A Beginner’s Guide to SIP Trunking

If you are searching for information on modern telecoms and how they work, SIP trunking is an important concept you should look at. This is because the traditional PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) with its ISDN lines and copper wires is switching to an online-based service.

Therefore, IT owners must understand how ISDN lines will make the switch to SIP trunks. Also, an understanding of VoIP technology is necessary.

What’s SIP Trunking?

In VoIP communications, SIP is a possible protocol that businesses can use. It works like the HTTP on a web page by providing a means to change voice signals to data that a caller’s device can decode.

SIP means Session Initiation Protocol. It is an essential way of making and ending connections for voice and data transfers on the internet. A trunk refers to the phone line’s bundle that users share. However, modern trunks are virtual links between phone networks (PSTN) and the PBX using internet connectivity.

A business that has a modern PBX for data transfer using SIP also needs to link its communications to a wider PSTN. Before now, the older PBXs used ISDN, which is slowly phasing out. The use of the Session Initiation Protocol trunk is fast becoming the standard for businesses to connect a Conference phone network on the internet.

Who Should Use Session Initiation Protocol Trunks?

Any business can use session initiation protocol trunks. If you currently use IP PBX, just know that the trunk is an essential component. However, if you are a beginner to phone networks or are switching from the analog PBX, you can choose between the completely cloud-hosted or on-premises PBX systems.

Using a combination of Session Initiation Protocol trunks and on-premises hardware is suitable for businesses with the following characteristics:

1. In House Telephony Specialists and IT Managers

On-premises systems require professionals to install and manage them. You can hire the services of an agency or a service provider, but you still need an in-house team or person who knows about telephony. Combining the PBX system with the right installation and maintenance will be cost-effective in the long term.

2. High Call Volume

If your business has a significant volume of inbound and outbound calls, you need a flexible and cost-effective solution. And this is what SIP trunks provide. Call centers, like support or sales hubs, are more likely to use sophisticated PBX systems that are supported by special SIP services.

Therefore, such businesses need to get a reliable Session Initiation Protocol provider that will fit their call profile. This can help them save costs in the future. But in the initial stage, they will spend more on purchasing hardware and installation.

For other business types, using a hosted PBX may be the best option. Hosted PBXs allow similar reliability and features with almost no setup and maintenance costs that come with the on-premises alternatives.

However, a good service provider should help you decide on the option that will suit your business. You can click on https://www.g12com.com/advanced-sip-trunking/ to find reliable Session Initiation Protocol service providers for your business.

SIP Channels vs SIP Trunks

Channels are key components that show how trunks are arranged and provided. Each SIP trunk carries channels that allow 2 concurrent calls, an outgoing and an incoming call. If you make a lot of calls but rarely have more than 2 concurrent calls, you do not need to get more than 1 or 2 channels. But if you receive more concurrent inbound calls, you may consider many channels.

Trunks are traditional cable groups that link one telephone exchange to another. However, this process has become virtual because of the internet. Trunks are now collections of designated channels. Each trunk can handle concurrent calls. The channels a business requires are linked to the volume of calls they make and receive.

Factors to Consider when Choosing an SIP Trunk Service

Consider the following factors when choosing an SIP trunk service:

1. The Number of Concurrent Calls You Need

As mentioned earlier, the volume of concurrent calls determines the channels a business will get. You also need to note that these calls include both outbound and inbound calls. Therefore, having a basic knowledge of your company’s concurrency is essential.

But if it is quite tricky to ascertain, do not worry. Session Initiation Protocol services are flexible, and you can easily add or remove channels that you do not need.

2. The Number of Minutes You Need

This may be an obvious factor, but have you determined the number of calls you make? Most service providers give bundled minutes with the channels. But making calls from a specific tariff may be cheaper for some businesses, especially those with extremely low call volume.

3. Addition of New Numbers

If you want to change from the traditional service to a modern service that uses SIP, you may consider getting new numbers. It may be especially pertinent if you are opening another office in another location – a county or another country.

If you run a small business, you can appear more efficient and larger than you are because SIP offers all the benefits you can get from VoIP services. For instance, you can create an international support phone number for your German customers. You may not be based in the country, but the number routes to another device or extension when you receive calls from Germany. This is done quickly and cheaply.

3. Porting Your Existing Numbers

If your business is not entirely brand-new, you already have a business number. People are already familiar with the number you use for support and sales. Since you do not want your customers to lose touch with you, porting the number is essential.

You can easily do this, but it takes about 1 to 2 weeks to complete the process. You can also read this article to see the benefits of SIP trunking.

Conclusion

Session Initiation Protocol has the capacity to handle a large volume of incoming and outgoing calls. If your company makes and receives more concurrent calls, you may consider getting many channels. But if it is a small company with a low call volume, a hosted service or just one channel will make your communications efficient.