You’ll be consulting with companies that make software and hardware solutions for different VoIP protocols, so knowing the protocols that make up the VoIP family protocol is essential for your business. VoIP has turned out to be lucrative for developers; it has saved companies money on their telecommunications bill. However, the challenge regarding VoIP is a lack of standardization. That’s why a large VoIP protocol family exists.

VoIP protocols, such as SIP and H.323, are widely used. However, there are many proprietary protocols that companies are using to develop VoIP software and hardware. Your best bet would be to understand the most common ones that are used and their applications, then branch out and understand the other protocols. Here are three VoIP protocols you should understand first:

1. SIP voice over Internet protocol

2. H.323 voice over Internet protocol

3. MGCP protocols for VoIP

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Consult with firms that provide SIP voice over Internet protocol

SIP is a part of the VoIP family of protocols. It's used for creating and breaking down multimedia sessions, including video and voice over the Internet. Companies also use SIP for other applications, including online games, instant messaging, video conferencing, and distributing streaming multimedia. Consider consulting with businesses that specialize in this IP protocol.

I recommend: Unicoi makes software for voice over Internet protocols, most notably SIP. Its Fusion SIP software suite is designed for IP phones and other IP-enabled products. Avaya is a global and reliable leader in making VoIP protocol family software. The company specializes in making SIP solutions for Fortune 500 corporations.

Work with companies that provide H.323 voice over Internet protocol

H.323 is one of the most popular protocols for VoIP. This voice over Internet protocol is designed for providing audio-visual communication sessions on a packet network. Manufacturers of voice and video conferencing equipment use this VoIP protocol. Examples of applications that have been created, supporting this protocol, are NetMeeting and GnuGK.

I recommend: SysMaster Corp. makes a switch that supports the H.323 protocol. Based in California, this company has been in business since 1998. VSGI is another company that makes products that support the H.323 protocol. It specializes in making equipment for video conferencing.

Consult with companies that provide MGCP protocols for VoIP

MGCP is one of the most reliable and widely used of VoIP family of protocols. It complements both SIP and H.323. MGCP consists of a Call Agent, along with MG (media gateway), which converts the media signals between packets and circuits. This VoIP signaling protocol also contains an SG (signaling gateway), which connects the MG to the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network).

I recommend: Spirent Communications makes testing equipment that is compatible with the MGCP protocol. Its testing equipment is designed for service providers and equipment manufacturers. As a result, these companies are able to test the change from legacy to converged networks. You’ll also want to look at Audio Codes’ PCI Media Gateway Blade that supports the MGCP protocol. This company was founded in 1998.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Stick with companies that develop applications for widely used VoIP protocols. You'll likely continue to get more customers. Businesses tend to stick with proven VoIP protocols, rather than try new or proprietary ones.