Understanding the Technology and Terms of SIP

Once upon a time, a sip meant taking a quick drink. Today, SIP means something totally different and it’s delivering value in the business environment.

A recent Device Mag piece took a deeper look into SIP and what it means. Writing it out into Session Initiation Protocol probably doesn’t help the individual a little lost in the terminology. Since it has to do with that all-to-important communications channel, let’s break down the SIP terminology to get a better understanding.

First, we have VoIP. While this term in common in telecommunications, not all users really know what it means. This Voice over Internet Protocol is simply using the computer network connection to complete voice calls. VoIP may be used only internally on the LAN (Local Area Network) to complete call routing among employees, or it could be extended externally over the broadband connection.

VoIP calls are controlled by SIP. It actually provides the mechanism by which callers are able to connect and communicate. By routing the calls over the Internet, SIP helps to prevent interference that can affect the quality of the call. SIP Trunking delivers the flexibility and connectivity necessary to complete IP phone calls at a low cost.

Providers use the SIP protocol to deliver services to customers through the IP-PBX for the completion of a VoIP call. The Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) is the legacy system that transmits voice calls, data and video over the public telephone network, also known as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). Fixed lines and the ISDN connect directly to the PSTN.

For a number of companies, they are extending Unified Communications (UC) to all employees, enabling them to combine chat, e-mail, voice, video and telecoms presence onto a single platform. This connection and centralization makes it easier to contact individuals and improve communications.