SIP

Updated: 09/12/2023 by Computer Hope

SIP may refer to any of the following:

1. Short for single in-line package, SIP is a computer chip packaging containing one row of connection pins, unlike DIPs (dual in-line packages) that contain two rows.

Illustration of a DIP and SIP

SIP spelled out.

2. Short for Session Initiation Protocol, SIP is a signaling protocol for initiating, maintaining, modifying, and terminating real-time sessions involving voice, video, and other communications. SIP works with Internet telephony systems, often called VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), private telephones, and mobile telephones that utilize LTE (Long-Term Evolution). It also finds applications in video conferencing and instant messaging. In general, SIP dictates the format for exchanging messages and communication sequencing for participants.

Being a text-based protocol, SIP incorporates many elements of SMTP (simple mail transfer protocol) and HTTP (hypertext transfer protocol). It is designed to work independently from TLP (transport layer protocol) and can be used with UDP (user datagram protocol), TCP (transmission control protocol), and SCTP (stream control transmission protocol). If needed, SIP can be encrypted with TLS (transport layer security).

Computer abbreviations, DIP, Electronics terms, Real-time, SAP, Terminate