[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 53 (Monday, March 18, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10985-10992]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-6441]



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[[Page 10986]]


DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Institute of Standards and Technology
[Docket No. 960116010-6010-01]
RIN 0693-XX13


Proposed Revisions of Federal Information Processing Standards 
(FIPS) 147, Group 3 Facsimile Apparatus for Document Transmission; and 
Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 178, Video 
Teleconferencing Services at 56 to 1,920 kb/s

AGENCY: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 
Commerce.

ACTION: Notice; Request for comments.

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SUMMARY: Revisions are being proposed to Federal Information Processing 
Standard (FIPS) 147, Group 3 Facsimile Apparatus for Document 
Transmission, and to Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 
178, Video Teleconferencing Services at 56 to 1,920 kb/s. The revisions 
reflect changes to the voluntary industry standards that are adopted by 
these FIPS.
    The revised FIPS for facsimile apparatus will adopt ANSI/EIA/TIA-
465A-1995. The revised FIPS for video teleconferencing services will 
adopt International Telecommunication Union--Telecommunication 
Standardization Sector (ITU-T) Recommendations H.320, H.221, H.242, 
H.261, H.230, H.231, H.243, H.233, H.234, and H.244.
    The purpose of this notice is to solicit views from the public, 
manufacturers, and State and local governments so that their views can 
be considered prior to the submission of these proposed revisions to 
the Secretary of Commerce for review and approval.
    These proposed revisions consist of two sections: (1) An 
announcement section, which provides information concerning the 
applicability, implementation, and maintenance of the standards; and 
(2) a specifications section which deals with the technical 
requirements of the standards. Only the announcement sections of these 
revised standards are provided in this notice.
    The ANSI/EIA/TIA-465A-1995 and 455A-1995 specifications are 
available from: Global Engineering Documents, 1990 M Street NW., 
Washington, DC 20036, telephone (800) 854-7179; FAX (202) 331-0960.
    The ITU-T Recommendations H. 221, H. 230, H. 233, and H. 244-1995 
are available from: National Communications System, Office of 
Technology and Standards, Attn: Gary Rekstad, 701 South Court House 
Road, Arlington, VA 22204-2198, telephone (703) 607-6204.
    Both revisions reference other specifications and related documents 
which are pertinent to the development of implementations, but are not 
essential to the review of these proposals. These specifications and 
documents are available from the sources identified in the proposed 
revisions.

DATES: Comments on these proposed revisions must be received on or 
before June 17, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Written comments concerning the adoption of these proposed 
revisions should be sent to: Acting Director, Computer Systems 
Laboratory, ATTN: Proposed Revisions of FIPS 147 and 178, Technology 
Building, Room B-154, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 
Gaithersburg, MD 20899.
    Written comments received in response to this notice will be made 
part of the public record and will be made available for inspection and 
copying in the Central Reference and Records Inspection Facility, Room 
6020, Herbert C. Hoover Building, 14th Street between Pennsylvania and 
Constitution Avenues NW., Washington, DC 20230.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
For FIPS 147-1: Mr. Stephen Perschau, National Communications System, 
NC-TS, 701 South Court House Road, Arlington, VA 22204-2198, telephone 
703-607-6198, FAX 703-607-4830, email [email protected].
    For FIPS 178-1: Mr. Gary M. Rekstad, National Communications 
System, NC-TS, 701 South Court House Road, Arlington, VA 22204-2198, 
telephone 703-607-6195, FAX 703-607-4830, email [email protected].

    Dated: March 12, 1996.
Samuel Kramer,
Associate Director.

Proposed Federal Information Processing Standards Publication    147-1

(Date)

