A gatekeeper is a management tool for
H.323 multimedia networks. A single gatekeeper controls interactions for each
zone, which comprises the
terminals, multipoint control units (MCUs), and
gateways within a particular
domain. Although the gatekeeper is an optional component, when it is included, it becomes the central administrative entity.
Depending on the demands of the specific network, the gatekeeper oversees authentication, authorization, telephone directory and PBX (private branch exchange) services, as well as call control and routing. Other functions may include monitoring the network for load balancing and real-time network management applications, intrusion detection and prevention, and providing interfaces to legacy systems. Gatekeepers are available as either hardware devices or software applications, and are offered as proprietary products from a number of vendors, including Cisco and Symantec, or as freeware.
This was last updated in October 2004
Dig Deeper
-
Is there a tradeoff between capacity and quality with HD video conferencing bridges? Some vendors say yes, but IT pros must take a broader perspective on multipoint video conferencing.
-
Think you're a SIP superstar? Test your know-how in this tricky terminology test.
-
The main goal of a unified communications strategy should be to facilitate an innovative business process regardless of the communications medium. Read what steps contributor Bill Trussell advises for your unified communications integration.
-
People who read this also read...
-
Resources from around the Web