ARTICLE

Conference Bridge

A conference bridge is what you call the equipment that makes it possible to converge a number of audio and video connections to a single destination. The conference bridge receives inbound signals from the telephone switch and confirms the same with a return signal. It is a conference bridge that makes it possible for conference calls to be conducted for any number of locations, with any number of connections.

A conference bridge is basically a device that connects multiple circuits to make a conference call. They are also available for key telephone systems and PBX systems.

The basic conference bridge used by conference service providers such as 03talk has a server to process inbound and outbound signals that are made using the local telephone switch. The server has the capability to send multiple signals along multiple lines within the server. Once the call is connected, the conference bridge can route it to the right teleconference that is in progress.

Conference bridges of earlier times were cumbersome devices that carried analog signals and could not process more than few lines at a time. With the advancement in technology, today a conference bridge can hold a conference call with hundreds of connections.

The new bridges allow attendees to participate in telephone conferencing by dialling in using a number and a numeric pass code. This allows members to circumvent the call operator. The conference bridge is also capable of handling video signals. With the latest designs of conference bridges, not just phone conferencing, but video conferencing is also possible.

Even those conference solutions that use the Internet still have the conference bridge as a means for receiving signals that are then converted at the local phone switch. The signals are then routed to for processing.

Participants dial into the conference bridge number to join the call. Call conferencing is a strategic requirement today. Companies routinely dial into the conference bridge number provided by conference service providers such as 03talk for sales meetings, training, help desk support etc. By having access to a conference bridge, travel expenses can be cut down to a great extent.

Today’s conference bridges have up to 960 ports. They can be afforded by small and large companies, they are feature packed and secure. A conference bridge can be accessed through the organisation’s internal phone lines. Conference bridges offer features such as conference recording, polling, web based administration and integration with Outlook and Lotus Notes.