Definition

A gateway is a network element that acts as an entrance point to another network. An access gateway is a gateway between the telephony network and other networks, such as the Internet.

Overview

Access mediation supports the arbitration of call control and signaling between individual networks, resources, users, and services. Access mediation is the next evolutionary step for the advanced intelligent network (AIN). With the growing importance of the Internet, access gateways are a critical component of access mediation. This tutorial presents several application scenarios that utilize an access gateway point between the traditional telephone network and the Internet. First, the tutorial will review general background information on access mediation. As part of this overview, specific information on the important components of access gateways will be addressed. Access gateway-application scenarios will also be discussed. Finally, the tutorial will present several elements of network design that are crucial for a network to support an access gateway.

1. Overview of Access Mediation and Access Gateways >>