SIP: Session Initiation Protocol

SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) is an application-layer control protocol that can establish, modify, and terminate multimedia sessions such as Internet telephony calls (VOIP). SIP can also invite participants to already existing sessions, such as multicast conferences. Media can be added to (and removed from) an existing session. SIP transparently supports name mapping and redirection services, which supports personal mobility - users can maintain a single externally visible identifier regardless of their network location.

SIP supports five facets of establishing and terminating multimedia communications:

User location: determination of the end system to be used for communication;
User availability: determination of the willingness of the called party to engage in communications;
User capabilities: determination of the media and media parameters to be used;
Session setup: "ringing", establishment of session parameters at both called and calling party;
Session management: including transfer and termination of sessions, modifying session parameters, and invoking services.