Announcing the Standard for Group 3 Facsimile Apparatus for Document 
Transmission
    Federal Information Processing Standards Publication (FIPS PUBS) 
are issued by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 
after approval by the Secretary of Commerce pursuant to Section 5131 of 
the Information Technology Management Reform Act of 1996, Public Law 
104-106.
    1. Name of Standard. Group 3 Facsimile Apparatus for Document 
Transmission (FIPS PUB 147-1).
    2. Category. Telecommunications Standard, Facsimile Equipment.
    3. Explanation. This standard, by adoption of ANSI/EIA/TIA-465A-
1995, Group 3 Facsimile Apparatus for Document Transmission, 
establishes the machine specifications for Group 3 facsimile apparatus 
for use over voice band analog circuits. This FIPS supersedes FIPS PUB 
147 in its entirety.
    4. Approving Authority. Secretary of Commerce.
    5. Maintenance Agency. National Communications System, Office of 
Technology and Standards (NC-TS).
    6. Cross Index.
    a. ANSI/EIA/TIA-465A-1995, Group 3 Facsimile Apparatus for Document 
Transmission.
    b. ANSI/EIA/TIA-466A-1995, Procedures for Document Facsimile 
Transmission (Not Yet Published).
    7. Related Documents.
    a. Federal Information Resources Management Regulations subpart 
201-20.303, Standards, and subpart 201-39. 1002, Federal Standards.
    Related International Telecommunication Union Recommendations:
    a. T.0 (1988), Classification of Facsimile Apparatus for Document 
Transmission over Telephone-Type Circuits.
    b. T.4 (1993), Standardization of Group 3 Facsimile Apparatus for 
Document Transmission.
    c. T.6 (1988), Facsimile Coding Schemes and Coding Control 
Functions for Group 4 Facsimile Apparatus.
    d. T.30 (1993), Procedure for Document Transmission in the General 
Switched Telephone Network.
    e. T.50 (1988), International Alphabet No. 5.
    f. T.51 (1988), Coded Character Sets for Telematic Services.
    g. T.571 (1992), Terminal Characteristics for the Telematic File 
Transfer within the Teletex Service.
    h. V.17, 14400 bit/s 2-wire Modem Standardization for use in 
Facsimile Applications.
    Related EIA/TIA Standards:
    a. EIA/TIA 538 (1988), Facsimile Coding Schemes and Coding Control 
Functions for Group 4 Facsimile Equipment.
    Related Federal Information Processing Standards Publications (FIPS 
PUBS):
    a. FIPS PUB 165, 4,800 Bits Per Second Four-Wire Duplex and Two-
Wire Half-Duplex Modems for Data Communications Use on Telephone-Type 
Circuits, (1992).
    b. FIPS PUB 166, 4,800 and 9,600 Bits Per Second Two-Wire Duplex 
Modems for Data Communications Use on Telephone-Type Circuits, (1992).

[[Page 10987]]

    c. FIPS PUB 167, 9,600 Bits Per Second Four-Wire Duplex Modems for 
Data Communications Use on Telephone-Type Circuits, (1992).
    d. FIPS PUB 170, Data Compression in Modems Employing CCITT 
Recommendation V.42 Error Correction, (1992).
    At the time of publication of this standard, the editions indicated 
above were valid. All publications are subject to revision, and parties 
to agreements based on this standard are encouraged to investigate the 
possibility of applying the most recent editions of these publications. 
You may obtain copies of the specifications and related documents from:

ANSI/EIA/TIA-465A-1995 and 466A-1995--Global Engineering Documents, 
1990 M Street NW., Washington, DC 20036, (800) 854-7179; FAX (202) 
331-0960
ANSI and ISO Documents--American National Standards Institute, 11 West 
42nd Street, New York, NY 10036, (212) 642-4900; FAX (212) 302-1286
FIPS Publications--National Technical Information Service, U.S. 
Department of Commerce, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22161, 
(703) 487-4650
ITU-T and CCITT Documents--Phillips Business Information, Inc., 
OMNICOM, 1201 Seven Locks Road, Suite 300, Potomac, MD 20854, (800) 
666-4266.

    8. Objectives. The objective of this standard is to facilitate 
interoperability between and among facsimile terminals within 
telecommunication facilities and systems of the Federal Government.
    9. Applicability. This standard shall be used by all Federal 
department and agencies in the design and procurement of Group 3 
facsimile equipment for document transmission.
    10. Specifications. This FIPS adopts ANSI/EIA/TIA-465A-1995, Group 
3 Facsimile Apparatus for Document Transmission.
    11. Implementation. This standard is effective six (6) months after 
approval by the Secretary of Commerce.
    12. Waivers. Under certain exceptional circumstances, the heads of 
Federal departments and agencies may approve waivers to Federal 
Information Processing Standards (FIPS). The head of such agency may 
redelegate such authority only to a senior official designated pursuant 
to section 3506(b) of Title 44, U.S. Code. Waivers shall be granted 
only when:
    a. Compliance with a standard would adversely affect the 
accomplishment of the mission of an operator of a Federal computer 
system, or
    b. Cause a major adverse financial impact on the operator which is 
not offset by Governmentwide savings.
    Agency heads may act upon a written waiver request containing the 
information detailed above. Agency heads may also act without a written 
waiver request when they determine that conditions for meeting the 
standard cannot be met. Agency heads may approve waivers only by a 
written decision which explains the basis on which the agency head made 
the required finding(s). A copy of each such decision, with procurement 
sensitive or classified portions clearly identified, shall be sent to: 
National Institute of Standards and Technology, ATTN: FIPS Waiver 
Decisions, Technology Building, Room B-154, Gaithersburg, MD 20899.
    In addition, notice of each waiver granted and each delegation of 
authority to approve waivers shall be sent promptly to the Committee on 
Government Operations of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
on Governmental Affairs of the Senate an shall be published promptly in 
the Federal Register.
    When the determination on a waiver applies to the procurement of 
equipment and/or services, a notice of the waiver determination must be 
published in the Commerce Business Daily as a part of the notice of 
solicitation for offers of an acquisition or, if the waiver 
determination is made after that notice is published, by amendment to 
such notice.
    A copy of the waiver, any supporting documents, the document 
approving the waiver and any supporting and accompanying documents, 
with such deletions as the agency is authorized and decides to make 
under 5 U.S.C. Sec. 552(b), shall be part of the procurement 
documentation and retained by the agency.
    13. Where to Obtain Copies. Copies of this publication including 
ANSI/EIA/TIA-465A-1995, are for sale by the National Technical 
Information Service, U.S. Department of Commerce, Springfield, VA 
22161. (Sale of the included specifications document is by arrangement 
with the American National Standards Institute.) When ordering, refer 
to Federal Information Processing Standards Publication 147-1 
(FIPSPUB147-1), and title. Payment may be made by check, money order, 
purchase order, credit card, or deposit account.

