Which protocol is typically used alongside gateways in Avaya systems?

In Avaya systems, the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is typically utilized alongside gateways to facilitate voice and multimedia communication. SIP is a signaling protocol that is essential for establishing, maintaining, and terminating real-time sessions that include voice calls, video calls, and messaging. It is designed to work with both IP-based networks and traditional telephony, which aligns perfectly with the requirements of Avaya solutions that bridge these two domains.

The functionality of SIP allows Avaya gateways to interoperate with various telecommunication devices, making it possible for users to initiate and manage communication sessions effectively. This capability is crucial for ensuring seamless integration of voice and data services, especially in environments where both legacy and modern systems coexist.

The other protocols listed serve different purposes and do not have the same relevance in the context of Avaya gateways. For instance, TCP/IP is a foundational networking protocol that supports communication across the internet but does not specifically target the signaling needs for client-server interactions in real-time communication. SMTP is primarily used for sending emails, and FTP is designed for file transfer, neither of which are applicable for managing VoIP sessions effectively in Avaya environments. Thus, SIP stands out as the protocol that directly supports the operational needs of Avaya gateways.