SIP vs. VoIP – What’s The Difference ?
Decades ago, our only option when we want to talk to someone from miles away is to dial the wired telephone. This technology uses PSTN lines to allow us to make calls. The advancement of technology, however, has given us a lot of options in terms of the method by which we communicate. SIP and VoIP are examples of this technology. Although these two allow us to make calls over the internet, they are not the same.
In this article, we will define in the simplest way possible what is SIP and VoIP. We will also explore the key differences between the two. Read on for more information.
VoIP Defined
VoIP is a communications protocol that enables people to send voice messages over the internet. Anything that allows you to make voice call over the internet is a VoIP. VoIP is widely used by small businesses all over the world. VoIP work very much like the regular telephone but the main difference is that it runs the voice data in a network.
SIP Defined
SIP stands for Sessions Initiation Protocol, a communications protocol that is so powerful in that it allows people to send and receive multimedia messages over the internet. SIP trunks can handle all types of media – voice, data, and video. Because of this, most companies who employees work remotely prefer SIP over other communication protocol.
Key Differences Between SIP and VoIP
These two communication protocols are very different from each other in certain aspects. However, there is some sort of overlap since VoIP makes use of SIP as a signaling protocol that enable the exchange of voice data. Below are the major differences between the two.
1. Device
VoIP handsets are different from SIP handsets. VoIP handset or VoIP phones need to be connected to a computer that has an internet connection in order to make calls. The computer must be turned on as well. In contrast, SIP phones do not need to be connected to a computer. It basically works much like a regular phone, but it needs a modem to be able to make send and receive multimedia messages. SIP can be used
In video conferencing, media distribution, and instant messaging.
2.Data Handling
Another difference is that a VoIP only allows for voice messages, while SIP can handle all forms of media which includes voice messages. SIP sends these data packets through networks. Because of this, SIP users can make voice and video calls over the internet for free.
3. Scope
VoIP is a technology that makes use of other protocols, one of which is SIP. It is basically just made up of different technologies that make it work the way it does. SIP, on the other hand, can be used by itself and is preferred by most businesses these days.
SIP vs VoIP – Which One is Better?
If you look at it closely, there is really no competition between SIP and VoIP. There is no such thing as an SIP vs VoIP because SIP is one of the protocols that makes VoIP work. In essence, these two are not in the same parallel level.
For business owners, the right question to ask is “Do I switch from the regular PSTN services to SIP?” PSTN is your regular telephone service, and more and more business owners are leaving this and switching to SIP. Here are a few reasons:
1. Affordability
Using SIP can significantly lower costs since the cost of line rental is cheaper compared to that of PSTN lines.
2. Independent Network Access
SIP can use any type of data network in transmitting packets. Thus, whether it’s copper, fiber, or wireless network, your SIP service will work.
3. Scalability
Your SIP provider of choice can evaluate and scale the size of your home or office without having to install new devices, and with no significant addition to the cost.
4. Security
Now that we have established the fact that there is no real competition between SIP and VoIP, we move on to the most important question: how can you secure your line of communication?
The most effective way is by using a VPN to protect the privacy of your SIP/VoIP communications. A VPN encrypts all data that travels from your network to the destination network. So whether it is voice data, video data, and other types of multimedia, everything will be encrypted.
To Wrap Up
Almost every one of us has used Skype, Vonage, Facebook Messenger, Google Hangouts, and other applications that make use of SIP and VoIP. Now that we have a basic understanding of these technologies, we know that these makes use of the internet and are therefore vulnerable to cybercrime issues.
If you are a business owner who uses SIP in your company, securing your communication network is even more important to make sure that your business data are kept safe. Using a VPN is a viable option to achieve security.
