---
type: concept
title: Web Conferencing
tags: [communication, real-time, elearning, digital-teaching, collaboration]
related: [bigbluebutton, jitsi-meet, dfnconf-pexip, zoom]
created: 2026-06-30
updated: 2026-07-01
sources: ["output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_dienste_studium_lehre_elearning.md", "output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_dienste_webdienste_webkonferenz.md", "output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_dienste_webdienste_webkonferenz_jitsi.md", "output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_dienste_webdienste_webkonferenz_jitsi_faq.md"]
---

# Web Conferencing

Web conferencing allows for location-independent, near real-time communication using audio, video, and screen sharing. It refers to real-time, interactive communication between participants in different locations (specifically between instructors and students at Universität Greifswald to facilitate teaching, research, and administration). It is a core component of [[digital-teaching]] and is designed for bidirectional exchange, unlike livestreaming.

## Tool Selection and Comparison

The Universität Greifswald offers several tools based on the needs of the session.

### Tool Comparison Matrix
| Service | Participant Limit | Audio | Video | Screen Share | Text Chat | Notes |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| [[dfnconf-pexip]] | 23 (+50 audio) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | External; peak hour instability |
| [[jitsi-meet]] | 35 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Local solution |
| [[bigbluebutton]] | 225 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Moodle activity |
| [[zoom]] | 500 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Large scale |

### Use Cases and Implementation Models
| Tool | Primary Use Case / Model | Key Characteristics |
|------|-------------------|---------------------|
| [[bigbluebutton]] | Integrated Moodle teaching | Structured, supports up to 100 participants, integrated recording, pedagogical features. |
| [[jitsi-meet]] | Quick meetings / Ad-hoc | Ephemeral rooms, low barrier to entry, supports up to 35 participants. |
| [[dfnconf-pexip]] | Large scale / Professional | High capacity, one-way broadcasting options, professional hardware integration, used for livestreaming. |

### Scale Recommendations
According to the URZ recommendations for the expected number of participants:
- **[[bigbluebutton]]**: Recommended for Moodle courses; supports up to **100 participants** (Note: the comparison matrix lists a limit of 225).
- **[[jitsi-meet]]**: Supports up to **35 participants**.
- **[[dfnconf-pexip]]**: Supports up to **23 participants** for conferences.

## Technical Principles and Requirements

### General Principles
- **Connectivity**: Quality is typically limited by the participant with the weakest internet connection.
- **Hardware**: Requires a modern device, webcam, and microphone/headset for optimal experience.
- **Security**: Use of passwords and lobby functions (waiting rooms) is recommended to ensure only authorized participants enter the session.
- **Browser Dependency**: Many web-based conferencing tools have specific browser requirements (e.g., Jitsi's strong recommendation for Chrome/Chromium) to ensure stability and feature availability.

### Common Technical Challenges
- **Bandwidth Optimization**: Tools often limit the number of simultaneous video streams (e.g., Jitsi's active speaker limit) to ensure stability.
- **Network Security**: Firewalls and browser extensions (AdBlockers) frequently interfere with the WebRTC protocols used for audio and video transmission.
- **Role Management**: Most systems distinguish between "Moderators" (who control the session) and "Participants" (who consume content and interact).
- **Persistence**: There is a distinction between persistent rooms (pre-configured) and ephemeral rooms (created on-the-fly).

### Interaction Methods
- **Screen Sharing**: The primary method for delivering presentations (e.g., PowerPoint, PDF).
- **Return Channels**: Use of chat or audio for interaction, especially critical in [[hybridveranstaltung]] settings.

## Participation Best Practices

### Individual Participation
- **Connectivity**: Use a wired Ethernet connection instead of WLAN for maximum stability.
- **Audio**: Use a headset or headphones to avoid acoustic feedback (echo).
- **Visuals**: Ensure adequate lighting and avoid strong backlight.
- **Setup**: Use a second monitor for presentations to keep participants and content in view.
- **Preparation**: Perform a test session with participants before the actual event.

### Group/Hybrid Participation
When multiple people are present at one site:
- **Audio**: Use a high-quality conference microphone in a low-noise room.
- **Video**: Use a camera with wide-angle optics to capture all participants in the room.
- **Display**: Use a projector (Beamer) so all local attendees can see the remote participants and content.
- **Moderation**: Appoint a moderator to ensure participants speak one after another.

## Moderation and Order

To maintain order in large conferences, the following rules are recommended:
1. **Single Speaker**: Only one person speaks at a time.
2. **Muted Entry**: Participants should enter with microphones muted by default.
3. **Moderation**: Use a moderator to grant speaking rights after a participant signals (e.g., via chat).
4. **Communication Signals**: Use creative chat codes (e.g., "F" for Question, "A" for Answer).
5. **Transparency**: The leader should announce global changes (e.g., starting a presentation).