Internetworking: Distance Learning To Sea Via Desktop Videoconferencing Tools andIP Multicast Protocols

摘要

While deployed at sea, sailors are traditionally provided much of their educationat sea through correspondence and pace courses. But with recent developments in the Internet and videoconferencing, it is now feasible to deliver real time educational material anywhere, even to a ship at sea. This thesis investigates the current status of networked desktop videoconferencing technology, and its use in support of Joint Vision 2010, with respect to Distance Learning. It provides an analysis of videoconferencing protocols, standards, and applications, as well as a videoconferencing pilot project. The objective of the analysis is to determine the viability and economical benefits of using videoconferencing technology and collaboration tools, from the desktop, as a means for simultaneously delivering synchronous and asynchronous distance learm%g material from an academic location to multiple students at remote locations. The results show that desktop videoconferencing technology, via IP based networks in the Defense Information Infrastructure, is a viable tool that can add numerous economical benefits, such as a decreased spending for travel and eliminating the need to rely on large, room-based systems.