SIP Trunks are the digital alternative to the ISDN lines required to connect phones for telephone calls
On the PSTN network, a “trunk” refers to the lines shared among a group of users.
The term doesn’t apply to a physical collection of wires for a SIP trunking service because they don’t exist. Instead, the trunk is a combination of “virtual” lines.
SIP or Session Initiation Protocol is just one of the tools that companies can use for VoIP calling (Voice over Internet Protocol).
It’s a method of converting forms of communication into data that the endpoints in a communication stack can decode.
When a company made a call in the past, they would link to the PSTN through a PBX. With SIP trunks, the organisation is connected to the external world through connections to various data networks.
How Does SIP Trunking Work?
The SIP protocol sends packets of information from one SIP address to the next.
SIP can send voice data over the web, but also instant messages and video. SIP is, therefore, an exchange of information over the internet.
Once a SIP session is established, it takes milliseconds for the protocol to convey information from one environment to another. Equipment is required at the end of each side of the call, or SIP session, to convey the message.
Users need to connect a SIP Trunk to a compatible device for it to work. Companies are beginning to use a mixture of softphones, desk phones, and mobile endpoints to connect to their solutions.
Once SIP is connected with an IP PBX, it can route calls over a data network. This allows the protocol to offer various benefits over standard old-fashioned phone systems.
Are SIP Trunks Different to SIP Lines?
A SIP Trunk refers to the lines that enable communications; a SIP line is a branch of that overall environment. SIP lines are lanes you can use to exchange communication information between two locations or points.
Modern companies configure a large number of SIP lines at the same time to create a single SIP trunk.
This means that many businesses only need one SIP trunk for their entire communication ecosystem.
The number of SIP lines required in a trunk will depend on the average number of calls your business handles.
Some companies can offer unlimited SIP lines, while others provide a specific number of SIP lines with unlimited minutes.
Before deploying SIP trunks, you need to consider how many lines you need. A decision must also be made whether you want your SIP trunks to be centralised or decentralised.
Centralised solutions direct calls to a single location, while decentralised configurations give each office its own SIP trunk.
What are the Benefits?
The benefits of SIP trunking include:
- Lower costs for monthly line rental thanks to fewer lines installed at your office.
- Lower call charges thanks to competition amongst SIP trunk providers. Some SIP trunks even offer unlimited calling.
- Better customer service is offered through more geographical and international numbers. Businesses can quickly and efficiently add numbers to their SIP solutions and terminate them. Since customers can contact companies with greater ease, this can mean that sales increase too.
- SIP trunking solutions don’t just support voice conversations; you can also send video and chat messages through the same environment.
- All of your content for things like calls and video are handled in the same system, rather than needing a different software package for each part of your organisation.
- SIP trunks aren’t bound to a location, which means that you can move offices without having to change your number.
- You can eliminate VoIP gateways as all phone calls arrive via IP. This means no extra conversion costs are necessary.
- Modern IP PBX solutions offer customers enhanced productivity, better sales, and mobility. Connecting your IP PBX to a SIP trunking solution is far easier than using PSTN.
- It’s easier to include additional channels on your SIP trunks to handle increased calls. Simple phone calls allow you to add channels almost immediately.
How Much Does it Cost?
The price will depend on various factors, including how many lines you need.
When purchasing your solution, you’ll need to consider several factors, including how much bandwidth you need and what extra features you might want.
Some of the most common features to look for when picking a SIP Trunking provider include:
Security: It’s essential to ensure that your SIP trunk has suitable security systems. Most SIP trunking providers will be able to assist with giving you extra tools that will protect your SIP network and defend against fraud.
Network options: It’s best to check whether your SIP Trunk provider runs their network or offers a rebranded service. Various providers resell SIP trunking from another provider.
For companies that want the best level of features and functionality, it’s often best to choose a company with control over the network.
Reliability: Your SIP Trunk provider should be able to offer you a certain level of reliability when it comes to making and receiving high-quality calls.
On top of that, you’ll also need to know that your SIP provider can offer the guidance you need when looking for additional help with a potential problem.
Flexibility: The best SIP Trunking providers can often allow you to port all the existing phone numbers you use today into your new environment.
Not all providers can manage this process for all regions, so consider this when making your choice.
Features: Remember to ensure that your SIP Trunking provider can offer all the features you want. A good provider should be able to deliver things like VoIP features, data sovereignty, and other capabilities.
How Do You Switch?
SIP Trunking can be a robust investment for companies looking to digitally transform their communications network and take business performance to the next level.
When switching, you need to think about the essential factors in your selection of a provider.
It would be best if you considered things such as pricing and security. It’s also a good idea to choose a provider with good reviews and testimonials from previous customers.
It may also be helpful to sit down with other decision-makers to determine whether additional upgrades are necessary for things like your Internet Connectivity.
Some companies choose to make an update to their internet line before transitioning. It’s helpful to embed more security into your network and consider whether you have enough bandwidth to handle your VoIP requirements.
Upgrading your Business Experience
Once you’ve chosen a provider, you can select a dedicated internet line.
A separate VoIP connection can be a great way to enhance the quality of your VoIP calls, as firewalls can handle several WAN collections and internet lines are often low-cost. Some providers even bundle their service options with dedicated internet lines.
This process can keep your voice traffic separated from data traffic. However, the outcome of your choices will depend mainly on the cost of your upgrades and your network structure.
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