What is G.729 codec?

G.729 is a VoIP codec that compresses audio streams to 8 kbps, significantly reducing bandwidth usage while maintaining acceptable call quality. It uses Conjugate-Structure Algebraic-Code-Excited Linear Prediction (CS-ACELP) to encode voice data efficiently. G.729 is ideal for environments with limited bandwidth or congested networks, making it a popular choice for mobile VoIP, remote locations, and international calls. While G.729 offers bandwidth efficiency, the compression may slightly reduce audio quality compared to G.711. Many VoIP systems use G.729 to optimize call capacity and reduce network strain while maintaining reliable performance. However, due to licensing costs associated with G.729, many businesses opt for open-source alternatives or use it selectively in bandwidth-sensitive scenarios.