Microsoft NetMeeting was a groundbreaking application that revolutionized the way people communicated and collaborated online. It was first released in 1996.
NetMeeting allowed users to hold video and audio conferences, share files, and even exchange instant messages. This was a major game-changer for businesses and individuals alike.
One of the key features of NetMeeting was its ability to connect users across different platforms, including Windows and Mac. This made it a versatile tool for those who needed to communicate with others who weren't using the same operating system.
NetMeeting was widely used in the late 1990s and early 2000s, particularly in corporate settings where remote meetings and collaborations were becoming increasingly common.
History of NetMeeting
NetMeeting was released on May 29, 1996, with Internet Explorer 3 and later Internet Explorer 4.
It was a pioneering technology that incorporated tech acquired by Microsoft from UK software developer Data Connection Ltd and DataBeam Corporation.
Before video service became common on free IM clients, NetMeeting was a popular way to perform video conferences and chat over the Internet.
The defunct TechTV channel even used NetMeeting as a means of getting viewers onto their call-in shows via webcam.
Viewers had to call on their telephones, because broadband Internet connections were still rare at that time.
Curious to learn more? Check out: How Old Is Internet Explorer
NetMeeting Architecture
NetMeeting's architecture is built around standardized protocols, making it possible to interoperate with other H.323-implementing software.
NetMeeting uses the H.225 protocol for setting up, undertaking, and tearing down calls between clients. This allows for seamless communication between users.
The H.245 protocol is responsible for carrying audio, while the G.711 and G.723.1 codecs are used for encoding audio at various bit rates from 5.3 to 64 kbit/s. The H.263 and H.261 codecs are used for encoding video.
NetMeeting can also transport chat messages, share files, and perform other tasks using standardized protocols like T.128, T.126, and T.127. This interoperability with other software makes NetMeeting a versatile tool for teleconferencing and videotelephony.
On a similar theme: List of SIP Software
Protocol Overview
NetMeeting's protocol architecture is built on top of ITU T.120 and H.323 standards, with Microsoft adding its own extensions. This allows NetMeeting to interoperate with other H.323-implementing software like Ekiga.
The H.225 protocol is used to set up, undertake, and tear down calls between NetMeeting clients. This protocol is the backbone of NetMeeting's communication.
Explore further: Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Protocol
Audio and video encoding is handled by the G.711 and G.723.1 codecs, which operate at a range of 5.3 to 64 kbit/s. This ensures clear and efficient audio and video transmission.
The H.245 protocol is used for audio transmission, while the H.263 and H.261 codecs are used for video encoding. This combination provides high-quality video and audio.
Here's a breakdown of the protocols used for different features:
This standardized approach to protocol architecture enables NetMeeting to work seamlessly with other H.323-implementing software.
Component Structure
The Component Structure of NetMeeting is made up of several key components, including the Meeting Manager, the Media Control Unit, and the Transport Control Unit.
The Meeting Manager is responsible for managing the overall meeting, including setting up and tearing down the meeting, and handling user input.
It receives input from the user and sends it to the Media Control Unit for processing.
The Media Control Unit handles the flow of media between the Meeting Manager and the Transport Control Unit, ensuring that audio and video are transmitted correctly.
Check this out: Multipoint Control Unit
It also handles the flow of control signals between the Meeting Manager and the Transport Control Unit.
The Transport Control Unit is responsible for transmitting media between the Meeting Manager and the Media Control Unit.
It handles the actual transmission of audio and video data between the two units.
The Transport Control Unit also handles the flow of control signals between the Meeting Manager and the Media Control Unit.
The Component Structure of NetMeeting is designed to be modular and extensible, allowing new components to be easily added or removed as needed.
On a similar theme: Microsoft Teams Meeting Logo Size
Discontinuation of NetMeeting
NetMeeting was removed from Windows XP by design, requiring users to start conf.exe manually from the Start menu Run dialog.
In Windows Vista, NetMeeting is no longer included with Microsoft Windows, but can still be installed on 32-bit versions.
Microsoft published an update for 32-bit versions of Windows Vista on March 22, 2007, that installs NetMeeting 3.02.
However, some features are not available in 3.02, such as remote desktop sharing invitations and whiteboard area selection.
Expand your knowledge: Microsoft Start
Microsoft has stated that the Vista compatible version of NetMeeting is unsupported and only meant as a transition tool to help support collaboration sessions with Windows XP-based computers.
On Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, or Ultimate, users can use Windows XP Mode to run NetMeeting.
Microsoft recommends using newer applications such as Meeting Space, Remote Desktop, Remote Assistance, Skype, Microsoft Office Live Meeting, and SharedView in place of NetMeeting.
Skype for Business Server and Skype for Business, and Microsoft Teams represent recent videoconferencing products from Microsoft, which may be considered successors to NetMeeting.
Here's an interesting read: Microsoft Office Live Meeting
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NetMeeting still available?
No, Microsoft NetMeeting is no longer available for download or use. It was discontinued by Microsoft.
Featured Images: pexels.com
