MGCP/MEGACO is a signaling standard for IP telephony that is intended for use in less expensive IP phones. It is similar to the circuit-switched PSTN telephone model and requires the usage of softswitches for call control. The protocols use “contexts” and “terminations” to manage sessions between terminations assigned by the media gateway. MEGACO is a text-based protocol compared to H.248, which is a binary-based protocol. Many devices that use MGCP/MEGACO also support SIP and/or H.323. The ITU’s version of MGCP is H.248 and CableLab’s version is Network Call Signaling.
FAQ:
What is MGCP/MEGACO?
MGCP/MEGACO is a signaling standard for IP telephony that is intended for use in less expensive IP phones than SIP or H.323 phones. It closely mimics the circuit-switched PSTN telephone model and requires the usage of softswitches for call control.
What is the difference between MGCP/MEGACO and SIP/H.323?
Compared to SIP and H.323, MGCP/MEGACO needs the usage of softswitches for call control and more closely mimics the circuit-switched PSTN telephone model. Similar to the PSTN, the softswitch allows for operator interaction and is aware of the entire call throughout its entirety (it manages state).
What are contexts and terminations in MGCP/MEGACO?
“Contexts” and “terminations” are used by MGCP/MEGACO. Terminations are points of connection that the media gateway assigns an ID to and can be either permanent or fleeting (temporary). The media gateway controller is in charge of managing contexts, which are the sessions in between these terminations.
WHAT:
What is the significance of MGCP/MEGACO in IP telephony?
MGCP/MEGACO is important in IP telephony as it is a signaling standard that allows for communication between IP phones. It is intended for less expensive IP phones and closely mimics the circuit-switched PSTN telephone model. It is particularly useful for softswitches, which allow for operator interaction and manage the state of the entire call.
What are some alternatives to MGCP/MEGACO in IP telephony?
Some alternatives to MGCP/MEGACO in IP telephony include SIP and H.323. However, some devices that use MGCP/MEGACO also support SIP and/or H.323. It is important to evaluate the specific needs of the system in order to determine which protocol is the most suitable.
What is the origin of MGCP/MEGACO?
The initial protocol, MGCP, was developed by the International Packet Communications Consortium. MEGACO, a similar protocol, emerged at the IETF. The ITU also has its own version of MGCP, H.248, and CableLab has Network Call Signaling (NCS).
