earphone types (see further down the page), they also vary according to the type of communication that's needed (Bluetooth, softphone, DECT etc) and the activity they're going to be used for - such as office headsets, headsets for sports etc.

What is a wired headset?

As the name suggests, a wired headset is a headset that's connected to a device using a wire. Although many people opt for wireless headphones due to their portability and convenience, premium wired headsets offer superior sound quality. They're also very popular with gamers, as the sound reaches the ear faster and more reliably than through a wireless connection. This enables faster response and reaction times, giving players an edge.

Wired headphones are a good option if you value sound quality and are going to use them whilst sitting at a PC or desk. They're less appropriate if you wish to move about or access wireless devices.

What is a deskphone headset?

Also known as office headsets, deskphone headsets are typically used in call centres, receptions or similar facilities. They enable the user to receive calls and communicate without the need to hold a handset. Consisting of headphones and an integral microphone, deskphone headsets can be wired or wireless headsets.

These headsets are lightweight and incorporate high-quality, noise-cancelling headphones that can safely be used for longer periods of time. Comfortable and easy to use, deskphone headsets can be used in an office or home environment. If you're looking for headsets for remote work, a deskphone headset can be a good solution.

What are teams certified headsets?

These are peripherals that offer high levels of sound quality and are also configured to work seamlessly with Skype for Business and Microsoft Teams. Users can "plug and play" these headsets when using Teams or Skype. Perfect for remote working, they're a good option when much of your work communication is conducted virtually.

What is a UC Headset?

A UC (Universal Communications) headset is one that's configured to work with softphones. Softphone software is frequently provided by VoIP providers to create user-friendly interphase for making and receiving calls.

What are the different wearing types in headsets?

Over-ear headphones

These completely cover the ear and provide excellent insulation against outside noise. They're frequently used for leisure, or in the sound industry.

Earbuds

Small headphones that sit just inside the ear, they're stable (ideal for people on the move), portable and lightweight. They're not recommended for wearing more than an hour or two a day, so are usually chosen for commuting, or for use whilst exercising.

Noise-cancelling headphones

These use advanced technology to pro-actively block noise from outside. Headphones that are used for protracted periods of time (such as office headsets) use noise-cancelling technology. Because noise-cancelling headphones offer such excellent acoustic insulation, users can keep the volume low, which helps to protect hearing).

Bone conductors

Rather than conducting sound through the ear, the sound is conducted through the cheekbones. These keep the ears free, so users are always aware of what's going on around them. They can also be useful for people who have outer ear problems.

Closed-back headphones

These may be located over, on or in the ear, but are characterised by having a cup that completely covers the ear. They offer excellent acoustic insulation and music lovers value the increased quality of bass tones.

Open-back headphones

These may be fully open or semi-open. Rather than a solid casing, the inner workings are protected by a wire mesh. This increases ventilation (which can make them more comfortable to wear) and also provides a more natural sound quality than closed-back headphones. As acoustic insulation is minimal, background noise is always present, which can make concentrating on the sound difficult in crowded or noisy locations.

Waterproof headphones

Specifically designed for use under or in water, these are portable headphones ideal for use in wet weather, in the pool or in the shower. They're also sweatproof and usually have high-grade sound quality that provides a good experience for music lovers.

Earphones

These classic headphones rest on the ear lobes. Although not widely used, they allow good awareness of the exterior environment and are great for phone conversations on the move.

What is a stereo headset?

A stereo headset is one where the sound is recorded on two different channels. The result of this is much better sound quality than if a mono headset is utilised.

What is a mono headset?

Mono headsets only receive sound from one channel. The advantage of this is that only one ear is covered by a headphone. This makes it easier to listen to (and interact with) your surroundings. The disadvantages of a mono headset are that sound quality is inferior (in contrast to stereo sound) and it may be difficult to listen to sound from your mono headset if there is too much background noise.

Networking Devices

There are many networking devices on the market today that are important for business computers and all internet-connected devices.

Networking devices have two main functions: To control the traffic on your network (including traffic entering the network from external sources) and to provide connectivity between various devices.

What are networking devices?

On your network, you have a range of connected devices like desktop computers, phones, laptop computers, tablets, phones and more. Networking devices are the components required to connect these devices together so they can all communicate with each other on the network.

Each network device has a different role to play in the overall network, and they are all critical for workers to be able to communicate, access data and share information seamlessly.

In days gone by, these networks were almost always connected via cables. But modern wireless professional solutions allow for these networks to be almost entire cable-free. Below are some of the essential networking devices your business needs, along with some of the physical devices that can connect to your network for a safer, more efficient and more productive workforce.

What are the types of networking devices?

To ensure you are building and creating a strong and reliable network for your office environment, the first step is understanding the different components that make up this network.

