Secure Text in SIP Based VoIP
Abstract: Historically, as new technologies evolve and start to become viable business
tools there has been a tendency for developers to consider the addition of
security features a performance decreasing nuisance. However, with security
becoming an increasingly important issue in modern day computer
environments, it is becoming vital to consider how to protect a system
before incorporating it in daily business operations. Due to the increasing
interest in computer based media communication, for example VoIP
applications, there exists a need for security solutions which make these
technologies reliable enough to carry important information. This thesis
examines how to secure a SIP session and associated media streams, in
particular considering media streams carrying ‘RTP Payload for Text
Conversation’ (RFC 2793) data. The conclusion proposes a layered security
where additional features can be developed and added without impacting
existing security measures. The project serves as another step in a
collaborative effort to promote mainstreaming and functional enhancements
towards telecommunications access for all. Earlier efforts have produced a
product to provide text conversation in real-time applications, the purpose
of which is to provide the hard of hearing with communication opportunities
with those not proficient in sign language. Securing this type of
application is an important step in making it an attractive means of
communication.
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