SIP Trunking White Paper
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SIP trunking is an internet-based phone system that provides several benefits over traditional ISDN lines. It allows calls to be made over the internet rather than physical phone lines, saving on maintenance and permitting flexibility to add or remove lines as needed. Key benefits include lower costs since only internet access is needed rather than leasing phone lines, the ability to make calls from any location, and issues being fixed remotely without service fees. While bandwidth and security require consideration, firewalls can protect networks, and SIP trunking is more reliable and offers more options than ISDN. Overall SIP trunking is more flexible, cost effective, and provides savings for businesses.
SIP Trunking White Paper
- 1. 6 benefits of using SIP Trunks 1 Introduction Looking to save money? This paper is to inform you about what SessionInitiation Protocol (SIP) Trunking is and how it could benefit you to switch from Integrated Servicesfor Digital Network (ISDN).ISDNare services for public telephone networks. The service has now become quite outdated as many businesses have realised the potential of SIP. 2 What is SIP Trunking? SIP is the technology used to establish a voice session on a data network, making it more financially beneficial. It allows you to connect with others and receive calls over the internet. It combines the efficiencyof internet speed and connectivity with the sound quality of an ordinary phone call. Instead of using a physical phone line SIP uses your data network which allows more flexibility for your business as you don’t have to worry about maintenance for the lines or moving them should you move to a different location. SIP Trunks connectto your existing PBX (private branch exchange) system to the network, passing information betweenyour PBX and an IP (internet phone) network, allowing for calls to be made and received. PBX is theprivate networka companyuses toconnect internal phonelines andconnect themto the PSTN(public switchedtelephonenetwork). 3 How can SIP benefit you? You may be thinking, why do I needthis technology? There are numerous benefits to switching to SIP. 1. Lower Cost 2. Call Options 3. Network Expansion and Efficiency 4. Maintenance 5. Security 6. Reliability
- 2. 3.1 Lower Cost As SIP technology uses the internet to communicate,it eliminates the costs you would have to pay to rent an ISDN line.This also means that you are not charged basic call rates per minute you only pay to accessthe SIP Trunk. SIP Trunks also reduce maintenance costs as there are no physical lines that require upkeep. 3.2 Call Options Monitor, forward and record calls Voice calls Conference calls With SIP, you decide what number is displayed as your caller ID which can be a useful asset. For example if you’re calling someone located in Manchester,but your offices are based in London, your number can be shown with the same telephone prefix as the person you are contacting. SIPTrunks are also approved to connectto Skype for Business, allowing you to reach contacts from their platform. 3.3 Network Expansion and Efficiency An advantage of having an internet-based network is that calls can be automatically rerouted to your personal device.This eliminates the constraints of having to be in the office at all times to avoid missing calls from potential customers. You can call from anywhere,any time. SIP trunks enable you to broaden your network, as you can add and remove lines quickly to suit your requirements, it could in theory be infinite. 3.4 Maintenance Issues with SIP Trunks can be fixedremotely by engineerswhich means you won’t have to pay call out fees. 3.5 Security A common worry amongst those considering the switch from ISDNto SIP is how secure their communication is. This is understandable being that it is an internet-based connection.However, you needn’tbe concernedas firewalls can be put in place to protect your network. Firewalls are software that block anything that could be damaging. Firewall settings can be adjusted to fit your personal requirements. 3.6 Reliability SIP trunks are very reliable as they are virtual lines which makes them immune from local power failures causedby weather or equipment malfunction. Also calls can be rerouted to any device so you won’t miss any should there be an issue with the devicesin your office.
- 3. 4 Considerations There a certain things you must take in to account,when converting to SIP, which may impact how it runs. These are: Bandwidth Quality of service Firewalls If your bandwidth (the rate data is transferred to your device)is strong it will result in data loading faster e.g. webpages will open quickly, and prevent delays. The second thing to consider is your quality of service. This is relatively self-explanatory, it simply refers to the quality of your network which can be determined by factors such as delays in activity or broken signal connection.Finally, you needfirewalls in place to ensure anything deemedharmful to the security of your network is blocked. 5 SIP vs ISDN 5.1 How do they compare? SIP ISDN CALL OPTIONS Video, voice and conference calls Voice communication only EXPANSION Add and remove as many lines as you wish, any time Limited to channel blocks PHONE NUMBER Use any number prefix wherever you are Assigned a phone number MAINTENANCE Issues can be resolved remotely by an engineer Engineermust go to site to fix issues. (resulting in call out fee)
- 4. 6 Conclusion Is it any wonder why so many companies have convertedto SIP Trunks? They are more flexible,easily controlled and financially beneficial. The sooner you start using SIP, the sooner you start saving money!