Media gateway

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A Media Gateway, abbreviated MGW acts as a translation unit between disparate telecommunications networks such as PSTN; Next Generation Networks; 2G, 2.5G and 3G radio access networks or PBX. Media Gateways enable multimedia communications across Next Generation Networks over multiple transport protocols such as ATM and IP.

Because the MGW connects different types of networks, one of its main functions is to convert between the different transmission and coding techniques. Media streaming functions such as echo cancellation, DTMF, and tone sender are also located in the MGW.

Media Gateways are controlled by a Media Gateway Controller which provides the call control and signaling functionality. Communication between Media Gateways and Call Agents is achieved by means of protocols such as MGCP or Megaco or H.248 or SIP.

VoIP Media Gateways perform the conversion between TDM voice to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

Mobile access Media Gateways connect the radio access networks of a public land mobile network PLMN to a Next Generation Core Network. 3GPP standards define the functionality of CS-MGW and IMS-MGW for UTRAN and GERAN based PLMNs.

[edit] Market Analysis

With a projected increase of over 300% in the next 3 years and a total world market of over $8.7 Billion, demand for Media Gateways signal the accelerating transition from PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) to VoIP.^{[citation needed]}