What Is a SIP Phone & How Does It Work? An In-Depth Look

Do you want to know more about SIP phones and their functionality? For businesses and IT lovers, knowing Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phones can be a game-changer in the world of telecommunications. 

This blog is definitely for you if you want your business to operate more efficiently, provide exceptional customer service, and have smooth online communication. This article will teach you everything there is to know about what is SIP Phone, how they work, and the key features they offer businesses.

Let’s dive in!!!!! 

What is SIP Phone?

A SIP phone is a device that places and receives phone calls via the Internet. It uses Voice over IP (VoIP) technology to send voice data over the Internet in place of traditional phone lines. Compared to conventional phones, this allows many advantages, such as reduced costs, more advanced features, and wideband audio (HD voice).

What is SIP?

SIP, also known as Session Initiation Protocol, is a communication technology that manages multimedia communication, such as video and voice calls. It is used to establish real-time voice, video, and messaging between two or more devices. 

SIP phones, unlike other phone systems, depend on Internet technology to provide safe and dependable call-making. Thanks to the SIP protocol, businesses can benefit from unified communications, which combines standard phone features with email, instant messaging, video, and more. Many organizations have moved towards SIP phones when they need scalability, dependability, and unlimited voice calls.

How do SIP Phones Work?

A call placed from an SIP phone informs the SIP server to which it is connected, usually the VoIP service provided by the business. After that, the SIP server either connects to a new extension or routes the call to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). When the person on the other end answers the phone, the call is established. SIP phones negotiate the call’s quality and status automatically and in real-time.

 Here’s how SIP phones work, broken down into key points:

• To make a call, a user takes up the SIP phone’s handset and enters a number.
• The SIP phone informs the SIP server it is registered with through an SIP “invite” message, and the user’s intention to start a call is indicated by this message.
• The call then routes over the Public Switched Telephone Network or connects to another extension registered to the same SIP server.
• Once the call is answered, the SIP exchanges information to set up two-way audio transmission and agrees on which codecs and bandwidth to use.
• The phone then continues to keep signaling messages to ensure quality and give status updates. 
• When one party hangs up, a SIP “bye” message is issued, ending the call for both individuals and cutting off the media session.

Top features of a SIP phone

The following are some of the top features of a SIP phone:

1. Call Management

SIP phones allow clear conversations with features like internet-based high-definition voice calling. Users can effortlessly transfer calls to other devices or colleagues, put missed calls on automatic redial, ban calls from unwanted numbers, and put calls on hold with music or messages for the caller.

2. Call Recording

Call recording is a feature that lets users record conversations for documentation, regulation, or quality control. Businesses that need to keep records or examine phone conversations will find this feature very helpful. Depending on the model of the SIP phone, call recording is typically controlled using the phone’s interface or built-in software.

3. Call Forwarding 

With call forwarding, you never miss a call, even when you’re not at your desk. You can divert calls to many phones at once, to your voicemail, or to a different number. This feature helps with connectivity and ensures that important calls are received and handled efficiently, no matter where you are.

4. WiFi Calling

With Wi-Fi calling, you can make and receive calls via any Wi-Fi network without requiring a desk or traditional phone lines. This feature allows you to call places using Wi-Fi, which increases mobility and maintains connectivity even when you’re not within range of your main phone network.

5. Conferencing Calling

Conference calling allows multiple participants to join a single conversation, making it ideal for meetings and group discussions. This feature allows everyone to contribute at the same time, regardless of location, and it promotes group discussions, efficient decision-making, and teamwork.

6. Multimedia Communication

In addition to audio calls, SIP phones support video calls, allowing face-to-face interactions with clients or colleagues. They also set up instant messaging for real-time texting and conference calls for group discussions to enhance teamwork.

💌You may also like: Hosted PBX vs SIP Trunking: Key differences 

What are the benefits of SIP phones?

The following are the key benefits of SIP phones:

I. Global mobility 

SIP helps your business achieve its goals of rapid multilocation expansion. By combining your data and voice into a single network, you can connect your company’s geographical regions and remote workers. Thanks to SIP’s quick scalability, your company may expand very quickly when you add new locations or hire full-time remote workers.

II. Cost saving 

One of the main advantages of SIP phones is their affordability; VoIP technology dramatically reduces long-distance and international call prices when compared to traditional phone lines. SIP phones are becoming a more cost-effective choice for both personal and commercial communications because of their reduced price, which lowers telecommunication costs.

