S
Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)
Definition
(Context: General)
A signaling protocol developed by the IETF. The SIP protocol has not yet been ratified as a standard. SIP is primarily used for voice over IP (VoIP) calls but also may be used for other communications including video, instant messaging, and gaming. SIP is a text-based protocol that is based on HTTP and MIME. SIP is used as one part of a protocol stack that is intended to provide seamless, continuous, end-to-end communications similar to what is provided by the PSTN. SIP is responsible for setting up and taking down the connection. SIP also provides services such as dialing a number, causing a phone to ring, and providing ring back tones or busy signals. SIP is included as part of the IMS subsystem.