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What Is SIP and How Does It Apply to Your Office Telephone System?

Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is a protocol for controlling voice and video communication sessions (calls) over an IP network. It contains instructions for processing the call and identifying its origin, destination, components, and status. 


SIP is used in Internet telephony, video conferencing, and to send SMS messages. Popular VoIP (Voice Over IP) calling services may use SIP (or other communication protocols). However unlike VoIP, SIP is not limited to voice and can also carry video and data. 


Another important distinction is that physical SIP phones can function completely independently of a computer, making them ideal for a business environment. A SIP phone only needs a good broadband connection.


Sip phones are available as an actual physical phones or as a software solution (a softphone). A SIP phone looks like any regular business phone but is designed to handle calls over an Internet connection instead of traditional phone lines (also known as POTS.) It can have both Ethernet ports and standard phone ports. A softphone allows a personal computer or mobile device to emulate the functionality of a SIP phone. 


With Telebroad you can implement either approach or combine them. Our PBXellent platform is completely cloud-based and is designed to handle all your calls, voicemails, messages, and faxes from a computer or a mobile device. Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and web devices are all supported. We also offer the added convenience of PBXellent compatible SIP phones to suit your needs.