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What is a Media Gateway?

6/27/2011

A media gateway is essentially a translation device that converts communications between disparate networks and protocols. The following are a few common examples of media gateway uses:

• Connecting a UC platform to the PSTN (SIP Trunk, T-1, PRI, analog)
• Connecting an analog or digital PBX to the PSTN (SIP Trunk, T-1, PRI)
• Connecting an analog or digital PBX and VoIP PBX
• Connecting an IP-based phone system to the PSTN (SIP Trunk, T-1, PRI, analog)
• Connecting a legacy PBX to a UC platform like Microsoft Lync or OCS
• Creating survivability and PSTN failover in remote offices
• Supporting existing IP Phones in a UC platform like Microsoft Lync or OCS
• Connect IP telephones to a legacy PBX
• Extend a PBX to branch offices
• Creating fax and legacy analog support for UC platforms and IP PBXs

Image courtesy of AudioCodes.com

Terms:

PBX - Private Branch Exchange; a telephone exchange that serves a particular business or office, as opposed to one that a common carrier or telephone company operates for many businesses or for the general public

PSTN - Public Switched Telephone Network; the network of the world's public circuit-switched telephone networks.

PRI - Primary Rate Interface; a form of ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) line which is a telecommunication standard that enables traditional phone lines to carry voice, data and video traffic, among others.

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