There are numerous devices that can be connected to a network and essential components that link everything together. Here are the primary network devices that you need to get to know for your office network:

Routers

Your router is the beating heart of your network when it comes to accessing the internet. All of your internet-connected devices on the network will be funnelled through the router which then connects them to the net. Your router is responsible for a range of additional tasks as well. It provides the optimal route for your information to travel so you get the best network speeds, provide protection against potential security threats and can be used to prioritise internet speed for devices that need higher bandwidth than others.

Servers

It is possible to run a small network without a server, but not larger business operations. A peer-to-peer network is when two computers or small office setups are connected to each other by a universal serial bus or wires to connect these computers together. This allows for the simple sharing of basic information and data, but not much else.

By adding a dedicated server to your network you can manage all of the computers and devices connected much more easily. Instead of the devices sending requests to each other, the request is made through the central server. In many cases, users need to access the same information and data which can create bottlenecks without a server managing and processing these requests.

Range extenders

A wireless router only has a defined range where devices can connect and access the internet. If you have a large office or floor space, you may have workstations or devices that sit outside this range. While this problem can sometimes be rectified by getting a router with a wider range, you can also solve this issue with range extenders. These are devices that sit between the wireless router and your internet-connected devices, taking the existing WiFi signal and rebroadcasting it, effectively giving you a wider range for WiFi connection.

Access points

These are very similar to range extenders, effectively performing the same role. They connect to the router via ethernet cable or wireless connection and projects the WiFi to a designated part of your business or office. There are two key differences. Access points can handle more devices which makes them better suited to large offices with lots of connected devices. Secondly, there is a seamless connection when a user on a connected device moves around the office. The connection will not drop as they shift from the main router to the access point.

Enterprise switches

When you have a large business with a wide range of computers, printers, access points and other devices on the network, switches are used to connect them all together as part of the same network. These switches are what enables all of these devices to see each other and be able to send and receive information from each other. When you have a large number of these switches and connected devices, an enterprise switch is a name for the network environment that includes a core switch and then distribution layer switches that operate below it to manage the entire network.

Media converters

There are different cables used in a network. The three primary cables are ethernet, copper wire and high-speed fibre cables. Media converters are devices used to connect these different cables together for a reliable and connected network.

Modems and routers

What is the difference between a modem and a router? A modem is used for networks to connect to the internet. It provides an internet connection, WiFi signal and a limited number of ethernet ports for direct connection. The router connects to the modem and then distributes this internet connection to the various devices in your network that need web access.

IP security camera

Modern security systems are part of your network as well. Internet-connected cameras mean high definition footage can be uploaded directly to the cloud, or to an SD card if the connection to the internet is lost. These cameras can also be independently powered (by solar, battery or both) so they still operate in a power outage as well. This means that other devices on the network can access the security feed as well.

Storage devices

Business networks often require large storage devices to hold data, software and multimedia that can be accessed from any device that is connected to the network. There are two different kinds of storage devices commonly used, network-attached storage (NAS) and storage area network (SAN).

NAS devices usually have multiple hard drives installed in them and are usually used for backing up important data and disaster recovery. They are not ideally suited for transferring large amounts of data outside of disaster recovery, as they can slow the entire network down.

SAN devices are far more complex and share pools of data with designated servers. This makes it easier for workers to access the data that is relevant to them at any time without impacting the speed of the overall network. These are often used to house media libraries, email servers and high use file servers.

UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies)

A sudden power outage can cause the loss or corruption of files and lost work and productivity. A UPS device is a battery backup that provides an instant source of power if the mains electricity is cut or there is an outage. That way devices on the network can be safely shut down without fear of losing critical business information and data.

What is a PoE switch?

A power over ethernet (PoE) switch allows you to power various devices on the network using just an ethernet cable. These switches are commonly used for IP cameras, providing power and internet connection along one cable to save complex wiring issues for devices located in difficult to reach places.

PoE switches can also be used to power a range of other devices like televisions, monitors, laptop computers while PoE technology is also used to power VoIP and video phones.

Wireless Gear

Do you need highly functional, practical wireless networking solutions for your enterprise requirements? At MyITHub we stock a wide range of different accessories and products for mesh WiFi, providing the enterprise experience you need with the latest technology. If you're keen to improve coverage in your property and get the most out of your WiFi, our wireless gear is the place to start.

Why invest in quality wireless networking gear from the specialists? Whether you're outfitting your home with full-coverage WiFi or looking for a comprehensive business solution that meets all of your requirements, here are some of the reasons why our wireless gear may be the right choice for you:

• Bring additional functionality with blanket coverage of your home
• Access the latest technology to make wireless networking easier
• A range of high-quality accessories to expand your WiFi reach
• Wireless networking gear hand-picked for daily use
• Mesh WiFi systems that meet your enterprise and household needs
• Never be left without WiFi or excess buffering again

What is a mesh WiFi system?

