Video-based e-learning in groups: combining SIP and multicast in a mobile learning internet infrastructure

Rich multimedia communication in groups is the instrument of choice in various e-learning situations and is best achieved by videoconferencing, supplemented by collaborative tools. In this paper, we report on various distributed synchronous and asynchronous video-based teaching and learning scenarios using stationary and mobile technologies over IP. They are realised by a multimedia communication system including a VideoConferencing over IP (VCoIP) software with hybrid architecture derived from a SIP-initiated P2P model. The system is based on a fast, highly efficient H.264/AVC video codec implementation. We investigate new concepts for nomadic IPv6 user and session mobility, focussing on real-time group communication.