Chapter 1 – Introduction and Description
Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. MultiVOIP Gatekeeper User Guide
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Chapter 1 - Introduction and
Description
Welcome to Multi-Tech’s new MultiVOIP™ Gatekeeper, Model MVP100GK, a turnkey hardware and software
solution that enables network managers and intranet managers to define and control how H.323 voice traffic is
managed over IP networks. The Gatekeeper is a complementary product to the MultiVOIP family. The
Gatekeeper is an industry-standard mechanism for call control and routing, basic telephony services, H.323
bandwidth usage control, total network usage control, and overall system administration and security policies. It
includes fast, easy-to-use interfaces that network managers can use to modify or update zone configurations
when an individual on the network needs additional services. And, it provides call centers with the capability to
perform needs-based call routing as well as providing a variety of other automatic call distribution features.
Figure 1-1. Gatekeeper
Gatekeeper facilitates interoperability between PBX dial plans and IP-based terminals. With it, call centers can
route call on the basis of need and implement other automatic call distribution features, as well.
Gatekeeper Basics
Gatekeepers are optional within H.323 networks. However, when they are present, gateways (voip units) and
other network endpoint devices (like terminals and Multipoint Control Units used in conferences) must use
Gatekeeper services. There are four functions that H.323 Gatekeepers must provide to the network and many
other functions, both standard and proprietary, that the Gatekeeper may offer to network participants.
Mandatory Gatekeeper Functions
The mandatory Gatekeeper functions are address translation, admission control, bandwidth control, and zone
management.
Address Translation
The Gatekeeper supports aliases, such as conventional E.164 phone numbers, for each endpoint registered
within the zone. Users call each other within a zone by simply dialing a number or string of characters instead of
an IP address. This function is particularly important when a phone on the circuit-switched network tries to call a
phone connected to a gateway on an IP network.
Admission Control
The Gatekeeper determines which network participants can and cannot make calls, according to established
network permissions and rules. The Gatekeeper controls admission using H.225 “RAS” messages (Registration,
Admission, Status).
Summary of Contents for MultiVOIP MVP100GK Gatekeeper
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