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gateway definition - telecom
  1. A node that interconnects two or more disparate networks, both physically and logically, serving as a protocol converter (e.g., PSTN to IP) and media converter (e.g., electrical twisted pair to optical fiber) as necessary. See also IGF, node, and protocol converter.
  2. The collection of hardware and software required to interconnect two or more disparate networks, including performing protocol conversion. See also hardware, protocol converter, and software.
  3. In H.323-compliant multimedia networks, a gateway is an optional element used for various levels of protocol conversion.The gateway serves as a protocol converter between devices and networks that have native H.323 capability and those that do not. The gateway also may translate between audio, video, and data formats, and may perform signaling conversions between the H.225 packet protocol and external protocols such as SS7 and Q.931. Alternatively, signaling conversions may be performed by gatekeepers, call processors, or session border controllers. See also H.225, H.323, multimedia, network, packet, protocol, protocol converter, Q.931, session, and SS7.

Webster's New World Telecom Dictionary Copyright © 2008 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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