TrueConf

# Conference cascading

Cascading is the process of combining multiple conferences, initiated on one or different servers, into a single video conference.

By utilizing cascading capabilities, you can distribute the load across multiple TrueConf MCU servers.

# Types of Conference Cascading

The TrueConf MCU server supports two types of conference cascading—basic and center-periphery, where roles in the cascade are configured separately. It is not possible to use both types of cascading simultaneously.

Simple cascade

/docs/mcu/media/basic_cascade_scheme/en.png

Cascading star topology

/docs/mcu/media/center_cascade_scheme/en.png

Difference in cascading types

Simple cascading Star cascading
Supports interaction with other TrueConf MCU and TrueConf Server servers. Works only with other TrueConf MCU servers.
The server sends its video layout and receives the conference layout it is connected to, excluding its own video. Center — forms the layout for all conferences connected to it. Periphery — receives the layout from the center-type cascading subscriber (including its own layout).

The cascading settings allow you to configure both cascading conferences on a single TrueConf MCU server, which is known as internal cascading, and on different servers, TrueConf MCU and TrueConf Server, which is referred to as external cascading.

# Cascading Configuration

Cascading can only be configured between active conferences; you cannot add a conference to the cascade in advance. To set up cascading, you can:

  • Use the Add participant menu on the Conferences tab.
/docs/mcu/media/conference_add_cascade_participant/en.png
  • Add a conference to the cascade using the Add by address menu. For more details on connecting by address, see the connecting to a conference section.
/docs/mcu/media/cascade_by_address/en.png

When cascading conferences, you will see an indication next to their name showing the current cascading mode of that conference.

Simple Cascading Designation

/docs/mcu/media/mark_basic/en.png

Center-beam cascading designation

/docs/mcu/media/mark_center/en.png

If you need to change the cascading mode between conferences, you can disconnect them using the /docs/mcu/media/end_call/en.png button and add the conference again.

# Video layouts in cascading conferences

For more details on configuring video layouts in TrueConf MCU, refer to the section Creating a conference.

Selecting the cascading mode allows you to use:

  • A unique video layout for each conference in cascading mode Basic.

    /docs/mcu/media/basic_cascade/en.png

    Video layout of the first conference in Basic mode

    /docs/mcu/media/basic_cascade_second/en.png

    Video layout of the second conference in Basic mode.

  • A single video layout for all conferences in cascade mode Center-periphery

    /docs/mcu/media/basic_center_periphery/en.png

    Video layout for all conferences in Center-periphery mode.

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