Perfect for businesses that want feature rich calling with improved call quality, simplicity, flexibility, and affordability. SIP Trunking is quickly replacing local and long distance POTS lines and PRI due to the immense features and benefits associated with the service.
What is SIP Trunking?
Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) trunking is the use of voice over IP (VoIP) to facilitate the connection of a private branch exchange (PBX) to the Internet. In effect, the Internet replaces the conventional telephone trunk, allowing an enterprise to communicate with fixed and mobile telephone subscribers worldwide.
In effect, the Internet replaces the conventional telephone trunk, allowing an enterprise to communicate with fixed and mobile telephone subscribers worldwide. (SIP is an IETF standard for initiating interactive multimedia user sessions; a trunk is a line or link that can carry many signals at once, connecting major switching centers or nodes in a communications system.)
In order to take advantage of SIP trunking, an enterprise must have a PBX that connects to all internal end users, an Internet telephony service provider (ITSP) and a gateway that serves as the interface between the PBX and the ITSP. One of the most significant advantages of SIP trunking is its ability to combine data, voice and video in a single line, eliminating the need for separate physical media for each mode. The result is reduced overall cost and enhanced reliability for multimedia services.
Why SIP Trunking?
The cost savings and communications benefits of SIP trunking are substantial. Your company is most likely experiencing high costs with an existing PBX, while still having the constraints of the limited communications technology provided by your current Telco. High costs may be incurred through a combination of monthly phone bills, which include charges for incoming phone lines, long distance charges and IT and maintenance fees, all of which can be drastically reduced or eliminated by a SIP Trunking provider.
SIP Trunking allows companies to only pay for the number of lines they need as opposed to getting locked in to excess analog lines or partially-used T1s and PRIs. The savings are realized either by purchasing only the necessary number of channels, or by paying only for minutes used. This allows companies to make more efficient use of communications costs and reduce or eradicate wasted resources.
SIP Trunking eliminates the physical connection to a phone company. There are no hardware, wiring, or circuit boxes to maintain for connection to the PSTN. Reducing multiple phone lines into a single point of entry drastically reduces charges for incoming lines and the IT cost associated with the maintenance of those lines. (Some organizations prefer to maintain standard lines for faxes and alarms.)
A phone number, or Direct Inward Dialing number (DID), is less expensive when purchased with a SIP Trunk. Traditionally, when a DID is obtained from a phone company, charges are applied for the DID, IT and maintenance services, and the hardware connecting the shared physical lines or channels. A DID provided without these infrastructure costs is more affordable.
SIP Trunking with VoIP increases reliability of services by providing a level of redundancy. When system failures and emergencies occur, SIP Trunking providers can reroute services to a redundant data line or forward the PBX to mobile phones to keep your business up and running.
Benefits of SIP Trunking?
- Cost Savings: It is inexpensive for local, long distance, and international calling in comparison to traditional phone service. Cost savings are also achieved by limiting the amount of hardware needed.
- Feature Rich: It contains powerful features such as call forwarding, HD voice, n-way calling, caller-ID, voice mail to email and more. Features are configured through a web browser.
- Scalable: Organizations are able to add and setup employees quickly without purchasing hardware. Employees are able to work remote with plug and play functionality.
- Simple: Remote system and user management via online portals.