Comparison of Cisco Gatekeepers
IP/VC Embedded MCM High Performance
Feature Gatekeeper Gatekeeper Gatekeeper
Performance Good Very Good Excellent
Target Network Size Small to Medium Large Very Large
Supports “Required” Yes Yes Yes
Gatekeeper
Functionality
Supports Bandwidth Yes Yes Yes
Limits by Zone
Intended for Voice No Yes Yes
and Video Support
Supports No Yes Yes
Authentication and
Authorization
Supports Gatekeeper No No Yes
Clustering
Supports Dynamic No No Yes
Load Balancing
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Continued
Support for No No Yes
Enhanced API
Call Accounting Requires a Third- Moderate Detailed
Information Available Party Software Information Information
Product Available Available
As Table 5.1 implies, the IP/VC Gatekeeper was intended for small to
medium size video networks. Although they can service voice calls, the MCM
Gatekeeper is much better suited for that purpose.
The MCM Gatekeeper is sufficient for many enterprise networks where
H.323 is just being introduced or is not yet mission-critical. For service providers
or organizations where critical voice and video calls are being placed, the High
Performance Gatekeeper configured in a cluster is the best solution.