Proposed Federal Information Processing Standards Publication    
178-1

(Date)

Announcing the Standard for Video Teleconferencing Services at 56 to 
1,920 kb/s
    Federal Information Processing Standards Publications (FIPS PUBS) 
are issued by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 
after approval by the Secretary of Commerce pursuant to Section 5131 of 
the Information Technology Management Reform Act of 1996, Public Law 
104-106.
    1. Name of Standard. Video Teleconferencing Services at 56 to 1,920 
kb/s (FIPS PUB 178-1).
    2. Category. Telecommunications Standards, Video Teleconferencing.
    3. Explanation. This standard, by adoption of International 
Telecommunication Union-Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-
T) Recommendations H.320, H.221, H.242, H.251, H.230, H.231, H.243, 
H.233, H.234, and H.244 defines the specifications for video 
teleconferencing and video telephony systems.
    This document provides Federal departments and agencies a 
comprehensive description of the interoperability criteria for 
audiovisual systems used in video teleconferencing and videophone 
applications. This standard was developed within the Federal 
Telecommunication Standards Committee (FTSC). This FIPS supersedes FIPS 
PUB 178 in its entirety.
    4. Approving Authority. Secretary of Commerce.
    5. Maintenance Agency. National Communications System, Office of 
Technology and Standards (NC-TS).
    6. Cross Index. The recommendations listed below are adopted and 
referenced by this standard.
    a. ITU-T Recommendation H.320, Narrowband Visual Telephone Systems 
and Terminal Equipment, (1993).
    b. ITU-T Recommendation H.221, Frame structure for a 64 to 1,920 
kbit/s Channel in Audiovisual Teleservices, (1995).
    c. ITU-T Recommendation H.242, System for Establishing 
Communication Between Audiovisual Terminals Using Digital Channels up 
to 2 Mbit/s, (1993).
    d. ITU-T Recommendation H.230, Frame-Synchronous Control and 
Indication Signals for Audiovisual Systems, (1995).
    e. ITU-T Recommendation H.261, Video Codec for Audiovisual Services 
at px64 kbit/s, (1993).

[[Page 10988]]

