SIP Paging Software Overview

Core functionalities and features of  SIP paging software

Bekiot SIP paging software leverages the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) to enable one-way audio broadcasts over an IP network. At its core, it allows users to initiate an audio page from a paging source (such as a desk phone, PC software, or mobile app) and have that audio delivered simultaneously to multiple paging endpoints . Key components include a paging source (initiator of the message), a paging endpoint (recipient device like an IP speaker or phone), and a SIP server or IP-PBX that manages the session setup . The software handles SIP signaling to establish the call and uses Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP) to stream audio to the endpoints. Most systems support both unicast and multicast modes: unicast pages send individual SIP calls to each endpoint, while multicast sends a single audio stream to a multicast group address that all target endpoints listen to . Multicast is more efficient for large groups, as the server only maintains one stream instead of many . The following diagram illustrates this fundamental difference.
Common features of SIP paging solutions include:

• One-Way Paging: Transmit announcements from a microphone or audio source to speakers/phones without two-way communication. This is the primary function for public address systems. Many systems support paging to predefined groups or zones of endpoints. For example, a school could page all classrooms or just a specific grade level.
• Two-Way Intercom: Some Bekiot SIP paging software also allows intercom functionality, where endpoints can both transmit and receive audio. This enables communication between a paging station and a remote speaker (e.g. a door intercom or emergency station). In intercom mode, an endpoint might auto-answer a call and allow two-way talk.
• Scheduled Paging: The ability to schedule recurring announcements or tones. Schools often use this for bell schedules – the software can automatically trigger a bell sound or announcement at set times each day. Businesses might schedule daily briefings or closing announcements. Scheduling features typically include a calendar interface to set up these events.
• Emergency Alerts: Integration of emergency notification capabilities. This can include priority paging that interrupts other audio, strobe light triggers, or sirens. Many SIP paging systems can tie into emergency systems to broadcast evacuation instructions or alerts instantly to all zones. Some solutions allow an emergency alert to automatically override background music or normal paging with a loud alert tone and message.
• Background Music (BGM): Support for playing music or audio streams over the paging speakers during non-announcement times. The paging software or endpoints can play audio from network sources (radio streams, music playlists) and automatically duck or pause the music when a live page comes in. This is common in retail or hospitality environments where background music is desired but announcements must interrupt it.
• Zone Partitioning: The system can divide endpoints into different zones or groups for targeted paging. For instance, a hospital might have zones by department (ICU, cafeteria, lobby) so that pages can be sent to specific areas. Zone paging ensures the right audience hears the message, improving efficiency . Zones can be managed in software, and many solutions support up to dozens or even hundreds of zones (some systems support 90+ zones or more) .
• Integration with Phones and Apps: Since SIP is used, regular SIP phones or softphones can often be used as paging stations or endpoints. A user can dial a paging group from their desk phone to initiate a page . Conversely, IP phones can be set to auto-answer paging calls and act as speakers for the page. Mobile apps or desktop softphone applications can also trigger pages if they connect to the SIP paging system. This integration means no special hardware phone is strictly needed – existing VoIP phones and even smartphones can serve as paging transmitters or receivers.
• Multi-Channel Audio and Codecs: Bekiot SIP paging software typically supports standard audio codecs like G.711 (PCM), G.722 (wideband), and sometimes Opus or others for efficient streaming. It handles audio mixing if multiple sources need to be combined (though paging is usually one-way). Some advanced systems allow mixing background music with announcements (at a lower volume) or playing pre-recorded messages alongside live audio.
• Management and Monitoring: A management interface (often web-based) allows administrators to configure endpoints, zones, and users. They can monitor the status of paging devices (online/offline), and sometimes check the history of pages. Security features like user authentication for who can page, and possibly encryption (SRTP) for audio, may be included. Firmware updates for endpoints and system diagnostics are also managed through the software.

Overall, Bekiot SIP paging software provides a flexible, IP-based public address solution with features that combine traditional paging functionality (one-way audio broadcast, zones, bells) with modern capabilities (integration with VoIP systems, automation, and remote access).

