---
type: concept
title: Web Conferencing Roles and Lifecycle
tags: [collaboration, pexip, session-management]
related: [dfnconf-pexip]
created: 2026-07-01
updated: 2026-07-01
sources: ["output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_dienste_webdienste_webkonferenz_dfnconf.md"]
---

# Web Conferencing Roles and Lifecycle

In the context of the Pexip-based DFNconf service, the lifecycle of a conference and the permissions of participants are governed by specific roles.

## User Roles
- **Host (Veranstalter)**: The primary administrator of the session. The Host's presence is a prerequisite for the session to be active for guests.
- **Guest (Gast)**: Participants who join the session. Their ability to transmit media is often gated by the Host's presence.

## Session Lifecycle
1. **Initialization**: A conference room exists, but guest transmissions are dormant until a Host enters.
2. **Active Phase**: Once a Host is present, guests can transmit audio and video.
3. **Termination**: The system monitors the presence of Hosts. If the last Host leaves, a **10-minute countdown** begins. If no Host returns, the conference is automatically terminated for all remaining participants.
