A SIP phone, short for Session Initiation Protocol phone, refers to a device that enables voice communication over the internet through the use of the SIP protocol. SIP phones are commonly used in Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems to facilitate audio calls and support various telephony functions.
A SIP phone usually resembles a traditional telephone handset and is equipped with an integrated circuit that enables it to communicate with other SIP endpoints. These endpoints can include other SIP phones, Softphones (software-based phones), PBX (Private Branch Exchange) systems, and even the traditional public switched telephone network (PSTN).
SIP phones use the SIP protocol as a signaling protocol to establish, modify, and terminate voice calls. The SIP protocol works on the application layer of the TCP/IP protocol suite and is responsible for initiating and terminating multimedia sessions, including voice, video, and instant messaging.
SIP phones often have various features and functionalities, including call transfer, hold, conference calling, call waiting, and voicemail. They typically connect to the internet or local area network (LAN) either through an Ethernet cable or wirelessly via Wi-Fi. SIP phones can be standalone hardware devices or software-based applications that run on smartphones, tablets, or computers.
Overall, a SIP phone allows individuals and businesses to make and receive voice calls using the internet or VoIP networks, offering flexibility, cost savings, and advanced telephony features compared to traditional telephones.