    f. ITU-T Recommendation H.231, Multipoint Control Units for 
Audiovisual Systems Using Digital channels up to 1920 kbps, (1993).
    g. ITU-T Recommendation H.243, Procedures for Establishing 
Communication Between Three or More Audiovisual Terminals Using Digital 
Channels up to 1920 kbps, (1993).
    h. ITU-T Recommendation H.233, Confidentiality System for 
Audiovisual Services, (1995).
    i. ITU-T Recommendation H.234, Encryption Key Management and 
Authentication System for Audiovisual Services, (1994).
    j. ITU-T Recommendation H.244, Synchronized Aggregation of Multiple 
64 or 56 kbit/s Channels, (1995).
    k. ITU-T Recommendation T.122 (1993), Multipoint Communication 
Service for Audiographics and Audiovisual Conferencing Service 
Definition.
    l. ITU-T Recommendation T.123 (1993), Protocol Stacks for 
Audiovisual and Audiographic Teleconference Applications.
    m. CCIT Recommendation G.711, Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) of Voice 
Frequencies, (1989).
    n. CCIT Recommendation G.722, 7 kHz Audio-coding within 64 kbit/s, 
(1989).
    o. ITU-T Recommendation G.728, Coding of Speech at 16 kbit/s using 
Low-Delay Code Excited Linear Prediction (LD-CELP), (1992).
    p. FIPS PUB 81, Data Encryption Standard Modes of Operation, 
(1980).
    q. FIPS PUB 140-1, Security Requirements for Equipment Using Data 
Encryption Standard, (1994).
    r. FIPS PUB 46-2, Data Encryption Standard (DES), (1993).
    s. ISO 8732, Banking Key Management.
    t. ITU-T Recommendation P.30 (1988), Transmission Performance of 
Group Audio Terminals.
    u. ITU-T Recommendation P.34 (1993), Transmission Characteristics 
of Hands-Free Telephones.
    v. ITU-T Recommendation P.64 (1993), Determination of Sensitivity/
Frequency Characteristics of Local Telephone Systems.
    w. ITU-T Recommendation P.79 (1993), Calculation of Loudness 
Ratings for Telephone Sets.
    7. Related Documents.
    a. Federal Information Resources Management Regulations subpart 
201-20.303, Standards, and subpart 201-39.1002, Federal Standards.
    The standards listed below are for information only.
    b. ANSI TI.306-1990, American National Standard for 
Telecommunications--Digital Processing of Audio Signals--Algorithm and 
Line Format for Transmission of 7-kHz Audio Signals at 64/56 kbit/s.
    c. ANSI TI.314-1991, American National Standard for 
Telecommunications--Video Coder/Decoder for Audiovisual Services at 56 
to 1,536 kbit/s.
    d. ANSI TI.800.01-1995, American National Standard for 
Telecommunications--Visual Telephone Systems and Terminal Equipment 
Using Digital Channels up to 1920 kbit/s.
    e. ANSI TI.800.03-1995, American National Standard for 
Telecommunications--Frame Structure for Audiovisual Services at 56 to 
1,920 kbit/s.
    f. ANSI TI.800.04-1995, American National Standard for 
Telecommunications--Procedures for Establishing Communications Between 
Two Audiovisual Terminals Using Digital Channels up to 1920 kbit/s.
    g. ANSI TI.800.05-1995, American National Standard for 
Telecommunications--Frame Synchronous Control and Indication Signals 
for Audiovisual Systems.
    h. ANSI TI.800.06-1995, American National Standard for 
Telecommunications--Multipoint Control Units for Audiovisual Systems 
Using Digital Channels up to 1920 kbit/s.
    i. ANSI TI.800.07-1995, American National Standard for 
Telecommunications--Procedures for Establishing Communication Between 
Three or More Audiovisual Terminals Using Digital Channels up to 1920 
kbit/s.
    j. CCITT Proposed Recommendation AV.253, Audio coding at 24/32 
kbit/s.
    k. CCITT Recommendation G.725, System Aspects for the Use of the 7 
kHz Audio Codec within 64 kbit/s, (1989).
    l. CCITT Recommendation G.821, Error Performance of an 
International Digital Connection Forming Part of an Integrated Services 
Digital Network, (1989).
    m. CCITT Recommendation H.200, Framework for Recommendations for 
Audiovisual Services, (1989).
    n. CCITT Recommendation I.464, Multiplexing, Rate Adaption and 
Support of Existing Interfaces for Restricted 64 kbit/s Transfer 
Capability, (1989).
    o. CCITT Recommendation T.35, Procedure for the Allocation of CCITT 
Member's Codes, (1989).
    p. CCITT Recommendation V.120, Support of an ISDN of Data Terminal 
Equipment with V-Series Type Interfaces with Provision for Statistical 
Multiplexing.
    q. CCITT Recommendation V.35, Data Transmission at 48 Kilobits Per 
Second Using 60-108 kHz Group Band Circuits, (1989).
    r. ANSI T1.801.Ox-199x, Digital Transport of One-Way Video 
Signals--Parameters for Objective performance Assessment.
    s. ITU-T Recommendation T.120 (199?), Overview of the T-Series.
    t. ITU-T Recommendation T.124 (1995), Generic Conference Control.
    u. ITU-T Recommendation T.125 (1994), Multipoint Communication 
Service Protocol Specification.
    v. ITU-T Recommendation T.126 (draft), Multipoint Still Image and 
Annotation Protocol.
    w. ITU-T Recommendation T.127 (draft),
    x. ITU-T Recommendation T.128 (draft), Control for an Audio Visual 
Conference.
    At the time of publication of this standard, the editions indicated 
above were valid. All publications are subject to revision, and parties 
to agreements based on this standard are encouraged to investigate the 
possibility of applying the most recent editions of these publications. 
You may obtain copies of the specifications and related documents from:

ANSI and ISO Documents--American National Standards Institute, 11 West 
42nd Street, New York, NY 10036, (212) 642-4900; FAX (212) 302-1286
FIPS Publications--National Technical Information Service, U.S. 
Department of Commerce, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22161, 
(703) 487-4650
ITU-T and CCITT Documents--Phillips Business Information, Inc., 
OMNICOM, 1201 Seven Locks Road, Suite 300, Potomac, MD 20854, (800) 
666-4266
ITU-T Recommendations H.221, H.230, H.233, and H.244-1995--National 
Communications System, Office of Technology and Standards, Attn: Gary 
Rekstad, 701 South Court House Road, Arlington, VA 22204-2198, (703) 
607-6204.

    8. Abbreviations and Definitions. The abbreviations and definitions 
contained in this section are for terms contained in this document, and 
documents referenced by this document.

