What is the H.323 Global Network?

The H.323 Global Network (HGN) is a network interconnected videoconferencing systems, desktop video phones, and video softphones aroundthe world using the international standard H.323.HGN-compliant terminals and networks must adhere to a specific set of requirements in order to ensure universal interconnectivity, all ofwhich are features of the H.323 protocol, DNS, ENUM, etc. The HGN isbuilt on open standards.

What is H.323?

H.323 is a video conferencing protocol standardized by the ITU-T thatoperates over IP networks and has enjoyed worldwide success both forvideoconferencing and IP Telephony. The mostrecent version of H.323, H.323 Version 7, was standardized approved inNovember 2009. Virtually every manufacturer of video conferencingequipment supports H.323 today. If your videoconferencing system worksover IP, it is quite likely an H.323-based system.

Does it Cost Anything?

The H.323 Global Network is the world-wide collection of H.323 endpointsall interconnected using the procedures defined in the H.323 specificationsand documented on this site. This site does not offer video calling services,though we provide support services in the form of RDS records. In any case,there is no cost for the services we provide to help enable the HGN.

That said, to get connected to the H.323 Global Network, youneed H.323 software or hardware and a service provider. There are bothfree and commercial HGN-compatible services available.

I am an enterprise, so how can I use the H.323 Global Network?

Making use of the H.323 Global Network is a matter of configuring yourH.323 videoconferencing equipment per the guidelines provided on thissite. The H.323 Global Network is not a network of services in the cloudoffered by a single company. Rather, it's just a well-defined wayof configuring standards-based equipment to operate over the Internet.Of course, some service providers may operate in the cloud to providethe same or similar services that a corporate IT department might provide.

Why the Need for an H.323 Global Network?

Most videoconferencing systems, desktop video phones, and videosoftphones that support H.323 are not interconnected today. They existon little 'islands', unfortunately. Most users are only able to talk toa small number of users with which their hardware or software productshave been configured to communicate. The H.323 Global Networkhelps address this issue by publishing information so that equipmentowners can configure their equipment properly to interconnect with therest of the world.

Can I Connect My H.323 Device?

Absolutely, though you may need to upgrade the software in your productor utilize the widely popular GnuGK in order to address some of thedeficiencies with older hardware and software products. The HGN usessome of the more advanced features of the H.323 standard and not allproducts have caught up with the most recent standards. Review theConfiguration Guide in order to see what you may need, but you mightjust want to ask your equipment manufacturer if they are compatiblewith the H.323 Global Network.

How Do I Call Other Users?

What we are trying to do with the H.323 Global Network is to move awayfrom old phone numbers used with legacy communications equipment and useaddresses that look like email addresses. So, you contact a user usingan address like user@example.com. Of course, not all user equipment todaysupports this form of addressing known as an H.323 URL. For thatreason, the HGN also provides a means of contacting users using numbers thatlook like traditional phone numbers. Every individual registered to the HGNcan get a phone number and enterprises may be assigned phone numbers as apart of the H.323 Global Network numbering plan. Alternatively,an enterprise can register their existing numbers with the HGN! The H.323Global Network uses ENUM (rooted at enum.dialeddigits.com) to resolveaddresses that look like phone numbers. (Enterprises wishing to get anumber block assignment should visitDialed Digits.)

We really, really want to get away from those old legacy phone numbers,though. So, our plea to the community of users and equipment manufacturersis to try to make the network addressable primarily via H.323 URLs.This will be a challenge, but let's set a goal of getting there within afew years.

Does My Company Have to Register with the H.323 Global Network?

No, you do not. To be a part of the H.323 Global Network, you merelyneed to configure your equipment to be compatible with the HGN. Yourorganization owns and manages every aspect of your connectivity into theHGN. The HGN is a fully-federated network, meaning that each domainowner operates its network elements, including DNS, Gatekeepers, andvideoconferencing equipment much like it does for other Internetservices like email or web.

What If I Find Something Broken?

Let us know! We're committed to addressing anyobstacles to make the HGN a success.