H.323 Call Control Signalling

H323HOSTCALL operates on port 1720 and is part of the H.323 protocol suite. It is primarily used for multimedia communication, including video conferencing and Voice over IP (VoIP). The protocol ensures the transmission of audio, video, and data over IP networks, making it essential for real-time communication services.

What is H.323 Call Control Signalling

H323HOSTCALL, operating on port 1720, is a crucial component of the H.323 protocol suite, which is designed for multimedia communication over IP networks. This protocol suite was developed by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to facilitate real-time audio, video, and data communication. H323HOSTCALL specifically handles the call setup and teardown processes, ensuring that multimedia sessions are initiated and terminated correctly.

The H.323 protocol suite includes various components such as terminals, gateways, gatekeepers, and multipoint control units (MCUs). These components work together to provide a comprehensive solution for multimedia communication. H323HOSTCALL plays a vital role in this ecosystem by managing the signaling required for establishing and maintaining communication sessions.

H323HOSTCALL has been widely adopted in various industries, including corporate environments, healthcare, and education, due to its ability to support high-quality video conferencing and VoIP services. The protocol's flexibility and scalability make it suitable for both small-scale and large-scale deployments. Despite the emergence of newer protocols, H.323 remains relevant due to its robustness and extensive feature set.

H.323 Call Control Signalling runs on TCP and UDP port 1720 and is official IANA port.

Security risk

If port 1720 is open and the H323HOSTCALL service is running, it could be a target for unauthorized access or denial-of-service attacks. Attackers may exploit vulnerabilities in the H.323 protocol to intercept or disrupt communication. It is essential to implement proper security measures, such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems, to mitigate these risks.

In our UFW tutorial you can follow instructions how you can configure UFW to close port 1720. Use StackChanges to monitor if the H.323 Call Control Signalling port is closed and stays closed. StackChanges will send an alert if port 1720 is open again.