Benefits and use cases of Bekiot SIP paging software

SIP-based paging offers several benefits over traditional analog paging systems. Because it runs over an IP network, it eliminates the need for separate paging wiring – existing Ethernet infrastructure can carry both data and audio . This often results in faster and more flexible installation, and reduces infrastructure costs by unifying voice and data networks . Scalability is another advantage: adding a new paging zone or endpoint is as simple as connecting a device to the network and configuring it, rather than pulling new audio cables. SIP paging systems are also highly integratable with other communication systems – they can work with IP PBX phone systems, IP cameras (for example, triggering a page when a security camera detects motion), and even mobile devices, creating a unified communication environment . Centralized management is easier with software control; administrators can manage paging groups and settings from a single console, and even perform remote updates or emergency broadcasts from anywhere on the network. Additionally, many SIP paging solutions support multicast distribution, which means the server sends one audio stream that multiple speakers receive. This is bandwidth-efficient and ensures all speakers play the message in sync, which is crucial for large-area coverage . In summary, the benefits include simplified infrastructure, easier expansion, better integration (especially with VoIP), and advanced features like scheduling and multicast that improve performance and functionality.
bekiot A comprehensive IP audio management software with an embedded SIP server. It supports up to 1000 SIP endpoints and allows grouping of IP speakers, intercoms, microphones, and phones for unified control . Features include one-way paging, two-way intercom, background music, emergency broadcasts, and integration with ONVIF cameras for combined audio/visual alerts . It provides a central web-based management console and supports scheduled tasks and multi-user access.
Due to these advantages, Bekiot SIP paging software is used in a wide range of applications:

• Enterprise and Office Buildings: Companies use IP paging for internal announcements, emergency alerts (like fire alarms or lockdowns), and intercom communication between departments. In large offices or campuses, SIP paging can replace legacy PA systems, allowing HR or security to make company-wide announcements through ceiling speakers or desk phones. It can also integrate with access control – for example, an employee at a front desk intercom can page the IT department directly from their phone when a visitor arrives.
• Schools and Universities: Educational institutions are major users of paging systems. Bekiot SIP paging software is ideal for daily bell schedules, lunch announcements, emergency lockdown procedures, and general PA announcements. Schools can set up scheduled bell tones that ring through all classrooms automatically. During emergencies, administrators can quickly broadcast safety instructions to all rooms. The integration with IP phones means teachers or staff can page the main office from their classroom phone easily. Schools with multiple buildings can extend paging over the campus network without running new cables to each building.
• Healthcare Facilities: Hospitals and clinics use paging for overhead pages (e.g. “Code Blue” alerts, physician pages) and public announcements. SIP paging allows hospitals to replace or augment old paging systems with an IP-based solution that can deliver high-quality audio and integrate with nurse call systems or emergency alarms. It supports paging to waiting areas, patient rooms (through in-room speakers or phones), and staff areas. Because it’s IP-based, it can also be extended to mobile devices – for instance, a doctor’s smartphone could receive a page or alert through the SIP system. This improves communication efficiency in critical environments. Many healthcare providers also use background music in lobbies or hallways, which SIP paging systems can provide and then override for urgent pages.
• Retail and Hospitality: In retail stores, malls, and hotels, paging systems are used for customer announcements (such as store closing times, lost child announcements) and staff communications. Bekiot SIP paging software can deliver these announcements through ceiling speakers in each store or throughout a mall. A key use in hospitality is paging staff – for example, a hotel concierge can page maintenance or housekeeping via the SIP system, which can ring on staff IP phones or dedicated paging speakers in back areas. The integration with VoIP means hotel guests’ phones could also be used for emergency notifications if needed. Retailers also appreciate the background music capability and the ability to send timed announcements (like hourly promotions) automatically.
• Industrial and Manufacturing: Factories and warehouses use paging to communicate with workers on the floor, especially in noisy environments where voice can cut through. SIP paging endpoints (often weatherized or high-volume speakers) can be installed in warehouses to announce shift changes, safety messages, or to locate personnel. Because these systems run on the data network, they can be deployed across large facilities and even multiple sites connected by VPN/WAN. Industrial users also use paging for emergency evacuation alerts. The reliability and low latency of IP networks (with proper QoS) make SIP paging suitable for mission-critical alerts in factories. Additionally, integration with existing IP infrastructure means maintenance and IT staff can manage the paging system alongside other network devices.
• Transportation and Public Venues: Airports, train stations, stadiums, and other public venues have long used PA systems for passenger information and safety. Modern SIP-based paging can enhance these by leveraging networked audio. For example, an airport can use SIP paging to broadcast flight announcements to different gates or terminals through networked speakers. The benefit is the ability to manage audio zones (each gate area as a zone) from a central system and integrate with flight information systems to automate announcements. Stadiums and arenas can use IP paging for PA announcements and even integrate with scoreboards or emergency systems. These environments often combine SIP paging with digital signage – since the same network carries data, an announcement can be displayed on screens simultaneously as it’s paged. The scalability of SIP paging allows coverage of very large areas with many speakers while maintaining synchronized audio.
• Government and Emergency Services: Government buildings, military bases, and public safety organizations use paging for internal communications and public alerts. A city emergency operations center might use an SIP paging system to send emergency notifications to all city facilities or even to outdoor emergency sirens via IP gateways. In government offices, SIP paging can be used for emergency lockdowns or general announcements to employees. The advantage here is integration – paging can be tied into security systems (so that a door alarm triggers a page) or into mass notification systems that also send SMS/email. Military bases have used SIP-based intercom and paging for base-wide announcements and drills. The open standards of SIP mean these systems can interoperate with various legacy systems through gateways, which is useful in government settings that may have older equipment.

