Video Conferencing Gateway

A gateway is a device or software that serves as an interface between incompatible devices and networks operating under different protocols.

The Role of Gateways in Video Conferencing

During a video conferencing session, a gateway functions as an interface between endpoint devices and servers that use different protocols and architectures (for example, connecting an H.323 endpoint to a proprietary platform or a SIP videophone).

In multipoint video conferences, a gateway enables seamless connectivity between a proprietary MCU (such as a video conferencing software server) and any other incompatible device, ensuring the transmission of both audio and video data. Moreover, this connection appears transparent to the incompatible device as well.

This is achieved in the following way: the gateway emulates a familiar environment for each communication device by re-encoding and converting video, audio, and service data from one format to another in real time.