What is the Difference Between G711 and G729?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚G711 and G729 are two popular codecs used in voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) systems. They serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics:
- G711: This codec provides higher audio quality but requires more network bandwidth. It is supported by most VoIP providers and is typically used in regions like North America and Japan. G711 uses no compression at all, resulting in call quality similar to using a regular ISDN phone.
- G729: This codec offers a lower bit rate of 8 kbps, which means it requires less bandwidth compared to G711. However, it comes at the cost of lower call quality. G729 requires more CPU processing time to make a call, which can limit the number of simultaneous calls a VoIP phone can handle.
Neither codec is inherently better than the other; they both serve different business purposes depending on call volume and necessary call quality. Some VoIP-based business phone systems support both codecs, providing flexibility in terms of call quality and bandwidth usage.
When choosing a VoIP solution for your business, it is essential to consider the codec your VoIP system uses, as it will significantly impact the quality and reliability of your phone calls.
Comparative Table: G711 vs G729
Here is a table comparing the differences between G711 and G729 codecs:
| Feature | G711 | G729 |
|---|---|---|
| Bit Rate | 64 kbps | 8 kbps |
| Compression | Uncompressed (PCM) | Compressed (CS-ACELP algorithm) |
| Call Quality | Best call quality, similar to regular ISDN phone | Good level of call quality |
| CPU Processing Time | Uses very few CPU resources | Requires more CPU processing time than G711 |
| Bandwidth Efficiency | Large bit rate, suitable for high bandwidth availability | Low bit rate, suitable for conserving bandwidth |
| Licensing | No license required | Requires a license from the G.729 patent pool |
| Support | Widely supported by VoIP providers and equipment vendors | Not as extensively supported as G711 |
| Application | Suitable for high-quality voice communication and Voice on Hold | Not recommended for applications like Voice on Hold due to enhancements not being generally supported |
| Compatibility | Supported by most VoIP equipment vendors | May cause compatibility issues for systems from other countries |
G711 and G729 are both widely used voice codecs, but they have different features and characteristics. G711 provides better call quality without any compression, while G729 offers a good level of call quality at a lower bit rate, making it more suitable for conserving bandwidth. However, G729 requires more CPU processing time and may cause compatibility issues in some cases.