Table of Contents:

Definition and Overview

1. Gatekeeper Environment

2. Mandatory Features

3. Optional Features

4. Practical Applications

5. Current Role

6. Future

Self-Test

Glossary

PDF of this tutorial

The gatekeeper function is both powerful and adaptable to the needs of an Internet service provider’s (ISP’s) or a carrier’s H.323 networks. When utilizing it to its fullest potential, an organization can maximize its productivity and workflow.

Some practical examples of how gatekeepers have already helped organizations that integrated them include the following:

• ISPs bill for guaranteed bandwidth management and special service packages.
• Intranet managers have seamless interoperability between PBX dial plans and IP–based terminals.
• Network managers have rapid, easy-to-use interfaces to modify or update zone configuration when an individual on the network needs additional services.
• Multimedia call centers for customer service perform needs-based call routing and a variety of other automatic call distribution features.