ANSI--American National Standards Institute
CCITT--International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee
CIF--Common Intermediate Format
CODEC--Coder/Decoder
DES--Digital Encryption Standard

[[Page 10989]]

ISDN--Integrated Services Digital Network
ITU-T--International Telecommunication Union--Telecommunication 
Standardization Sector
MCU--Multipoint Control Unit
MLP--Multilevel Protocol
QCIF--Quarter-CIF
VTC--Video Teleconference
    Freeze-Frame: A frame of visual information selected from a video 
signal and processed through the video codec for transmission to remote 
site(s). This is a subset of still image.
    MCU (Multipoint Control Unit): A piece of equipment located in a 
node of the network or in a terminal which receives several channels 
from access ports and, according to certain criterions, processes 
audiovisual signals and distributes them to the connected channels.
    Narrow-band: Bit rates ranging from 56 kb/s to 1,920 kb/s. This 
channel capacity may be provided as a single B/HO/H11/H12 channel or 
multiple B/HO channels in ISDN.
    Still Image: Non-moving visual information.
    Telematic Services: Real-time data communication within the VTC 
channel(s). Examples of services are: still image exchange, annotation, 
and file exchange. Telematic services can be made in a point-to-point 
or multipoint call.
    9. Objectives. The objective of this document is to improve the 
Federal acquisition process by providing Federal departments and 
agencies a comprehensive, authoritative source for video 
teleconferencing terminals used in video teleconferencing and video 
phone applications.
    This standard is intended to assure interoperability among Federal 
video teleconferencing and video phone systems employing video codecs 
at rates between 56 kb/s and 1,920 kb/s. Equipment designed for use 
over ATM, LAN, and PSTN networks are out of the scope of this standard.
    10. Applicability. This standard shall be used by all Federal 
departments and agencies in the design and procurement of video 
teleconferencing and video phone systems. This standard is mandatory 
only for those audiovisual systems operating at rates between 56 kb/s 
and 1,920 db/s using non-packet based networks. The standard shall be 
used in the planning, design, and procurement, including lease and 
purchase, of all new video communications systems that utilize video 
codecs.
    Many ITU-T Recommendations specify service from 64 kb/s through 
1,920 kb/s, and some ANSI standards specify service from 56 kb/s 
through 1,536 kb/s. To avoid confusion on applications within the 
Federal Government involving both national and international 
interoperability, this standard encompasses both ranges of data rates 
to specify service from 56 kb/s through 1,920 kb/s. It should be noted 
that most standard data networks in the United States carry data from 
56 kb/s to 1,536 kb/s.
    In an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), the overall 
transmission channel may consist of 1 to 6 B (64 kb/s) channels, 1 to 4 
HO (384 kb/s) channels, an H10 (1,472 kb/s) channel, or an H11 (1,536 
kb/s) channel. The framed video signal can also be carried on other 
switched or dedicated digital transmission facilities, such as 1 to 6 
56 kb/s connections, a DS1 connection, or a fractional DS1 connection.
    The technical parameters of this document may be exceeded in order 
to satisfy certain specific requirements, provided that 
interoperability is maintained. That is, the capability to incorporate 
features such as additional standard and nonstandard interfaces is not 
precluded.
    Neither this nor any other standard in high technology field such 
as telecommunications can be considered complete and ageless. Periodic 
revisions will be made as required.
    The standard is not intended to hasten the obsolescence of 
equipment currently existing in the Federal inventory; nor is it 
intended to provide systems engineering or applications guidelines.
    11. Specifications. The following sections specify the requirements 
for video teleconferencing and video telephony terminals.
    11.1  Overall Description. Specific requirements for different 
types of video terminals are defined in ITU-T Recommendation H.320. All 
terminals that meet this standard shall follow the specifications of 
H.320. At a minimum, all terminals shall be capable of operating over 
one and two channels (p=1 and 2)d at QCIF resolution. If a terminal is 
able to operate at values for p greater than 2, than the terminal shall 
be able to operate at all p values in the set [1, 2, 6, 12, 23, 24] 
less than the highest p value capable by the terminal.
    Examples of a few terminal configurations are given below:

--Terminal operating over 2 B channels of an ISDN.
--Terminal operating over 6 B channels of an ISDN.
--Terminal operating over a HO channel of an ISDN.
--Terminal operating over 1 Switched 56 channel.

