- Version
- Download 403
- File Size 51.34 KB
- File Count 1
- Create Date September 26, 2022
- Last Updated May 25, 2025
An MGCP Profile
MGCP stands for Media Gateway Control Protocol. It's a telecommunications protocol used for controlling media gateways on Internet Protocol (IP) networks. If you have media gateways in you VoIP network, you need this profile:
If your gateway goes to the PSTN using the C15 protocol, I have a separate profile for that.
Here's a quick breakdown of MGCP:
What MGCP Does:
-
It controls voice gateways that convert audio between the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and packet-switched networks like the internet.
-
MGCP is a master/slave protocol — the Call Agent (also called a Media Gateway Controller) gives instructions to the Media Gateway, which just follows orders (it doesn’t make decisions on its own).
Where MGCP Fits:
-
Used in VoIP (Voice over IP) systems.
-
Sits between the signaling layer (like SIP or H.323) and the media layer (RTP streams for actual voice data).
Typical Components in MGCP:
-
Call Agent (CA): Central controller that handles call signaling and instructs gateways.
-
Media Gateway (MG): Physical or virtual device that converts voice from analog/digital to IP.
-
Media Gateway Controller (MGC): Another term for Call Agent.
Why Use MGCP?
-
Simplifies gateway devices — all call logic stays in the controller.
-
Easier centralized control over complex voice networks.
🛠️ Example Use Case:
-
A traditional phone connects to a VoIP network via a gateway. MGCP is used to tell the gateway when to play dial tone, collect digits, start/stop audio streams, etc.
This profile for Wireshark helps you isolate MGCP for troubleshooting.