Understanding SIP Registration Methods in AOS Voice Devices

Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) registration is a crucial process in establishing voice communication between devices and a softswitch within a network. Various methods of SIP registration are employed depending on the specific requirements of the network and the capabilities of the devices involved. This article will explore the different SIP registration methods supported in AOS voice devices, providing a clear understanding of their application and configuration.

1. No Registration

In some cases, a softswitch may not require SIP registration for communication with an AOS voice device. Instead, the softswitch is configured to recognize static IP addresses, which are predetermined and associated with specific users or extensions. This method is often utilized in environments where static IP routing is sufficient for call management.

Configuration Example:

For an AOS voice device, the configuration under the “No Registration” method is straightforward. The device’s IP address or Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) is statically set within the softswitch, enabling the routing of calls directly to and from the device.

interface eth 0/1
  ip address 10.10.10.1 255.255.255.0
  media-gateway ip primary
  no shutdown
!
voice trunk t01 type sip
  sip-server primary 192.168.1.1
!
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 10.10.10.254

In this scenario, the softswitch uses the IP address 10.10.10.1 for communication, bypassing the need for SIP registration.

2. Trunk Registration

When dealing with softswitches that mandate SIP registration, the AOS voice device must register with the softswitch using specific credentials. This method is known as “Trunk Registration” and is typically used when the softswitch requires authentication to manage calls for a particular user or extension.

Configuration Example:

With trunk registration, the AOS device sends registration messages to the SIP server, including the necessary authentication details if prompted by the softswitch.

interface eth 0/1
  ip address 10.10.10.1 255.255.255.0
  media-gateway ip primary
  no shutdown
!
voice trunk t01 type sip
  sip-server primary 192.168.1.1
  register 1000 auth-name 1000 password 1234
  register range 2001-2010
  authentication username 1500 password 5678
!
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 10.10.10.254

In this example, the AOS device registers multiple extensions (1000, and 2001-2010) with the SIP server 192.168.1.1, using specific credentials when necessary.

3. User Registration

“User Registration” is another method supported by AOS voice devices, allowing SIP registration on a per-user basis. This method is particularly useful when multiple registered numbers from different SIP trunks need to terminate to a single user. The registration process remains similar to trunk registration but offers greater flexibility in managing multiple SIP identities.

Configuration Example:

In this method, SIP identities are configured for individual users, allowing registration of different extensions to different SIP trunks.

interface eth 0/1
  ip address 10.10.10.1 255.255.255.0
  media-gateway ip primary
  no shutdown
!
voice trunk t01 type sip
  sip-server primary 192.168.1.1
!
voice trunk t02 type sip
  sip-server primary 192.168.2.1
!
voice user 3000
  connect fxs 0/1
  sip-identity 3500 t01 register  
  sip-identity 4000 t02 register auth-name 4500 password 1234

In this setup, user 3000 registers two extensions (3500 and 4000) to different SIP trunks (T01 and T02), with 4000 requiring authentication.

Conclusion

Understanding the various SIP registration methods supported by AOS voice devices is essential for network administrators managing voice communication systems. Whether opting for static IP routing with no registration, using trunk registration with specific credentials, or configuring user-based SIP identities, the flexibility provided by these methods ensures compatibility with a wide range of network environments and softswitch requirements. By selecting the appropriate registration method, administrators can optimize the performance and reliability of their voice communication networks.