    11.2  Multiplexing/Framing. The different parts of a VTC call 
(video, audio, data) must be multiplexed into single or multiple 
channels.
    11.2.1  Frame Structure. All terminals that meet this standard 
shall use all the specifications defined in ITU-T Recommendation H.221. 
The H.221 framing structure multiplexes subchannels for audio, video, 
data, and telematic transmission, as well as in-channel terminal-to-
terminal signaling information, within an overall transmission channel 
of 56 to 1,920 kb/s.
    This standard address data channels at nominal bit rates of px64 
kb/s, where p is an integer that can range from 1 to 30. For 
unrestricted networks, such as provided by ISDN, each increment of data 
rate may actually be 64 kb/s, but in restricted networks each increment 
may be only 56 kb/s. Equipment that meets this standard shall be 
capable of operating on unrestricted and/or restricted networks. 
Equipment that meets this standard shall be capable of operating with 
other terminals on unrestricted and restricted networks. Equipment that 
meets this standard shall be capable of operating over a network 
connection where a middle segment or segments of the network are 
restricted. Restricted networks are discussed in Annex 2 of H.221 and 
Section 3.6 of H.230. To help with the problem of operating over 
restricted networks, or operating with terminals not having network 
timing, it is recommended that the procedures described in Annex A of 
ANSI T1.800.04 be used.
    The recommendations which this standard references were designed 
primarily for use with an ISDN. In an ISDN, the overall transmission 
channel may consist of 1 to 6 B (64 kb/s) channels, 1 to 4 HO (384 kb/
s) channels, an H10 (1,472 kb/s) channel, or an H11 (1,536 kb/s) 
channel. The framed signals can also be carried on other switched or 
dedicated digital transmission facilities, such as 1 to 6 56 kb/s 
connections, a DS1 connection, or a fraction DS1 connection.
    11.2.2  Channel Aggregation. It is possible for a VTC terminal or 
MCU to have a single channel interface to multiple channels using 
channel aggregation. An example is aggregating 6 B channels into a 
single 384 kbps channel. The use of channel aggregation increases 
interoperability between equipment on different networks, and allows a 
high speed interface to low speed networks. Use of channel

[[Page 10990]]
aggregation is optional for VTC, but when it is built into a VTC 
terminal or MCU, that equipment shall adhere to the requirements of 
H.244.
    There are four different `cases' described in H.244. Case `B' and 
case `D' are what has been commonly called BONDING. Terminals capable 
of operating using Case `B' or `D' shall be capable of Mode B1 as 
specified in H.244.
    11.3  System for Establishing Communication Between Audiovisual 
Terminals. All terminals that meet this standard shall use all 
specifications of ITU-T Recommendation H.242 for establishing 
communication between two audiovisual terminals. H.242 describes the 
in-channel terminal-to-terminal communication control procedures. These 
procedures allow audiovisual terminals with different capabilities to 
interwork with each other and with existing telephone equipment. These 
procedures also allow terminals to switch among compatible modes of 
operation to support additional applications, for example, exchanging 
data.
    11.4  Video Codec. All terminals that meet this standard shall be 
capable of color and near-full motion operation using, at a minimum, 
the QCIF format defined in ITU-T Recommendation H.261. All terminals 
shall meet all specifications of H.261. An encoder shall be capable of 
coding at an minimum average of 6 frames per second. The decoder shall 
be capable of decoding at least 7.5 frames per second. This is the 
minimum picture interval and is discussed in H.261, H.221, and H.242. 
Higher rates can be negotiated using the procedures in H.242.
    A terminal is not precluded from using coding algorithms other than 
H.261, but for every video coding rate the terminal is capable of, the 
terminal shall be capable of using the H.261 coding algorithm. The 
purpose of this requirement is to prevent two terminal which are 
capable of communicating at a high transmission rate such as p=24 
having to communicate at a lower rate to be interoperable.
    A terminal is not precluded from having proprietary picture formats 
other than QCIF or CIF, but if a terminal has a picture format with 
more pixels than QCIF (176 x 144=25344 pixels), it shall also have the 
CIF picture format implemented using H.261. The purpose of this 
requirement is to prevent two terminal which are capable of CIF-like 
resolutions having to communicate at a QCIF resolution to be 
interoperable.
    Motion compensation is optional in the encoder. Motion compensation 
is required in the decoder, where the reconstruction of the motion is 
relatively simple. The decoder shall accept one vector per macroblock.

    Note: The video coding algorithm described in this standard is a 
variable-rate algorithm. Video transmission is not fixed at 
multiples of 56 or 64 kb/s, but instead occupies all bandwidth 
available for video within an overall audiovisual communications 
system. ``P x 64 kb/s'' are the nominal transmission rates of the 
overall system. ITU-T Recommendation H.221 provides for operating at 
multiples of 56 and 64 kb/s.

    11.5  Audio.
    11.5.1  Audio Algorithms. All terminals that meet this standard 
shall follow mandatory requirements in H.320. Further, terminals shall 
be capable of coding and decoding audio using G.711 framed -
law mode and G.728. If a terminal is capable of coding or decoding 
audio using G.722, it shall be capable of operating mode 2 and 3 of 
G.722.
    11.5.2  Audio Arrangements. The following text is taken from the 
yet to be approved 1996 version of H.320.
    A terminal can have one or more of three different arrangements:

--Handset function,
--Handsfree function for a small group of users (up to three users),
--Handsfree function for more than three users (conference terminal).

