SIP allows two end points to establish media sessions with each other. The main signaling functions of the protocol are as follows:
Location of an end point;
Contacting an end point to determine willingness to establish a session;
Exchange of media information to allow session to be established;
Tear-down of existing media sessions.
SIP has also been extended to request and deliver presence information (on-line/off-line status and location information such as that contained in a "buddy" list) as well as instant message sessions. These functions include:
Publishing and uploading of presence information;
Requesting delivery of presence information;
Presence and other event notification;
Transporting of instant messages.