SIP Vs IP – A detailed comparative review

IP protocols have been used as the blueprint to design various communication protocol systems such as SIP. Should you go for the traditional IP protocols or the traditional IP for your organisation?

The main distinction between SIP and IP protocols in communication, is that traditional IP protocols are limited to the transmission of voice data, which is why it is sometimes referred to as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) in telephony while SIP protocols allow the system to transmit multimedia data across the internet; audio and video. This review attempts to go into the finer details and specifications of these two system in order to enable the reader to make an informed choice between the two, clearly identifying the one that best suits their requirements.

What are the differences between SIP and IP?

Feature	SIP (Winner)	IP
Media transmission	Multimedia data	Voice data
Security	Low	High
Depends on bandwidth	Yes	Yes

SIP Vs IP- How do they compare?

Scope

This is one of the major differences between the functionalities of IP and SIP. IP phones are also referred to as VoIP phones, and are only equipped to transmit only voice messages, which limits its scope of use. On the other hand, SIP phones are equipped to allow users to transmit a wide range of media types. It does this by having data networks, through which SIP trunks send data packets, including data, video or voice content, giving it a wider scope than IP phones.

Devices

IP handsets and SIP handsets are very different. VoIP phones, which are the traditional IP handsets for transferring voice data need to be connected to a computer device in order to allow them to receive and make calls. An additional requirement is that the computer device in question must also be on. SIP handsets do not have this connection limitation. They only require a source of reliable and consistent internet access like a modem making them like traditional phone. This aspect makes SIP devices more convenient to use.

It is notable that since SIP is created based on IP protocols, an SIP handset can also be referred to as an IP handset since it has the ability to transfer voice data as well.

Traffic handling

IP and SIP systems handle data traffic in different ways. IP hosts organise, filter and direct data traffic from one central network, on a server. This working of the system makes it prone to overloads in the situation where there is a large amount of data traffic, which negatively impacts on the rest of the system, making it slow and unreliable. SIP systems are multiple and processed by each user’s individual system. This style that bounces off various users allows the system to comfortably handle large amounts of traffic. SIP systems handle high amounts and heavy loads of traffic better than IP systems.

Security

As mentioned above, the IP protocol system is designed as a single network system which makes it slow when there is increased traffic. The benefit to this singularity is that there is a low number of communication points which makes it easy to create a strong security defence. On the other hand, SIP systems have a peer to peer style of system that allows it to handle large amounts of data by allowing it to be processed by each individual user. This protocol makes SIP less secure and reliable than IP.

SIP Vs IP- A comparison review

SIP

Session Initiation Protocol, SIP, is a communication system that operates to allow users to transmit multimedia data over the internet, either using the open web or a dedicated internet connection. Although both options are equally as efficient, using a protected and dedicated internet connection ensures that the data is protected from bugging and hacking, which may not be the case once it is out in the open web. An added feature of SIP protocols in communication is that the service offers a failover for its users, allowing them to access the service on their mobile phones, in the case of loss of internet availability perhaps due to a blackout. It is becoming popular because it allows its users to transmit multimedia over the internet, depending purely on bandwidth and the service provider to deliver its quality of service.

Pros

• The user has the option of integrating the system with their existing PRI lines which creates a hybrid system.
• The system can offer built in integration features that work well with business software and applications for better productivity
• It includes administrative tools that are user friendly allowing the user to add lines and features with ease
• It has flexible pricing because of its capacity to allow and encourage businesses to buy lines and add on features depending on demand
• The system has the ability to integrate seamlessly with cloud applications
• In the case of loss of data connectivity, the system provides an allowance for employee failover to their mobile devices

Cons

• It is dependent on bandwidth to offer its quality of service365
• Its quality of service varies with different service providers
• SIP vendors provide and support different features which may not have Unified Communications offerings that are complete.
• In the case that the service is offered over a public internet service, it could be very insecure thus prone to bugging and hacking

IP

IP protocol simply refers to transmitting data over the internet. IP telephony in particular, specializes in sending voice data through a centralized linear system over the internet. This feature allows it to be synonymously used with the term VoIP, Voice over Internet Protocol. Its call quality and reliability is directly proportional to the strength and reliability of the bandwidth of the internet connection it is working on. It is most preferred to replace a PBE system (Private branch exchange). Since it is dependent on bandwidth, its devices require a functional internet connection to operate. In addition to this, they need to be connected to a computer in order to obtain an IP address, through which data can be sent or received.

Pros

• It has a low initial set up and investment cost
• It has a flat rate monthly billing, which makes its ongoing call costs predictable
• Its systems do not need on-site installation making them highly portable
• Most providers of IP systems do not offer long-term contracts of service
• Basic IP plans have limited features like call waiting, caller ID and call forwarding
• It is easy to secure the system

Cons

• It cannot be integrated with Microsoft office, Drop Box and Salesforce
• It is dependent on bandwidth for its quality of service and availability
• It does not support multimedia communications
• Some of its services may not support mobile applications or mobile integration

Conclusion

The most rewarding feature of IP telephony would be its security. It has a singular data travel wave which is very easy to secure, making the voice data in the system difficult to hack. This makes it best suited for users who are highly concerned with security. SIP systems are best known for their flexibility both with their devices and in interaction with different protocols. This makes it the bet pick for users who require flexibility and would like a system that can transfer different forms of media like video and audio.

Verdict- So which is better, SIP or IP?

SIP and IP are designed to appeal to different users. However, SIP would be the better option because it is very convenient to use and handles a lot of data traffic without lagging in addition to being able to interact with other protocols intelligently.

FAQs

How do I get an SIP address?

The easiest way to obtain an SIP address is creating an ordinary account with an online service of your choice. An example of this is creating an email account with a trusted provider like Yahoo or google after which you will be given an email address, which can be used as an SIP address.

What is an SIP gateway?

This is a device that has the ability to connect to your open internet source like your modem, and uses this connection to relay the data that it reads from your computer software, communication system and various internet enabled devices, like webcams and microphones.