These use cases illustrate that Bekiot SIP paging software is a versatile tool for any organization that needs to broadcast audio messages efficiently. From routine announcements to emergency alerts, SIP paging provides a modern, reliable, and integrated solution.

Technical requirements and integration of Bekiot SIP paging software

Network Requirements

A robust network infrastructure is essential for SIP paging to function correctly. Paging audio is a real-time stream, so the network should have sufficient bandwidth and low latency/jitter. Administrators should ensure the LAN (and WAN, if connecting multiple sites) can handle the additional traffic from audio streams without congestion . Using Quality of Service (QoS) settings is recommended to prioritize UDP audio packets over other traffic, so that paging announcements are delivered smoothly and without delay . Many SIP paging devices support Power over Ethernet (PoE), which means they draw power through the network cable. It’s important to verify that network switches have enough PoE ports and power budget to supply all paging endpoints; otherwise, PoE injectors or upgraded switches may be needed . For large deployments, using multicast for audio distribution can reduce bandwidth usage (one stream to many receivers) , but the network must be configured to support multicast traffic (including proper router configuration if spanning VLANs or sites). Network reliability is also key – paging systems should ideally be on a stable wired network. While some IP speakers offer Wi-Fi connectivity, wireless networks can introduce latency or dropouts, so they are used cautiously and only in areas where running Ethernet is impractical. In summary, a well-designed network with adequate bandwidth, QoS, and possibly multicast support forms the backbone for SIP paging. It’s often advised to segment paging traffic on a separate VLAN for security and performance, isolating it from general data traffic .

Software and Hardware Integration

Bekiot SIP paging software typically integrates with a variety of components:

