Media resources are software- or hardware-based components that perform processing on two or more connected media streams. Media Resource design is an important component of overall IP Telephony implementations and care must be taken to ensure that resources are available at the right locations for maximum link efficiency. With proper planning and configuration, devices will rely on local resources without placing an unnecessary load on WAN links.

Both software-based and hardware-based resources may be available. Proper configuration using Media Resource Groups and Media Resource Group Lists will ensure that the more efficient hardware-based resources are utilized first, and that software-based resources are available as a last resort. Local resources will be used first.

Configuration for Media Resource elements will include configuration of both CUCM and DSP resources on external gateways.