The term SIP Endpoints refers to the architecture that is responsible for enabling advanced call processing and call management functions.
SIP clients typically use TCP or UDP (News - Alert) on port numbers to connect to SIP servers and other SIP endpoints. These SIP endpoints are typically referred to as the user agent client and the user agent server. A SIP user agent client is typically tasked with sending SIP requests while the user agent server receives the requests and returns a SIP response. The user agent client and server only assume these roles for the duration of a SIP transaction.
According to industry experts, because of the widespread use of instant messaging, SIP endpoints have become commonplace. Instant messaging applications such as Microsoft (News - Alert) MSN Messenger and Apple (News - Alert) iChat are SIP clients that can be used to transport voice and video free of charge. As a result of the growing popularity of instant messaging, specific instant messaging protocols based on the SIP standard have been created, including Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP) and Session Initiation Protocol (News - Alert) (News - Alert) for Instant Messaging and Presence Leveraging Extensions (SIMPLE). These two protocols allow presence information to be exchanged between SIP endpoints.
SIP is an industry that has quickly burgeoned, particularly because of the growing availability of open source PBXs and hosted service offerings. SIP phones allow businesses to route calls over the Internet, through VoIP, which guarantees them reduced hardware costs and increased savings on monthly bills. SIP phones are the “wave of the future,” according to many industry experts.
Many SIP leaders attempt to distinguish themselves in this competitive market place by making sure that their phones are certified by Digium’s Asterisk (News - Alert) (News - Alert) and BroadSoft’s (News - Alert) Broadworks, in particular. Other SIP providers will ensure that their SIP phones boast: noise reduction technology; lower power consumption; HD Voice in all series models; and multi-year warranties.
Check back at the SIP Endpoints Channel for the latest on the SIP industry.
Want to learn more about Session Initiation Protocol? Be sure to attend the SIP Tutorial Conference collocated with TMC’s (News - Alert) ITEXPO West 2011, taking place Sept. 13-15, 2011, in Austin, Texas. The SIP Tutorial, co-sponsored by TMC Partner Crossfire Media, is a full day training program that will focus on SIP technology from SIP messaging, though Server types, Security, Firewall and NAT operation, SIP Trunking, Troubleshooting and SIP in Unified Communications (News - Alert). To register, click here.
Carrie Schmelkin is a Web Editor for TMCnet. Previously, she worked as Assistant Editor at the New Canaan Advertiser, a 102-year-old weekly newspaper, covering news and enhancing the publication's social media initiatives. Carrie holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and a bachelor's degree in English from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. To read more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.Edited by Rich Steeves