Page | 220 ISSN 2223-7062 Proceedings and report of the 8th UbuntuNet Alliance annual conference, 2015 Multi-conference rooms: architectural and technological view Valter ROESLER 1 , Luiz COELHO 2 , Guilherme LONGONI 1 , Felipe CECAGNO 3 , Leandro CIUFFO 2 , Renato DUARTE 2 1 Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), F. +55 51 3308-6167, Email: roesler@inf.ufrgs.br, longoni@gmail.com 2 Brazilian Research and Education Network - Rede Nacional de Ensino e Pesquisa (RNP), F. +55 21 2100 1010, Email {luiz.coelho, renato.duarte, leandro.ciuffo}@rnp.br 3 Mconf Tecnologia Ltda, F. +55 51 8109-7121, Email: felipe@mconf.com Abstract Meeting rooms, as well as classrooms, can be transformed in multimedia spaces that amplify collaboration and education. Computers, projectors, large displays, videoconference systems and wi-fi networks are examples of Information Technologies infrastructures commonly installed in modern rooms. However, the investment to transform a traditional classroom in a digital learning space must be spent efficiently to justify the invested resources. The cost of any physical space depends on how often it is used. For example, a US$100,000.00 regular classroom can cost more than a US$500,000.00 one. How? Suppose the cheaper room is used eight hours a month, while the more expensive one is used eighty hours a month. Over five years (or 60 months), the per-hour cost of the cheaper room will be US$100,000.00 / (60 * 8) = US$208.33, while the per-hour cost of the more expensive one will be US$500,000.00 / (60 * 80) = US$104.17, i.e., half the cost of the first. The bottom line is that keeping an idle physical structure has a high associated cost. The objective of this paper is to present an architectural and technological view of a new system called "multipresence" which adapts to various physical environment settings, and enables the interoperability of various technologies. Keywords Mobile conferencing; ultra-high definition; web conferencing; telepresence; multipurpose rooms.# 1. Introduction The spread of video conferencing systems has grown rapidly in recent years, and its use is currently quite common, preventing thousands of trips daily. The most common models are currently the videoconferencing room systems, telepresence, desktop, web conferencing and virtual reality. A more detailed view can be seen in Roesler (2012). The problem arises when there is a need to interoperate all systems in the same conversation, using also an online integrated multi collaboration tool. For example, one would like to use a room system and collaborate with a fellow at home, and with other colleague using a mobile device, and with others through a telepresence room. All of them should be able to see each other, as well as exchange files, documents, images, among others. Besides the technological aspect, the room should be able to adapt to different situations, i.e.,