What Is SIP and What Is It Good for?

SIP is the abbreviation of Session Initiation Protocol. It is a technology that was invented to carry VoIP traffic. Basically, this protocol is an Internet Engineering Task Force standard protocol where users can get the advantages of video and voice calls, chatting, gaming and virtual reality. This protocol, like other protocols (SMTP or HTTP), works on the Application Layer of the OSI model. It is responsible for establishing multimedia sessions along with modifying and terminating the internet telephony calls.
Features of SIP Protocol:
If you ever think of any flexible protocol, SIP is the one that you remember and it is contrasted with H.323. It is made as a general-purpose way for establishing real-time multimedia sessions among groups of participants. For instance, this system was set up for making simple phone calls. But it also provides facilities like audio or video multicast meetings, or immediate messaging conferences. Through this protocol, it has become easier to deal with the clients’ requests and the responses of the servers. The SIP URLs are there for participants’ identification. There are various transport protocols, like UDP, TCP or SCTP for sending requests. After sending requests, Session Initiation protocol resolves the end system that is used for the session, determines communication media and other media parameters. After assuring all these, it sets up call parameters at each end of the communication. Thus, call transfer as well as termination is handled.
Functions of SIP Protocol:
1. SIP decides which end will take part in a call.
2. The end points use this protocol to get assurance whether they will answer the call.
3. The end points use this protocol to consult media capabilities.
4. It is this protocol which makes the end point aware about the phone’s ringing. This protocol is needed to agree on the session traits, used by the calling and called participants.
5. Through this protocol, call transfer, terminate and changing the parameters of calls in mid-session is possible.
Advantages of SIP:
People rely on this protocol because it determines advance communication anytime and from anywhere. As a call control protocol, it has certain advantages which have increased people’s expectations.
1. This is an independent protocol that flexibly works on session types or the media, using for this purpose.
2. This open standard system allows multivendor incorporation and support. To customize usages, applications are written.
3. It is easier now to handle any kind of troubles as SIP messages are simple text.
This protocol is multifunctional. For example, if this allows a video conference where people can see each other, it also supports audio simultaneously. People don’t have to drop down only to audio.
4. The system is also cost effective than other protocols as the call stays within the MPLS network of the business. So, it is easy to cut off extra costs of call handoffs, provided by telecommunications provider. For small businesses, this protocol is absolutely perfect as it saves a lot of money.