Understanding SIP trunking is perhaps on your agenda this year as you consider acquiring this technology in your workplace. Maybe you already know SIP trunking consolidates voice and data features through one Internet line. While that’s a very basic description, you have plenty more to learn.
You’ll want a checklist of things to understand about this exciting technology. First, you’ll want to learn what specific acronyms mean, along with other terminology. Then you should learn about best practices in how to choose the right provider and deployment for your company.
Also, looking at the pros and cons of SIP trunking connection options can help you decide what works for your budget. The same goes for the type of SIP equipment you need and why a well-known tech company is the best choice.
Before you decide, you’ll need to know why SIP trunking is better than another similar tech option.
What Does SIP Trunking Mean?
SIP is an acronym for Session Initiation Protocol, which is a communications process for controlling multimedia communications. At the heart of SIP trunking is unified telecommunications requiring an equipped IP-PBX service. With an ITSP (which stands for Internet Telephony Service Providers), you have simpler technology for advanced communication technology.
The good news is that despite SIP trunking sounding complex to use, it’s not. Setup isn’t hard as long as you have an ITSP, PBX service, and an SIP-enabled enterprise border element.
Before deciding on SIP trunking, however, it’s worth your while to look at some best practices in what to consider.
Best Practices in Finding a Provider and Deployment
You should always do a test plan with SIP trunking before you commit to make sure it’s right for your business. Looking at the most important features for your business needs is also essential. Some features like caller ID, multilevel call priority, or 911 call routing aren’t always available in every provider contract.
Direct-inward-dialing could also become a problem if you want to keep that feature while using SIP trunking. Sometimes it’s possible to transfer the DID numbers over, so be sure to ask your provider if it’s possible.
As for deploying SIP trunking, you need to consider your call flows to decide what type of call features you’ll need the most. A multi-phased deployment might be necessary if you’re accessing many sites through your internet line.
Pros and Cons of Connection Types
A dedicated SIP line with no other Internet traffic is typically the best connection type. While these cost more, you get more reliability and security. These lines also hold more calling capacity if you have high call volumes.
Using a dedicated line shared with other IP traffic is a little more affordable. The only problem is that sharing your line with others could slow your VoIP service.
A public Internet line is the most affordable of all, yet not very secure. It still could work if you have low call volumes in a day.
The Best SIP Trunking Equipment
Toshiba is one of the leaders in SIP technology using their I-VoIP service. They give the most simplicity in carrying voice calls between your business phone and PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network).
Using Toshiba’s equipment, you get business-grade voice quality, support for when you have spikes in call volume, plus routing DID calls to alternate numbers.
Compared to other options like a single PRI line, SIP trunking gives you so many more features and reliability to get your phone system upgraded.
