SIPFlow FAQ

Tell me more about Sipient.
What is SIPFlow?
What is needed to run SIPFlow?
What are the differences between SIPFlow Standard and Distributed SIPFlow?
Which platforms is SIPFlow supported on?
Can SIPFlow import Ethereal captures?
Can SIPFlow notify me when it detects a SIP error response?
How many SIPSniffers can SIPFlow connect to?
Can I run my Console behind a NAT?
Can Sipient notify me when new versions of SIPFlow are released?
Where do I send other questions I have?

About Sipient

Sipient is dedicated to creating high quality but cost effective VOIP protocol monitoring software. Most monitoring software costs thousands of dollars. We belive you shouldn't have to pay thousands of dollars to understand and work with VOIP/IMS. We have intentionally remained a small company in an effort to keep costs low, which allows us to pass on our savings to you.

What is SIPFlow?

Put simply, SIPFlow takes SIP and Diameter messages as input, and produces call flows (ladder diagrams) as output. SIPFlow comes in two forms, SIPFlow Standard and Distributed SIPFlow. For more information on the differences between the two, see What are the differences between SIPFlow Standard and Distributed SIPFlow below.

What is needed to run SIPFlow?

SIPFlow needs Java version 1.4.2 or greater to run. If you are running SIPFlow from Windows (2000 or XP) you must have Winpcap installed. If you are running SIPFlow from Linux, you must have libpcap 0.9.3 installed.

What are the differences between SIPFlow Standard and Distributed SIPFlow?

Below is a feature matrix outlining the primary differences between SIPFlow Standard and Distributed SIPFlow.

Feature
Standard
Distributed
Capture TCP and UDP SIP Traffic X X
Capture Diameter Traffic X X
Reassemble fragmented packets X X
Import Ethereal captures X X
IP filtering X X
SIP Filtering (Method, To, From) X X
Support for Host Mappings X X
Capture on multiple network segments   X
Send notifications when errors occur   X
Auto-save erroneous call flows to disk X

Which platforms is SIPFlow supported on?

SIPFlow is supported on Linux and Windows.

Can SIPFlow import Ethereal captures?

Yes, SIPFlow Standard and Distributed SIPFlow can import libpcap files (the default format for Ethereal). SIPFlow can also import files saved by tcpdump.

Can SIPFlow notify me when it detects a SIP error response?

Distributed SIPFlow supports this capability. With Distributed SIPFlow you are able to configure the response codes you would like to be notified on, as well as how you would like to be notified. Currently you may be notified via the console running SIPFlow or through an email message.

How many SIPSniffers can SIPFlow connect to?

If you have purchased a personal license, you may connect to up to 5 sniffers. For versions of SIPFlow running with a commercial license there is no limit.

Can I run my Console behind a NAT?

Yes, a Distributed SIPFlow Console can receive SIP traffic captured by SIPSniffers on the other side of a NAT/Firewall. To do this the Console tells the SIPSniffers to connect back to a public address which must map to the internal address the Console is listening on.

Can Sipient notify me when new versions of SIPFlow are released?

Yes, we would love to. When you download or purchase SIPFlow, look for the check box that says: "Please notify me when new versions of SIPFlow are available". Check that and we'll send you periodic (a few a year) updates.

Where do I send other questions I have?

Please don't hesitate to email us at info@sipient.com with any questions you may have.