Top Wireless vs Wired BYOD Video Conferencing Devices & How to Choose the Right Setup

Bring Your Own Device(BYOD) or Bring Your Own Meeting(BYOM) is a common requirements in meeting rooms for organizations. BYO setups provides the flexibility for users to navigate on their respective laptops or even phones, which they have already been familiar.  Even though BYO over phones are restricted with limited functionality we see them to ease out soon. Let’s look at  some of the common scenarios we see or hear when organizations are considering  BYO setups or choosing BYOD VS dedicated video conferencing systems. Microsoft Teams or Zoom or Google meet room solution AV bundles are a great add-on and perfect for single touch join. However, the issue would be with cross platform meetings . For example , If a meeting room has a Microsoft Team room system  and the user has a Zoom or Google Meet call scheduled to join the meeting from the room device is restricted. We agree that over the past couple of years each of these platforms opened doors leading to cross communications but it is still limited with reservations. In certain situations, meeting participants/users have content on their laptops which they would like to share by joining a call from their laptop. Certain AV setups may have not been equipped or may not be easy for BYO setup. Another Interesting pointer have heard , in these recent times is that organizations are dissatisfied with the high room licensing  fees that are being charged and are considering alternative solutions to if possible. Finally, organizations switching platforms is a common practice , so investment on platform specific equipment may not be of much use when switched over.

Whatever the reason, BYOD setup popularity is increasing as organizations prefer the flexibility and appreciate the ease of connectivity to the device of their choice. Some of the common phrases we hear from our clients are that we need ”Best BYOD Video conferencing solutions” or we are looking at “Wireless BYOD screensharing for our Zoom and Teams” Meetings or we need a “Secure BYOD video conferencing in hybrid workspaces” . So lets discuss how these can be achieved. BYOD collaboration tools for enterprise meetings and/or content sharing can be implemented either by Wired or Wireless methods. In the space of wireless BYO, there are content-share only products which market themselves as full BYO devices. As such, we will take that definition into consideration and not discuss content share only devices. Focus is to provide information on complete, plug-and-play BYOD ecosystem that support content sharing and conferencing capabilities.

Wired BYOD:

This is the most economical way to set up a meeting space. Meeting room table will have a USB-C cable (around 1 Meter) that connects to users laptop. Once plugged-in, users can content share and/or conference from their laptop.  Since most newer style laptops are USB-C powered, when the cable is connected to the power drive(PD) port, it will also charge the laptop along with content sharing and/or conferring. Connectivity is simple and easy.  A central hub manages all the connections and the Hub can be installed either behind the display/TV or under the meeting room table. We recommend mounting the hub under the meeting room table. HDMI cable connects the hub to the TV or display. AV endpoints such as an all-in-one collaboration bar or Camera and/or speakerphone are connected to the hub via USB  cable.

A new generation of wired BYOD solutions is now available from Swedish tech company Ochno. While the basic connectivity is like traditional hubs, Ochno’s system offers much improved functionality. The Ochno switcher has four USB-C input ports. This allows users to connect their laptops for BYOD conferencing, content sharing, and simultaneous charging, all through a single USB-C cable. Users can easily share content from laptops, mobile phones or tablets/i-pads with simple plug-and-play USB-C operation. If one laptop is sharing content, another user can connect and charge their device at the same time. To switch control of content sharing or BYOD functionality, users just press a button on the USB cable source, which instantly transfers access to the next connected user. This can save time and no hassle of switching cables or users moving around. Similar to that of the Hub, we recommend switcher to be mounted under meeting room table.  However, to reduce cable management issues, Ochno has a “Node” that can be mounted behind the display. Node can reduce the amount of cabling and provides flexibility WRT installation. Multiple switchers can also be daisy chained for larger meeting spaces.  This system supports , plug-and-play BYOD USB conferencing devices including ceiling solutions as AV endpoints. No need to worry about compatibility or suitability. This system also supports centralized cloud management if required.  Overall, Ochno is a very interesting solution supports smooth and easy collaboration in meeting rooms of any size.  Understand you may have not heard of Ochno before, please feel free to contact us if you wish to view the kit in action.

Wireless BYOD :

The concept of wireless BYOD is similar to that of wired counterpart but this does not require any cables or adaptors or connectors. Several solutions allow for wireless collaboration, with Barco ClickShare being a top choice in this area. Barco CX series supports wireless content sharing and conferencing with ease. Just connect the wireless button, a USB-C dongle to users laptop, you will be ready to collaborate with in seconds. The dongle with circle shaped LED presence indicators turns red when in use and white when idle. Barco supports range of AV end points that are capable of supporting meeting rooms of any size. Connectivity is simple and easy. Barco clickshare houses two main hardware components, Base unit that is typically mounted discreetly behind the TV and a Wireless button that connects to users laptop. The base unit is connected to the TV via HDMI, while AV endpoints such as the camera, speakerphone or all in one collaboration bar connects via USB to the Barco base. Ethernet connectivity to the base is optional but is recommended, as it allows automatic software updates when connected to internet. The Barco button does not communicate with the base over Bluetooth or in the standard 2.4 GHz frequency band. Base and wireless button establish their own dedicated private “Intranet” connection that provides a  good 10-12 meters range. Barco Clickshare CX has 3 models, CX20, CX30 and CX50. They differences are that CX50-Gen2 model supports dual displays and the rest are single display only. CX30 and CX50 supports touch interface which CX20 does not.

There is no need to install any software on the laptop to use Barco ClickShare ,perfect for visitors who want to use the collaboration features. Barco does have a Clickshare application, available on all the major platforms.  This application allows the user to share content and join conferencing without the need of physical dongle. To access these advanced business features, Barco base unit will need to be connected to the internet via Ethernet. If ethernet enabled,  ClickShare also has the ability to use Miracast to share your screen wirelessly. Plus, if connected to the internet, IT Administrators can manage the devices centrally and monitor software updates. While Ethernet connection is optional, it is highly recommended to connect the base to the network, in order to maximize the available feature set.

Other brands such as Kramer, Screenbeam and Mersive Solstice Conference also offer complete BYOD solution. However the key difference is that these brands are application driven i.e application on PC is mandatory and these units does not offer a wireless dongle. Hence requires ethernet/WiFi connectivity. These units supports Airplay, Miracast and support content sharing from Laptop and mobile devices POE+ Powered and power supply is optional. These units are easy to install, connects in moments and offers enterprise security.

Overall , concept of BYOD is gaining popularity and organizations are showing interest in its deployments. BYOD can be setup wired or wires modes and there is a solution to suits all meeting room sizes and budgets. If you require any more clarification, please talk to our team. We are happy to assist or organize a demo if required.