• IP-PBX or SIP Server: Most SIP paging solutions work in conjunction with an IP PBX (Private Branch Exchange) or SIP server. The PBX can act as the SIP registrar and call controller for paging devices. For example, a Yeastar PBX can provide SIP accounts for paging endpoints to register, essentially treating them as extensions. When a user initiates a page (by dialing a code or using a paging application), the PBX sets up the SIP session to the paging group. In some cases, the paging software itself includes a SIP server component – for instance, Tonmind PA System Pro has an embedded SIP server to manage up to 1000 SIP devices. Integration with a PBX allows leveraging existing phone system features (like user directories, call routing) for paging. It also means standard SIP phones on the PBX can participate in paging groups or trigger pages. Compatibility is important: the paging devices and software should support the same SIP protocol versions and codecs as the PBX. Many vendors provide documentation or plugins for common PBX systems (e.g., Asterisk, 3CX, Microsoft Teams integration via gateways, etc.) to ensure smooth interoperability.
• Paging Endpoints (Hardware): These are the devices that receive and play the audio. They include IP paging speakers (ceiling or wall-mounted speakers with a network interface and amplifier), IP amplifiers (which connect to traditional speakers), SIP intercom stations (which have a microphone and speaker for two-way use), and even standard IP phones configured for auto-answer paging. Integration requires that these endpoints register with the SIP server/paging software and are configured into zones or groups. Most SIP paging endpoints support multicast listening – they can be set to listen on specific multicast IP addresses for audio streams . The paging software or PBX then sends the audio to that multicast address when a page to that group is initiated. This integration allows devices from different manufacturers to work together as long as they support SIP and the necessary codecs . For example, a solution might use CyberData SIP speakers in one area and Viking SIP amplifiers in another, all controlled by the same software. It’s important to ensure all endpoints support the required features (like multicast if that mode is used) and have up-to-date firmware for compatibility.
• Analog Systems via Gateways: In many deployments, organizations want to integrate existing analog paging equipment (speakers, amplifiers) with new Bekiot SIP paging software. This is achieved through SIP paging gateways or adapters. A gateway is a device that registers as a SIP endpoint but has analog audio outputs (and possibly inputs). When it receives a SIP page, it plays the audio on its analog output, which can drive traditional speakers or amplifiers. This allows a hybrid setup – for instance, an office can keep its old ceiling speakers but connect them through a SIP adapter to the network paging system. Gateways can also provide analog inputs so that traditional microphones or music sources can feed into the IP paging system. Integration with gateways involves configuring them on the network and assigning them to paging groups just like any IP speaker. Many manufacturers offer such adapters (e.g., Viking PA-IP, CyberData 011146, Algo 8301) which act as the bridge between SIP and analog . They often support both unicast and multicast modes and can be set to auto-answer pages. By using gateways, legacy systems can be gradually phased out as budget allows, or certain zones can remain analog if needed.
• Third-Party Software and APIs: Modern Bekiot SIP paging software often provides APIs or integration points for third-party systems. For example, integration with access control systems allows a door access panel to trigger a page (useful for announcing visitors or security alerts) . Integration with security cameras or alarm systems can automatically broadcast a page when an alarm is triggered (e.g., fire alarm pulls trigger a “Evacuate now” announcement). Some paging solutions offer REST APIs or SDKs so that custom applications or building management systems can initiate pages programmatically. There are also integrations with mass notification platforms – for instance, sending a page through a software interface that also sends SMS or emails to staff. Another important integration is with mobile devices: while a smartphone isn’t a speaker, SIP paging systems can be integrated such that a page to a group can also ring mobile phones or send a notification, ensuring off-site or mobile staff are reached. Some solutions provide a mobile app that can act as a paging microphone (the user speaks into their phone, which sends audio via SIP to the paging group). Additionally, integration with background music sources (like a streaming service or audio player) might be possible, either through line-in connections or network streaming protocols. Finally, calendar systems can be integrated for scheduling – e.g., pulling daily announcements from a Google Calendar event. Overall, the software’s ability to integrate with other tools via APIs or plugins greatly extends its functionality beyond basic paging.

Deployment Options

Bekiot SIP paging software can be deployed in different ways depending on the organization’s needs:

• On-Premises (Local Server): In this model, the paging software (or SIP server/PBX with paging features) runs on a local server or appliance on the organization’s premises. The server manages all paging sessions and stores configurations locally. This offers full control and is common in environments with strict data control or unreliable internet. Many IP-PBX solutions (like Asterisk-based systems or hardware PBX appliances) handle paging on-prem. For example, a company might have a Yeastar P-Series PBX appliance that provides paging for their office – the PBX is on-site, and all SIP speakers register to it. On-prem deployments require IT resources to maintain the server (updates, backups) but ensure that paging works even if internet connectivity is lost.
• Cloud-Based (Hosted): Cloud SIP paging involves using a hosted PBX or paging service where the SIP server and management software reside in the cloud (provider’s data center). Endpoints (IP speakers, gateways) register to the cloud service over the internet. The paging system is managed via a web interface provided by the cloud provider. This model is attractive for organizations that don’t want to maintain their own server – the provider handles uptime and scalability. For instance, a multi-branch business could use a cloud PBX that supports paging, so each branch’s IP speakers register to the cloud and the central admin can page any branch from a web portal. Cloud paging can simplify deployment (no on-site server setup) and can be easier to scale across multiple locations. However, it does require a reliable internet connection, as paging depends on cloud connectivity. Some providers offer hybrid cloud solutions where critical paging functions can fail over to a local device if the cloud connection is lost.
• Hybrid Approaches: Some organizations use a combination of on-prem and cloud. For example, a main campus might run its paging on-prem for low latency and reliability, but remote branch offices use a cloud service to page their local speakers. The two could be interconnected via SIP trunks so that a page initiated on-prem can reach cloud endpoints and vice versa. Another hybrid scenario is using a cloud-based mass notification system that triggers on-prem paging devices via an API or SIP integration. Hybrid models can provide flexibility and redundancy – e.g., a local paging server could take over if the cloud service has an outage.
• Standalone Paging Appliances: There are also dedicated paging appliances (which are essentially specialized on-prem servers) that run their own software. These devices often come pre-loaded with paging software and are configured via a web interface. They might not require a separate PBX because they include SIP server functionality for the paging endpoints. For example, the Barix Barionet 50 is a device that runs the Barix SIP Zone Paging application as a server, managing up to 8 paging stations and 90 zones . Such appliances are plug-and-play solutions for smaller to mid-sized deployments. They can be considered a form of on-prem deployment but with simplified management since they’re purpose-built.