III. Enhanced security

SIP phones offer enhanced security. They employ secure protocols and encryption to prevent illegal access and phone eavesdropping. SIP phones ensure that private and confidential conversations remain that way, making them a safe choice for both personal and professional contacts.

IV. Advanced features

Businesses can benefit from SIP trunking’s advanced features, which include voicemail to email, call forwarding, and auto-attendant. These features help companies to enhance client satisfaction and their communication channels. By incorporating advanced features such as call forwarding, call handling, video calling, etc., SIP phones help to meet diverse communication needs and simplify interactions for both personal and professional use.

V. Unified communication

SIP trunking combines text, video, voice, and collaboration features on one platform to help businesses achieve unified communications. This allows staff members to communicate more effectively and efficiently from any place or device.

VI. Easy and simple management

Never again will your agents have to utilize their mobile devices to wait on hold to talk to a customer support agent. VoIP phones and SIP trunking provide simple administrative entrances for on-site control, allowing for the addition of totally on-demand phone lines, change of extensions, and call routing adjustments.

VII. Customization

SIP trunking‘s flexibility lets you create personalized calling plans that make international calling more affordable. Businesses have the option of committing to a subscription or selecting a pay-as-you-go plan. As an alternative, companies can reduce costs by purchasing calling time based on the countries where they most frequently call.

Types of SIP phones

Multiple types of SIP phones are available to assist different communication requirements and settings. Each type has been designed to utilize the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) to allow VoIP conversations, providing capabilities customized for particular contexts. 

SIP phones increase flexibility and connectivity in various conditions, from standard desk phones for offices to softphones that operate on PCs and mobile devices. The following are the types of SIP phones:

1. Desk Phones
2. Softphones
3. Cordless SIP Phones
4. Wi-Fi SIP Phones
5. Video SIP Phones
6. IP Conference Phones

Here are some top-rated SIP phones:

1. Cisco 8800 Series

The Cisco 8800 Series provides a range of desk phones with flexible advanced features perfect for business use. These phones are well known for their strong build, simple user interfaces, and excellent high-definition audio.  

Key features:

• Color Displays
• Bluetooth and USB Support
• High-Definition Audio
• Security Features

2. Avaya 9600 Series

The Avaya 9600 Series covers a broad range of business requirements with its devices, from entry-level desk phones to high-end models with advanced features. These phone’s excellent audio quality and clear UI make them perfect for executive and general office use.

Key features:

• Call Management Features
• Enhanced Security
• Integrated Bluetooth and USB
• Multiple Line Support

3. Panasonic KX-NT560

Panasonic KX-NT560 is a high-performance SIP phone with cutting-edge features and a simple UI. It is meant for professional use and functions effectively in situations where efficient call handling and excellent communication are important.

Key features: 

• USB Port
• High-Definition Audio
• Integrated Bluetooth
• Call Management

4. Mitel 6900 Series

 The Mitel 6900 Series meets a range of corporate needs, from basic office use to high-end management requirements. This series, which is renowned for its high-definition audio, user-friendly interfaces, and adaptable options, aims to boost output and improve communication.

Key features:

• Video Calling Support
• Advanced Call Management
• Programmable Keys
• High-Definition Audio

Differences between VoIP vs. SIP

Final Words 

In conclusion, SIP phones are very beneficial and safe for both business and individual use. SIP phones offer the best security features and are also a cost-effective solution. 

Additionally, it also allows you to communicate with clients via phone conversations, video chats, and conferences, which improves client calling experiences while expediting corporate communication.

FAQs

What does SIP mean in phones?

SIP calling, also known as Session Initiation Protocol, is a process of transferring voice calls over a SIP trunk or channel. It is a communication protocol used over IP networks to start, stop, and resume real-time sessions involving message, voice, video, and other communications applications. 

What is an example of a SIP phone?

A well-known example of a SIP phone is the Cisco 8800 series, such as the Cisco 8841. It supports SIP protocols for making calls over IP networks. 

What is the difference between an IP phone and a SIP phone?

A SIP phone is a protocol that facilitates many VoIP calls, whereas an IP phone uses the Internet Protocol to make and receive calls. 

What is the SIP mode in the phone?

SIP mode on a phone allows users to use the Session Initiation Protocol for making VoIP calls. It allows the phone to connect to a SIP server and handle calls over the internet rather than traditional phone networks. 

Is SIP calling free?

Most SIP calling is free if you use a VoIP service with no charges, but some providers may have fees or charges for certain features or calls.