Difference between SIP and VoIP

SIP and VoIP are utilized for data transfer over the internet, although they are different. VoIP is independently utilized for IP telephony, whereas SIP protocol manages the complete exchange of multimedia. The SIP signalling protocol is utilized to standardize IP telephony or VoIP. It is utilized to make internet phone calls, video calls, and other multimedia connections. In contrast, Voice over IP (VoIP) is utilized to transport voice communication across data networks.

In this article, you will learn about the difference between SIP and VoIP. But before discussing the differences, you must know about SIP and VoIP with their advantages and disadvantages.

What is SIP?

SIP is an abbreviation for "Session Initiation Protocol". It is a collection of rules governing multimedia exchange over the internet. The application layer control protocol is responsible for establishing, controlling, and terminating multimedia sessions with one or multiple users. The multimedia session may include any type of multimedia, such as data, sound, video, picture, etc. In a nutshell, a SIP function in the same way as HTTP does, using a request and response model.

SIP also supports trunking, which allows you to connect to a traditional phone network, like a landline or mobile device. It is useful since it permits you to call any phone number, whether it is connected to the internet or not. It supports a more flexible and user-friendly phone system when integrated into a VoIP system.

How does the SIP work?

There are some steps that help you to understand how it works. These steps are as follows:

1. Firstly, the SIP caller makes a request and sends an invite message to the receiver.
2. After that, the proxy server examines the message body structure, which includes media type, format, and the caller's capabilities.
3. If the callee approves the request, the caller receives the response code. The callee may also use the OPTIONS mechanism to inquire about the host's capabilities and other information.
4. The connection is finished utilizing the three-way handshaking protocol.
5. After that, the caller sends an ACK message to end the protocol and confirm receipt of the 200 (OK) messages.
6. In the end, the session is ended by sending a BYE method to any party.

Component of SIP Protocol

There are mainly four types of SIP components. These components are as follows:

1. User Agents
   The client and server are both user agents, where the client makes the requests, and the server receives and responds to them.
2. Several Servers
   The SIP protocol uses various servers, including proxy, location, registrar, and redirect servers. Each server works on criteria.
3. Gateways
   A gateway is just a user agent that can connect to other networks, like the PSTN.
4. B2B(Business-to-Business) User Agents
   It includes two user agents that may transmit and alter SIP messages.

Advantages and Disadvantages of SIP

There are various advantages and disadvantages of SIP. Some main advantages and disadvantages are as follows:

Advantages

1. It may support numerous users with different skills. For example, in a conference with some users who have video capability and others who only have audio capabilities, the video users may see each other. They are not required to use exclusively audio, as with other protocols.
2. It operates independently of the session type or medium used and provides flexibility.
3. Its messages are in plain text, which makes troubleshooting easier.
4. It is an open standard that supports and integrates several vendors.

Disadvantages

1. Fewer people are familiar with this protocol because it is a relatively new protocol. If you want to use SIP protocol within your network, make sure you have trained support staff.
2. SIP features are continually being developed, although many companies have their own proprietary protocol implementations.
3. Text message processing places a greater strain on gateways. The text must be translated into a language that the router understands.
4. It would help if you converted between in-band and out-of-band DTMF tones when utilizing both SCCP and SIP phones on a single network.

What is VoIP?

VoIP is an abbreviation for "Voice over Internet Protocol". VoIP technology enables voice calls to be made utilizing a broadband Internet connection rather than a traditional phone line. Some VoIP service or device enables you to call many persons simultaneously, while others could enable you to call anyone. They may or may not have a contact number, including long-distance, mobile, local, and international lines. While some VoIP services require you to utilize a particular VoIP phone or your computer, others let you utilize a standard phone connected to a VoIP adaptor.

How does VoIP work?

VoIP services turn your voice into a digital signal for Internet transmission. When you call a regular telephone number, the signal is changed into a typical telephone signal before reaching the intended destination. It allows you to place calls from a system, a dedicated VoIP-specific phone, or a regular phone that is linked to an adaptor. Additionally, wireless "hot spots" in public spaces like parks, airports, and cafes let you access the internet and may use VoIP services wirelessly.

Advantages and Disadvantages of VoIP

There are various advantages and disadvantages of VoIP. Some main advantages and disadvantages of VoIP are as follows:

Advantages

1. Some VoIP providers include capabilities and services that are either not offered by conventional phones or are offered but at a higher cost.
2. The connection can be offered more smoothly than with an analogue signal.
3. It is possible to avoid paying for both an internet connection and a landline.

Disadvantages

1. Not all VoIP devices utilize emergency service contact numbers to connect to emergency services.
2. Some VoIP devices cannot work properly during power outages, and the service provider may not supply backup power.
3. VoIP service providers can or cannot offer directory assistance.

Key differences between the SIP and VoIP

There are various key differences between SIP and VoIP. Some of the key differences between SIP and VoIP are as follows:

1. SIP is an abbreviation for Session Initiation Protocol. In contrast, VoIP is an abbreviation for Voice over Internet Protocol.
2. SIP is a set of rules governing multimedia exchange over the internet. In contrast, VoIP technology enables voice calls to be made utilizing a broadband Internet connection rather than a traditional phone line.
3. SIP is more flexible than VoIP. In contrast, VoIP is less flexible than the SIP protocol.
4. SIP is an application layer protocol. In contrast, VoIP is a Layer 3 network protocol.
5. SIP systems operate independently of other devices and just need a modem to work. In contrast, VoIP systems require a PC to make and receive calls.
6. SIP protocol may transport any form of media. On the other hand, VoIP protocol may only send and receive voice calls and messages.
7. Both SIP and VoIP protocols are compatible with the internet.
8. The SIP protocol doesn't depend on any other device. In contrast, VoIP protocol depends on the devices that provide internet.
9. The SIP protocol is connected to a signalling protocol to manipulate technologies. In contrast, VoIP protocol is associated with distinct and widely recognized technology.
10. SIP utilizes a number of systems to handle various functions. In contrast, the VoIP protocol utilizes a single system to handle all functions.

Head-to-head comparison between SIP and VoIP

Here, you will learn the head-to-head comparisons between SIP and VoIP. The main differences between SIP and VoIP are as follows:

Conclusion

SIP is utilized to build a VoIP system that links you to phone networks. SIP is a protocol primarily utilized for signalling and establishing internet phone calls, video calls, and other multimedia communications. In contrast, the VIOP is utilized to push voice traffic through the IP network. The SIP protocol has the benefit of intelligently interacting with other protocols.