H.323 and Associated Protocols

Abstract

H.323 is an ITU-T recommendation for multimedia conferencing over packet-based networks such as LANs and the Internet. H.323 is broad and comprehensive in its scope yet flexible and practical in its applicability. This report describes the components, protocols, and procedures in H.323; the challenges to the widespread adoption of H.323; the outlook for H.323 as a standard for multimedia conferencing; and key H.323 products and services.

Table of Contents

• 1. Introduction
• 2. Scope of H.323
• 3. Why is H.323 Important?
• 4. H.323 Architecture: Components
  • 4.1 Terminal
  • 4.2 Gateway
  • 4.3 Gatekeeper
  • 4.4 Multipoint Control Unit (MCU)
• 5. H.323 Architecture: Protocols and Procedures
  • 5.1 H.323 Terminal Protocol Stack
  • 5.2 Audio Codecs (G.711, G.722, G.723.1, G.728, G.729)
  • 5.3 Video Codecs (H.261, H.263)
  • 5.4 Data Conferencing (T.120)
  • 5.5 Control and Signaling Mechanisms (H.225.0, H.245. H.225.0 RAS)
  • 5.6 Call Setup and Tear Down
  • 5.7 Supplementary Services (H.450.x)
  • 5.8 Security (H.235)
• 6. Challenges
  • 6.1 Interoperability and Implementation Issues
  • 6.2 Lack of Value Added Services
  • 6.3 Quality and Security Issues
• 7. Future Prospects
  • 7.1 H.323 or SIP?
  • 7.2 Trends in the Enterprise Market
  • 7.3 Trends in the Home and Small Business Markets
  • 7.4 Future Developments in H.323
• 8. Products and Services
  • 8.1 MCUs
  • 8.2 ITSPs
• 9. Summary
• References
• List of Acronyms

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