A mesh WiFi system extends the typical WiFi hub that many people have within their homes. While smaller properties or one-story residences may get optimal use from a traditional WiFi setup, more extensive properties or multi-story buildings may suffer from WiFi drop off a certain distance from their router. The further away you are, the weaker your signal is, leading to inconsistent WiFi, buffering videos, and lack of quality access.

Mesh WiFi systems take a blanket approach to your WiFi, using a range of extenders and access solutions to improve upon your connectivity across your home. By creating a network of connected devices, you can have the same standard of WiFi connectivity at the furthest point from your router. Some of the benefits of mesh WiFi systems include:

• Greater flexibility for where you place devices in your home
• Added functionality for technology that benefits from a direct internet connection
• Better reach of WiFi across your property
• Consistent WiFi quality when you move around your home

What are point to point bridges?

Point to point bridges are an integral part of a mesh WiFi system. Point-to-point allows two locations to be connected together wirelessly, allowing for the sharing of data and communication without the need for cables of other more traditional methods. Point to point wireless bridges enable the advanced connectivity that a mesh WiFi setup delivers, allowing you access to the internet as and when you need it.

Some of the key benefits of point to point bridges include:

• Excellent dependability for reliable connections
• Potential for high-speed internet as needed
• Quick and easy installation
• Easy network management
• Functionality for security and surveillance connectivity
• Versatile and flexible for many uses

What are point to multipoint bridges?

Point to multipoint wireless bridges are an evolution of the standard point to point bridge, allowing for the connection of multiple wireless access points to a single device or service. These bridges offer excellent flexibility for many environments, allowing for easy wireless connectivity in a way that is practical for modern homes and businesses.

Why invest in enterprise WiFi?

To achieve their day-to-day tasks, any modern business needs access to the best quality WiFi. With more and more people utilising laptops, smartphones, and portable devices for work, it's more important than ever before to have a comprehensive WiFi network that meets demand and extends across the entire property to help make connectivity as consistent as possible. Investing in the right enterprise networking gear, such as a mesh WiFi system, can provide the flexibility needed to deliver a dependable connection throughout your business.

Here are some of the reasons why you might want to invest in an enterprise mesh WiFi system:

• Bringing new flexibility to your workplace, allowing people to work from anywhere in the building with ease
• Providing consistent, high-quality WiFi without the need for the running of ethernet or extensive cable management
• Upgrading your existing system to meet the needs of a growing business
• Investing in technology that suits the requirements of a larger working area or business space
• Providing comprehensive WiFi access to critical areas such as meeting rooms and conference spaces



What wireless networking gear is right for me?

Finding the right wireless networking gear is key to developing the right mesh WiFi system for your specific needs and goals. With so many different options out there, picking the ideal system requires a strong understanding of your particular needs and requirements.

If your business requires excellent consistency with complete coverage all over your site, those needs may differ from mesh WiFi that targets vital areas where robust connectivity is most important. If you are looking for mesh WiFi for personal usage, your requirements may be different to an office where hundreds of people access WiFi on a daily basis.

As enterprise WiFi experts, we stock a wide range of products and solutions to help you extend your WiFi professionally. Our catalogue includes everything from an entire, all-in-one mesh WiFi system, innovative smart home products, and everything else you need to create the ideal, connected WiFi network for your specific needs. Have questions? We're here to help. Get in contact today to discuss which products from our range would work best for you.



Everything you need for enterprise networking

Our enterprise-grade technology is the ideal solution if you plan to extend your WiFi connectivity in the workplace or at home. At XXX, we stock a comprehensive range of different wireless gear products designed to provide the ideal level of connectivity. These include:



Access points

Access points provide the avenue for WiFi to reach every corner of your home or business. We stock access points that are designed to keep up with the demand of companies and households of all sizes, providing the extra connectivity needed for complete coverage.



Range extenders

Range extenders help to improve the range and scale of your WiFi access, boosting the reach of your WiFi signal to achieve coverage in specific areas or parts of your property. Range extenders are an invaluable part of a mesh WiFi network.



Point to point and multi point bridges

Point to point and multi-point bridges allow the accessible communication of data, providing the means to expand your WiFi beyond its current limits. If you are keen to improve the coverage of WiFi, these bridges are the solutions that ensure your system is working together at all times.



Antennas

Antennas are vital in network extension, allowing the signal from modems and extenders to be amplified for even greater reach. Antennas can be used to strengthen mesh WiFi networks, providing the extra support needed for complete, high-quality and consistent coverage.



Mesh WiFi systems If you need the complete package to set up a mesh WiFi system, we can offer everything you need to get started. Our whole mesh WiFi system provides all the technology and solutions you require to expand coverage significantly and strategically improve WiFi signals in crucial areas.

Planning to invest in wireless gear but not sure where to start? Our experts are on hand to help. Get in touch with us directly to find out more about the right equipment and choice of system for your needs and goals.