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What is SIP Trunking?
With Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) trunking, the internet replaces the traditional telephone trunk procedure, thus allowing your company to communicate with mobile and fixed-line subscribers all over the world. SIP trunking offers many advantages to organizations and helps them streamline their communication systems.
SIP trunking is a method that allows organizations to have VoIP communication over an internet connection. It uses Voice over IP to connect PBX to the internet.
With the help of SIP trunking, businesses can save money by using their PBX system to access external phone lines and the internet. This SIP services system is designed to replace the traditional phone system with SIP VoIP, as SIP trunking leads incoming and outgoing calls to an online phone provider.
When you use SIP VoIP to communicate with a company PBX, here is what it does:
- Determines if a line is available on PBX
- Directs the information to the right place
- Informs the PBX and ITSP (Internet telephony service provider) about the anticipated action
- Provides several other features, discussed below
VoIP involves making phone calls over the internet, while SIP service is a protocol used to hold multimedia sessions (including VoIP calls).
Recommended SIP Trunking Service
These are some of the most recommended SIP Trunking Service providers on the market:
Major Differences Between SIP Trunking and VoIP
Both SIP providers and VoIP offer the basics for using IP technology. They both offer several advantages to the businesses using them. However, they are not the same. VoIP and SIP services don’t have the same scope over PBX. VoIP is not one technology on its own. It’s a set of technologies with SIP being used as a signaling protocol under the family name of “VoIP”.
Another difference is that while VoIP carries just voice messages, SIP can carry all types of media. SIP trunking can send data, voice, or video content. This means that SIP allows people to make online voice and video calls for free.
When we compare the devices, there is a significant difference between VoIP and SIP phone handsets. VoIP phones should be connected to a computer to work. SIP phones don’t need a computer to work. They only need a modem, which makes them more like traditional phones.
As to their functionality, a SIP phone uses a peer-to-peer model with a user agent installed on a device. VoIP systems are centralized where the VoIP host handles the traffic. SIP PBX has many benefits over VoIP, such as the ability to network with other protocols.
Benefits of SIP Trunking
SIP phone trunking can offer several benefits to your business. Here are some of the most prominent advantages.
Return on Investment
A SIP provider doesn’t need a large capital expenditure and begins reducing costs immediately.
Broadband efficiency
SIP trunks often have compression which can handle a higher call volume over a regular broadband connection.
Reduced geographic limits
SIP service combines voice and data to connect distant locations and allowing the business to operate smoothly.
Scalability
SIP providers can work on an on-demand basis, which means that you’ll pay for only what you need. This enables you to scale up when your needs increase. Ooma is just one of the VoIP providers that make it simple to add new users when necessary.
Reduced costs
SIP trunking can significantly reduce the call costs for your business. Setup costs are generally cheap too.
Mobility
SIP service can bring your mobile devices into a network and help remote workers access cloud-based business services.
How to Select the Right SIP Trunking Provider
There are many SIP trunk providers in the market, but you need to find the best one for your needs. Here are some qualities you should keep in mind when you search for the right provider for your business.
Reliability
Most SIP trunk providers claim that they provide over 99.9% uptime, but not all of them live up to the claim. When you look for reliability, you need to check their direct links with Tier 1 providers. A SIP provider that has direct connections with Tier 1 providers will have higher reliability. You also need to check their failover provisions. It’s good to depend on a provider that offers ample failover provisions (in case of a natural disaster). This way, you’ll stay connected to your customers even if the network goes down.
Scalability
Ask your provider if they can add or remove lines if your business needs a change. Also, ask them how long it will take to make these changes. A good provider will change the lines within 48 hours.
Extra features
There are several features that can offer an enhanced calling experience to your business. Ask your provider if they offer auto attendants, audio conferencing, toll-free calling, and forwarding numbers.
Here are some technical features you might want to have in your SIP trunk:
- Number of channels
- Monthly usage (measured in minutes)
- Types of calls
You can measure your choices all against the metrics discussed above, and choose the right one for you. Also, make sure you read their reviews before selecting the right SIP provider or SIP phone for your business.
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