SIP Trunking - What is it?

SIP Trunking

Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is used by Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) to handle phone calls provided by VoIP services. Here you will find that different protocols are used to achieve fundamental tasks such as making or ending calls. This is because VoIP calls have a different working process as against standard phone calls that are circuit-switched. SIP trunking comes into the picture when the VoIP system needs to get in touch with the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network).

However, you would not need the services of SIP trunking if you use your business VoIP system internally, because here the PSTN does not apply. What is important here is that VoIP services can be used for more than just internal usage; this gives it an edge over standard phone services, enabling users to take maximum advantage of its many features and applications. If you want to make a call to someone outside of your office through the PSTN, the best thing to use is your VoIP phone. SIP trunking is just the perfect adapter between VoIP and PSTN that you can think of. This is the perfect solution for small businesses looking for a cost effective way to do business. With this type of solution you no longer need to depend on a dedicated phone line from an expensive telephone provider, and reap the benefits of enhanced communication at incredibly reduced costs.

Thanks to SIP trunking, real time communication at low costs is now a possibility for most businesses. It is at the IP PBX that SIP trunking begins. This PBX needs to come with a SIP trunking interface. If an IAD (Integrated Access Device) is added, an analog system can be used even though the usual preference is an IP PBX. The PBX is connected to a firewall through this interface. You need to make sure that this firewall is technically built to support SIP to ease the process of SIP traffic. Once you are outside the firewall, your business is logged on to the internet through a VoIP service provider. This VoIP service provider will already have an existing interface to the PSTN. However, you don?t have to worry too much about that. What is important is that you are able to call whichever number you want at any location, irrespective of the number being serviced by a VoIP provider or not.

The main purpose of SIP trunking is to enable businesses to function without Primary Rate Interfaces (PRI) or PSTN gateways. Since hardware installation is easier and cost of managing is low, SIP trunking is a great option to increase business. As against PRIs that require simultaneous purchase of 23 channels, SIP trunks can be bought in small quantities. However, if your business is making use of hosted VoIP solution, it is not necessary for you to use SIP trunking. On the other hand, if you decide to use on-site VoIP services, SIP trunking can be of great use.

Considering the number of calls any business needs to make every month, using SIP trunking services can significantly cut down on heavy expenditures.