When choosing a deployment model, organizations consider factors like network reliability, security requirements, scalability needs, and IT expertise. On-premises ensures control and independence, while cloud offers ease of management and potentially lower upfront cost. Often, the decision aligns with how the rest of the communication systems are deployed (e.g., if a cloud PBX is already in use, extending paging to the cloud is a natural fit).

Security Considerations

Because SIP paging runs over IP networks, it’s important to implement proper security measures:

• Authentication and Authorization: Paging endpoints should be configured with secure credentials so that only authorized devices can register and receive pages. Likewise, only authorized users (or phone extensions) should be able to initiate pages. The software can enforce this by requiring SIP authentication for endpoints and by restricting which extensions or users have paging privileges. For example, an administrator might set up a PIN code for paging or limit paging to specific phone lines.
• Encryption: Using SRTP (Secure Real-time Transport Protocol) for audio streams encrypts the paging audio so that it can’t be easily intercepted or eavesdropped on the network. Many SIP paging devices and PBX systems support SRTP. If the network is not fully trusted (for instance, if paging goes over the internet or a shared network), enabling encryption is advisable. Similarly, SIP signaling can be encrypted with TLS to prevent tampering with call setup messages.
• Network Segmentation: As mentioned, placing paging devices on a separate VLAN can improve security by isolating them from general user traffic. This way, even if another device on the network is compromised, the attacker would have limited access to the paging system unless they breach the VLAN. It also helps contain any potential misconfigured device or malware on the paging network from affecting the whole LAN.
• Firewall and Access Control: If paging traffic traverses the internet (for cloud paging or remote sites), firewalls must be configured to allow the necessary SIP and RTP traffic on specific ports, while blocking other traffic. Organizations should be mindful of opening too many ports – typically, SIP uses UDP 5060 (or 5061 for TLS) and RTP uses a range of high ports (which can be narrowed down). Access lists can restrict which IP addresses are allowed to register as paging endpoints or to send paging commands. For cloud systems, ensuring that only internal network IPs can trigger pages (or using VPNs) adds a layer of security.
• Regular Updates: Keeping the paging software, PBX, and endpoint firmware up to date is crucial. Vendors often release updates that patch security vulnerabilities. For example, if a vulnerability in the SIP protocol handling is discovered, updating the PBX and devices to the patched version mitigates the risk. Automated update checks or subscribing to vendor security advisories can help maintain a secure system.
• Preventing Abuse: Without security, an attacker on the network could potentially hijack a paging system to broadcast messages or cause disruptions (sometimes called “pager hacking” or abuse of PA systems). Strong passwords for device access and SIP credentials, plus possibly MAC address filtering on network switches for paging devices, can prevent unauthorized devices from joining. Some systems also allow whitelisting of callers – meaning the paging endpoint will only accept pages from specific SIP user IDs or IP addresses, rejecting others.
• Emergency Override Security: If there are emergency alert features, those should be secured so that only authorized personnel can trigger them. This might involve a special code or a physical key switch on a paging microphone. The software can log emergency page activations for accountability.

By implementing these security measures, organizations can ensure their SIP paging system remains a reliable and trusted communication tool without introducing new vulnerabilities. In practice, many of these considerations (VLANs, QoS, encryption) go hand-in-hand with general network and VoIP security best practices.
In short, Bekiot SIP paging turns any IP network into a high-performance public-address system: one platform delivers live or scheduled one-way paging, two-way intercom, emergency override, background music and zone-cast ringing across an unlimited number of endpoints—whether native IP speakers, existing analog horns via gateways, or ordinary SIP phones. By riding on standard SIP/RTP over Ethernet it eliminates dedicated audio cable, cuts install cost, scales with a few mouse clicks and integrates seamlessly with PBXs, cloud voice, security, IoT or building-management apps. Multicast keeps bandwidth light while QoS and PoE assure real-time, plug-and-play operation; SRTP, TLS, VLANs and role-based access keep the traffic secure. From a single web console admins can choreograph bells in a school, “Code Blue” alerts in a hospital, shift calls in a plant, gate announcements at an airport or city-wide emergency notifications, all synchronized and logged. Cloud, on-prem, hybrid or appliance deployment lets any enterprise, campus or public-safety agency future-proof its communications, replace legacy PA and meet any compliance or continuity requirement without proprietary lock-in.