MGCP is also known as what type of protocol?

MGCP, which stands for Media Gateway Control Protocol, is recognized as a master/slave protocol. This categorization highlights how MGCP operates in a hierarchical manner, where the media gateways (the devices handling the media stream) serve under the control of a call agent (acting as the master). In this configuration, the call agent instructs the media gateways on how to manage and process voice and multimedia data, establishing a clear division of authority and control.

The master/slave structure is crucial because it allows centralized management of multiple media gateways, enabling efficient handling of communication sessions and resource allocation. The call agent can send commands to the media gateways, which then execute these directions, showcasing the dynamic between a controlling entity and those under its control.

Understanding this relationship is fundamental, especially when considering the architecture of VoIP systems and how such protocols manage data transmission and signaling effectively. The other types of protocols listed, such as client/server and peer-to-peer, do not accurately describe the operational hierarchy and interaction model that MGCP exemplifies.