What is a Media Gateway?
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
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.
