Background

The U.S. Air Force Cyberspace Capabilities Center (CCC) plays a key role in enhancing cyber readiness by optimizing the organization, training, and equipping of Air Force cyberspace forces. As part of its ongoing modernization efforts, CCC sought to upgrade a high-profile conference room that had outdated audio-visual infrastructure unable to support contemporary standards. The conference room serves as a central hub for collaboration, video conferencing, and operational coordination, making reliability and redundancy critical objectives for the upgrade.

The Challenge

The existing conference room, measuring 40 by 32 feet, featured a V-shaped conference table with seating along the sides and rear, and a large glass projection wall with three projectors that could produce single or dual images. Behind the projection wall, a dedicated operations area managed video conferencing and supported users. A major challenge was ensuring high system reliability, given the frequent use of the room and the need to maintain functionality even if individual components failed. Additionally, supply chain disruptions—particularly for critical video endpoints—created delays that risked impacting the project schedule. Coordinating multiple projects concurrently while managing limited equipment availability further complicated the installation process.

The Solution

To address these needs, the solution centered on distributing functionality using audio-video over internet protocol (AVoIP) endpoints, reducing reliance on a single central switcher. This approach allowed the system to continue operating even if one endpoint failed. An electrically adjustable podium was installed near the front of the room to house some endpoints and a gooseneck microphone for speech reinforcement in the room and for video calls.
Touch panels were added at the podium, the head of the table, and in the operations center to allow presenters and operators to control video routing, audio levels, and device functionality. The operations team could monitor system video via a customer-provided LCD monitor, and communicate with the room through a dedicated speaker and microphone. Privacy features on the touch panels enabled the presenter to mute audio and video to the operations center when needed.
Two cameras were mounted, one focused on the podium and one on the conference table, supporting both H.323/SIP video calls via a Cisco codec and unified communications platforms such as Microsoft Teams through an AV-to-USB bridge. Ceiling tile beamforming microphones blended with the ceiling grid, and twelve ceiling-mounted speakers provided even audio coverage throughout the room.
Given that the room hosts classified meetings, the system design followed strict communication security (COMSEC) principles to achieve DoD information assurance accreditation. Measures included optical isolation of networks, separate power control for classified and unclassified equipment, controlled startup and shutdown procedures to sanitize data, sound masking outside entrances, and visible room classification signage.

The Result

Despite equipment delays and supply chain constraints, the project was completed six months ahead of schedule by strategically coordinating staff across multiple projects and optimizing installation sequences. The upgraded conference room now supports traditional video conferencing, unified communications applications, and redundancy to ensure continuous operation. Usage of the room has increased, and it reliably supports both classified and unclassified meetings. The success of this modernization has led the client to standardize future upgrades based on this design, demonstrating both satisfaction and confidence in the implemented solution.