SIP Trunking: An Introduction

SIP trunking is a service that facilitates a company with a PBX to make use of VoIP along with other real-time communication methods. By linking to a traditional telephony network, the SIP trunk allows companies to employ IP technology to communicate with individuals situated out of the local network. SIP trunking enables all communications to go through just one avenue - boosting the reliability of the connection, and minimizing expenses. This is great for business continuity, and makes unified communications technology economical for all sizes of business.



SIP Trunking: How Does it Work?



SIP trunking integrates both voice and data communications so they can function over a single line. SIP trunking forms a bridge between the firm's internet connection and the standard phone line to permit a data network to carry voice traffic.



As an example, picture that a staff member based in San Diego has to make a telephone call to their head office in New York; they utilise the office telephony system as usual. The phone call is converted to an Internet protocol call (or originates as one, based on the system used to place the call), and travels most of the distance over the IP network. When the destination is reached, it drops right down to the PSTN. The final result of this technical magic is the business is billed merely a tiny proportion of the cost of a normal long-distance call. These financial savings really can accumulate for businesses that produce a great deal of long-distance calls.



What Does SIP Trunking Mean for Business Continuity?



Provided that your SIP trunk is established properly, it's usually more dependable than, for instance, a typical ISDN connection. The key factor here however, if you'd like to increase your business continuity, is to ensure that the SIP trunk is established correctly. You will need a direct connection to your trunk provider if you'd like to guarantee reliability. Additionally, you will require some type of failover connection. You are able to pick a hybrid solution, if you are not willing to wholly commit to SIP.



Making the Move to SIP Trunking



Making use of SIP trunking will require an up-front cost. You've got to pay for a direct link with your trunk provider, if not call standard will be affected. You will also have to buy a SIP gateway. Nevertheless, as soon as the link is established, you ought to begin seeing savings really quickly, as your data connection will be less expensive, in addition to your line rental, and your phone calls.



Thinking long-term you'll make additional cost savings, especially if your business evolves. In contrast to ISDN lines, that are restricted to 30 channels per circuit, SIP is entirely scalable. Therefore, however many new staff members you take on, you will not need to cover the price of additional telephone lines.



This scalability is fantastic for small companies, as they don't have to dedicate themselves to a service that they'll easily grow out of, or shell out for technology that's over and above what they require, just in case they require it in the future.