Testing your videoconference system and setup prior to a conferencing session is a very important step in the preparation of delivering audio and video over the internet successfully.

ITS provides a reflector service at the university to aid in the testing of videoconferencing. See a complete list of test sites.

What are reflectors?

Reflectors are video conference equipment setup as a test site. These sites are available to anyone using a videoconferencing unit to test the functionality of their unit with another. Depending on the outcome of your test,  they can tell you a number of things.  See troubleshooting test sites.

Who is involved?

Reflector sites are setup by most videoconferencing manufactures and by support groups.  The U of S has a reflector on campus and has provided a list of off campus sites.  Anyone with a videoconferencing unit or videoconferencing software on their computer can use these test sites.

When are they available?

Reflector sites should be available 24x7 365 days a year.  If one site doesn’t answer then try some of the others or try again in a few minutes.  If someone happens to already be connected to the site when you try, you won’t be able to. Only one videoconferencing unit can connect at a time to a specific test site. Please try and connect to more than one test site in the event that the one you are trying is busy.

Where are the reflector sites located?

Reflector sites are available on the U of S campus to enable you to troubleshoot potential campus network problems or to test into on-campus from off-campus. Off-campus sites allow you to test against other manufacturers, the status of the internet (off campus) and to test the functionality of your unit.  See below for a complete list of test sites.

Why use the reflector services?

• Test your units functionality, can it dial, receive audio, video, presentations, receive calls, etc.
• Test compatibility of your unit with other manufactures and firmware versions (e.g., Polycom, Sony, Lifesize, Tandberg)
• Troubleshoot possible network issues. Can you connect to an on campus or off campus site?

How do I use it?

Review the list of test sites and find one that meets your needs. Then enter the dial string into your phone book on your videoconferencing unit. 

For example, the first off-campus test site is called "VTCTest".  To connect to this test site enter 71.14.2.158 in the box that appears on your unit when you select “Connect”. We recommend you always use this site when testing a unit as it provides a very comprehensive test of your VCU's functionality.