Having devices that speak differently (SIP/H323, analog/IP, etc) is a common situation. In this entry we will have a short definition to understand transcoding (used in the next entries where will test it using the Oracle SBC).

Coding is the process of turning the sound wave into digital data, and decoding is converting it back.

Codec is a software/hardware that encodes/decodes analog signals to/from digital bit-stream

Transcoding is the ability to convert between the various types of voice codecs and their digital transmissions. Feel free to search for more detailed definition if required.

In the next entries we will set up a lab environment where we will:

• Describe the environment and the problem of not having softphones running a common codec
• How transcoding decision works in Oracle SBCs using codec policies
• Enabling transcoding and configuring it in a virtual SBC
• Analyzing captures when using transcoding