    The audio characteristics are defined for each of these functions. 
Furthermore, the bandwidth of the transmitted speech is taken into 
consideration.
    The principles used are identical with those for telephony 
terminals. That is, the sensitivity for handset function and handsfree 
function designed for personal use/a small group of users is specified 
in loudness ratings, and the sensitivity for conference terminals is 
specified as output levels.
    11.5.2.1  Test principles.
    11.5.2.1.1  Handset function. The sensitivity measurement of a 
terminal when a handset is used shall be based on the principles 
described in ITU-T Recommendations P.64. The loudness rating shall be 
calculated as described in ITU-T Recommendation P.79.
    11.5.2.1.2  Handsfree function for a small group of users. The 
sensitivity measurement of the handsfree function of a terminal 
designed for a small group of users shall be based on the principles 
described in ITU-T Recommendation P.34. The applied test signal level 
at the digital input when measuring receive sensitivity shall be -30 
dBm0.
    The user position for a visual telephone terminal depends on the 
design of the terminal. The real user position as recommended by the 
supplier might be different compared with the position used for 
measurements. A correction factor shall be used. The correction factor 
is

F(dB)=20*log10{DS/DO}
where DS is the distance between the recommended user position and 
the terminal and DO is the reference distance of 50 cm.

    The loudness rating shall be calculated as described in ITU-T 
Recommendation P.79.
    11.5.2.1.3  Handsfree function for a conference terminal. The 
principles described in ITU-T Recommendation P.30 shall be used.
    11.5.2.2  Sensitivity.
    11.5.2.2.1  General. For handset terminals and handsfree terminals 
designed for a small group of users the sensitivity shall be specified 
as loudness ratings.
    For conference terminals the sensitivity shall be specified in 
terms of input and output levels.
    11.5.2.2.2  Receive volume control. For handsfree and loudspeaking 
terminals a volume control shall be provided.
    Where a manual receive volume control is provided the minimum 
control range shall be to -15 dB from the test position.
    Where an automatic receive volume control is provided, the Receive 
Loudness Rating (RLR) value obtained with a line level of -15 dBm0 
shall not exceed that RLR value which is obtained with a line level of 
-30 dBm0 by more than 15 dB.
    11.5.2.2.3  Handset function. The requirements of Table 1 shall be 
met.

              Table 1.--Sensitivity of the Handset Function             
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     3.1 kHz     7 kHz  
                                                    bandwidth  bandwidth
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SLR...............................................          8          8
RLR...............................................          2          7
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The manufacturing tolerances are 3 dB.
    11.5.2.2.4  Handsfree function. The requirements of Table 2 shall 
be met.

             Table 2.--Sensitivity of the Handsfree Function            
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    3.1 kHz bandwith     7 kHz bandwith 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SLR..............................  13-F..............  13-F             
RLR..............................  7--F..............  -5-F             
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The receive RLR requirement shall be met when the receive volume 
control is

