Telephony Protocols
Telephony protocols are standardized communication rules and formats that enable voice, video, and data transmission over telephone networks, including traditional PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) and modern VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) systems. They define how devices establish, maintain, and terminate calls, handle signaling, and manage media streams. Key examples include SIP (Session Initiation Protocol), H.323, and RTP (Real-time Transport Protocol).
Developers should learn telephony protocols when building communication applications such as VoIP clients, call centers, unified communications platforms, or integrating telephony features into software (e.g., click-to-call, IVR systems). They are essential for ensuring interoperability, reliability, and security in real-time voice and video communications, particularly in industries like telecommunications, customer service, and enterprise software.