The SIA-2000 protocol structures the communication between a control and a central station receiver. The basic form of this communication conveys information such as alarms, alarm cancels, troubles, and restorals. This involves tranfsferring information records from the control to the central station, and receiving acknowledgements from the receiver for each record.

To support features such as remote panel programming and alarm verification through audio or video means, the protocol has provisions to extend the communication session. Once extended, the receiver can query the control for information or change the control's configuration. The extended session can also be used for verification. It is at this point, that communication using SIA-2000 ends and the appropriate form of communication for verification begins.