[[Page 10991]]
in its maximum position. The manufacturing tolerances are 4 
dB.
    11.5.2.2.5  Conference terminals. The procedures and values 
specified in ITU-T Recommendation P.30 shall be used.
    11.6  Frame-Synchronous Control and Indication Signals for 
Audiovisual Systems. All terminals that meet this standard shall use 
ITU-T Recommendation H.230. H.230 provides additional frame-synchronous 
control and indication signals such as freeze picture, video loopback, 
and simple multipoint controls. These control and indication signals 
are necessary to provide additional functionality and to provide 
extensibility to future standards.
    11.7  Telematic Services. The ability to transmit freeze-frame 
images is optional within this standard. If a terminal is capable of 
transmitting freeze-frame images, it shall be capable of transmitting 
the images according to the procedures described in Annex D of H.261.
    Use of telematic services is optional within this standard. If 
telematic services are used, beyond those defined as freeze-frame, the 
requirements of T.122 and T.123 recommendations shall be used.
    11.8  Privacy and Secure Operation. The use of privacy and/or 
secure operation is optional. Privacy is defined as Type 3 protection 
and secure is defined as Type 1 or 2 protection.
    If privacy operation is used, the 64 bit Output Feedback Mode (OFB-
64) of the Digital Encryption Standard (DES) option described in H.233 
shall be used. OFB-64 is defined in FIPS PUB 81. If automatic key 
exchange is to be used with privacy, the ISO 8732 requirements of H.234 
shall be used. All DES implementations shall be validated by the 
National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST). All DES 
implementations shall follow security requirements for cryptographic 
modules as defined in FIPS PUB 140-1.
    If secure operation is used, NSA approved equipment and procedures 
shall be used. For security issues dealing with VTC, please contact * * 
* [will provide POC].
    VTC terminals that have privacy or secure capability should provide 
a real-time indication of the current level of protection. This 
indication can be a video overlay on the output image, or some other 
indication.
    11.9  Multipoint Control Operation. Multipoint control operation is 
defined as the interconnection of 3 or more VTC terminals through a 
MCU. MCUs perform many tasks intended to allow many VTC terminals to 
see, hear and exchange information with others in a conference.
    11.91.1  Multipoint Control Operation in a Terminal. A VTC terminal 
can connect to a MCU using the same protocols as for connecting to 
another VTC terminal. Optionally, additional features can be added to a 
terminal to allow greater functionally when operating with a MCU. The 
specification for these features can be found in Recommendation H.230, 
H.231, and H.243.
    11.9.2  Multipoint Control Operation in a MCU. All MCUs that meet 
this standard shall meet all previous mandatory sections of this 
standard, with the exception of coding and decoding of video. All MCUs 
that meet this standard shall meet all mandatory specifications of ITU-
T Recommendation H.231, H.243, H.320, H.221, H.230, and H.242. H.231 
describes the functional representation of a MCU, and H.243 describes 
the in-channel terminal-to-MCU communication control procedures. These 
procedures allow MCUs to interwork with each other and with VTC 
terminals. These procedures also allow terminals and MCUs to switch 
among compatible modes of operation to support additional applications, 
for example, exchanging data.
    MCUs shall be able to connect and work with VTC terminals that do 
not have specific MCU capability as stated in section 11.7.1.
    MCUs shall be capable of coding and decoding audio using G.711 
framed -law and A-law.
    12.  Implementation. This standard is effective six (6) months 
after approval by the Secretary of Commerce.
    13. Conflict with Referenced Documents. Where the requirements 
stated in this document conflict with any requirements in a referenced 
document, the requirements of this standard shall apply. The nature of 
the conflict between this standard and a referenced document shall be 
submitted in duplicate to the Director, Computer Systems Laboratory, 
Technology Building, Room B-154, National Institute of Standards and 
Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899.
    14. Waivers. Under certain exceptional circumstances, the heads of 
Federal departments and agencies may approve waivers to Federal 
Information Processing Standards (FIPS). The head of such agency may 
redelegate such authority only to a senior official designated pursuant 
to section 3506(b) of Title 44, U.S. Code. Waivers shall be granted 
only when:
    a. Compliance with a standard would adversely affect the 
accomplishment of the mission of an operator of a Federal computer 
system, or
    b. Cause a major adverse financial impact on the operator which is 
not offset by Governmentwide savings.
    Agency heads may act upon a written waiver request containing the 
information detailed above. Agency heads may also act without a written 
waiver request when they determine that conditions for meeting the 
standard cannot be met. Agency heads may approve waivers only by a 
written decision which explains the basis on which the agency head made 
the required finding(s). A copy of each such decision, with procurement 
sensitive or classified portions clearly identified, shall be sent to: 
National Institute of Standards and Technology, ATTN: FIPS Waiver 
Decisions, Technology Building, Room B-154, Gaithersburg, MD 20899.
    In addition, notice of each waiver granted and each delegation of 
authority to approve waivers shall be sent promptly to the Committee on 
Government Operations of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
on Governmental Affairs of the Senate and shall be published promptly 
in the Federal Register.
    When the determination on a waiver applies to the procurement of 
equipment and/or services, a notice of the waiver determination must be 
published in the Commerce Business Daily as a part of the notice of 
solicitation for offers of an acquisition or, if the waiver 
determination is made after that notice is published, by amendment to 
such notice.
    A copy of the waiver, any supporting documents, the document 
approving the waiver and any supporting and accompanying documents, 
with such deletions as the agency is authorized and decides to make 
under 5 U.S.C. Sec. 552(b), shall be part of the procurement 
documentation and retained by the agency.
    15. Where to Obtain Copies. Copies of this publication including 
ITU-T Recommendations H.320, H.221, H.242, H.261, H.230, H.231, H.243, 
H.233, H.234, and H.244 are for sale by the National Technical 
Information Service, U.S. Department of Commerce, Springfield, VA 
22161. When ordering, refer to Federal Information Processing Standards 
Publication 178-1 (FIPSPUB178-1), and title. Payment may be made by 
check, money order, purchase order, credit card, or deposit account.
    In addition, ITU-T Series H Recommendations are available 
individually from NTIS. When ordering, specify:

H.221-1995--PB9__-________

[[Page 10992]]

H.230-1995--PB9__-________
H.242-1993--PB94-979103
H.261-1993--PB94-979104
H.320-1993--PB94-979105
H.231-1993--PB9__-________
H.243-1993--PB9__-________
H.233-1995--PB9__-________
H.234-1994--PB9__-________
H.244-1995--PB9__-________

[FR Doc. 96-6441 Filed 3-15-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-CN-M