SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) is a signaling protocol used to start, maintain, and end voice and video calls over IP networks. It’s one of the core technologies behind VoIP, handling tasks like user location, call setup, and termination.

SIP doesn’t transmit voice itself - it sets up the session for voice to be carried, often by another protocol like RTP (Real-Time Transport Protocol). Think of SIP as the call coordinator: it handles the “ringing,” “answering,” and “hanging up,” while RTP handles the voice part of the call.

Is SIP the same as VoIP?

Not exactly. SIP is a protocol, while VoIP refers to the technology of making voice calls over IP networks. SIP is one of the most commonly used protocols for enabling VoIP, but not the only one. Others include H.323, MGCP, and WebRTC.

Why is SIP important in business communication?

SIP enables unified communication by supporting voice, video, messaging, and presence - all over a single internet connection. It’s scalable, cost-effective, and integrates well with cloud-based phone systems, making it ideal for modern business environments.

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End-to-end SIP encryption

Q: What is SIP encryption?

SIP encryption is the process of securing SIP signaling and media (voice) data to prevent eavesdropping, spoofing, and tampering. It ensures that both call setup and call content are private and secure.