Secure Text in SIP Based VoIP

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.Validerat; 20101217 (root