The GNU Gatekeeper (GnuGk) is a free, open-source server application that acts as the central brain or controller for Voice over IP (VoIP) and video conferencing networks running on the H.323 protocol. Released under the GNU General Public License (GPL), it bridges the gap between different communications equipment, essentially acting like a Private Branch Exchange (PBX) for modern IP networks. What is an H.323 Gatekeeper?
To understand GnuGk, you first need to understand the H.323 standard defined by the ITU-T. While protocols like SIP are popular today, H.323 remains a major standard for video conferencing and enterprise telecom.
In an H.323 network, a Gatekeeper is an optional but highly critical central hub. If you think of H.323 endpoints (like IP phones or video rigs) as citizens, the Gatekeeper is the traffic controller, directory service, and security guard for their “zone”. Core Functions of GnuGk
GnuGk implements all the mandatory and optional features specified by the H.323 standard: GNU Gatekeeper – a free VOIP Gatekeeper for H.323
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