Home > Ask the Unified Communications Experts > Questions & Answers > A comparison and description of SIP and H.323
Ask The Unified Communications Expert: Questions & Answers
EMAIL THIS

A comparison and description of SIP and H.323

Carrie Higbie EXPERT RESPONSE FROM: Carrie Higbie

Pose a Question
Other Unified Communications Categories
Meet all Unified Communications Experts
Become an Expert for this site


Digg This!    StumbleUpon Toolbar StumbleUpon    Bookmark with Delicious Del.icio.us   


>
QUESTION POSED ON: 07 July 2006
In selecting a protocol standard to be used for a corporate-wide VoIP implementation, what are the basic factors to consider in favor of or against H.323 versus SIP? My understanding is that SIP is a newer, less complex, more secure and fast emerging standard. Are there any compelling reasons to choose H.323?

>
This question would be answered very differently depending on whether you are implementing an entirely new system or upgrading/supplementing an existing system.

But either way -- H.323 was the first protocol around. H.323 is actually an old multimedia protocol and not all of the stack is used for plain-jane voice transmissions. The problem with some of the H.323 systems, and even some of the new SIP systems, is interoperability between like-protocol systems and with each other -- for instance: H.323 → SIP. For the most part, vendors seem to be developing the newer equipment around SIP technology.

The main advantages to SIP are speed and the virtual session it works in. Some of the older protocols could route packets any way they wanted which caused problems for reassembly. We have overcome a lot in both worlds, but in future terms, my opinion is that SIP is gaining ground. That is not to say that if you have an H.323 system, or one that can interface to an existing PBX that uses H.323, that you will be wasting your money. Both are very mature solutions these days and any inadequacies in the protocols can now be assisted by a solid infrastructure of active components. SIP does reuse the HTTP ports, so it may be a bit easier to work with for novice end users.


Digg This!    StumbleUpon Toolbar StumbleUpon    Bookmark with Delicious Del.icio.us   



RELATED CONTENT
UC strategies with Matt Brunk
What is the difference between E&M and junction lines, and do you have any advice on how to check faults in these?
How can MPLS help in VoIP implementation between a parent company and its branch offices?
What is the difference between a proxy server and B2BUA when it comes to SIP? How can I decide which one I should go for?
Can virtualization's benefits apply to UC?
How does one cope with echo in a VoIP-enabled network? What's the best way to use an echo canceller?
Does implementing VoIP security affect the QoS? How would one handle it, if it does?
Successful UC assessment team structure and methods
Do hosted and managed UC systems provide more benefits for certain enterprises?
Security concerns for migrating from open source VoIP to UC
Convergence and open source solutions the next big things in UC

VoIP Migration and Implementation
What are the operational costs associated with VoIP after implementation?
How can MPLS help in VoIP implementation between a parent company and its branch offices?
VoIP islands 101: How did we get here?
Linking VoIP islands: The value of SIP trunking
SIP trunking ROI: Linking VoIP islands and more
The benefits of linking VoIP islands
What are some best ways to save money on a VoIP deployment without losing too much quality?
Tutorial: VoIP ROI
VoIP implementation study guide
What will change for our employees when they start using VoIP?

IP Telephony Systems
What are the operational costs associated with VoIP after implementation?
Unified communications infrastructure virtualization now a reality
HD voice value proposition: Just try using an HD phone
Tutorial: Connecting and leveraging VoIP islands
VoIP islands 101: How did we get here?
Do desk phones matter in the UC everything, IP everywhere era?
The new Nortel: LTE patents reviving Nortel?
Eldorado Casino can't afford to gamble on IP-PBX telephony upgrades
Agito first to make BlackBerry a dual-mode phone
Nortel voice customers are the vendor's only enterprise asset

RELATED GLOSSARY TERMS
Terms from Whatis.com − the technology online dictionary
G.722  (SearchUnifiedCommunications.com)
SIP trunking  (SearchUnifiedCommunications.com)

RELATED RESOURCES
2020software.com, trial software downloads for accounting software, ERP software, CRM software and business software systems
Search Bitpipe.com for the latest white papers and business webcasts
Whatis.com, the online computer dictionary



Search and Browse the Expert Answer Center
Search and browse more than 25,000 question and answer pairs from more than 250 TechTarget industry experts.
Browse our Expert Advice



Voice and Data Communications Tips
About Us  |  Contact Us  |  For Advertisers  |  For Business Partners  |  Site Index  |  RSS
SEARCH 
TechTarget provides technology professionals with the information they need to perform their jobs - from developing strategy, to making cost-effective purchase decisions and managing their organizations' technology projects - with its network of technology-specific websites, events and online magazines.

TechTarget Corporate Web Site  |  Media Kits  |  Site Map




All Rights Reserved, Copyright 2008 - 2009, TechTarget | Read our Privacy Policy
  TechTarget - The IT Media ROI Experts