MEGACO, also known as the Media Gateway Control Protocol, is an IETF signalling standard for IP telephony. This protocol standard is designed to be used in less expensive IP phones than SIP or H.323 phones, and it closely resembles the circuit-switched PSTN telephone model.
Softswitches are essential for call control in MGCP/MEGACO, and it allows operator interaction while managing the entire call. It is more like the PSTN, and unlike SIP and H.323, the softswitch is aware of the entire call throughout its entirety. MEGACO influences the protocols SGCP and IPCD, and most of the devices that use it also support SIP and/or H.323.
MEGACO is different from H.248, which is a binary-based protocol. MEGACO is a text-based protocol similar to SIP. The media gateway assigns an ID to termination points of connection and manages contexts that are sessions between these termination points.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MEGACO?
MEGACO is an IETF signalling standard for IP telephony, also known as the Media Gateway Control Protocol.
What is the difference between MEGACO and H.248?
MEGACO is a text-based protocol similar to SIP, while H.248 is a binary-based protocol. MEGACO also uses contexts and terminations, while H.248 does not.
Do devices that support MEGACO also support SIP and H.323?
Yes, most devices that use MEGACO also support SIP and/or H.323.
Final Thoughts
MEGACO is a signalling protocol that is widely used in IP telephony. Its close resemblance to the PSTN telephone model and its support for operator interaction make it an excellent standard for affordable IP phones. With its text-based protocol and support for SIP and H.323, MEGACO is a versatile and functional protocol for IP telephony.
