The Basics of SIP Trunking: What Is SIP Trunking and How Does It Work?

Throughout the world, SIP (short for Session Initiation Protocol) trunking is quickly becoming a popular option for offices that want to streamline communication processes. Experts even anticipate that there will be mover 53 million SIP trunks in use worldwide by the year 2021.

Have you heard people professing the benefits of SIP trunking? Are you wondering if it’s a good option for your office? If so, read on for answers to all your most pressing SIP trunking questions, including “What is SIP trunking?” and “What are the benefits of SIP trunking?”

What Is SIP Trunking?

Session Initiation Protocol trunking allows users to send voice communications (as well as other communications) to various recipients via the internet.

SIP trunking works with the help of an IP-enabled private branch exchange (or PBX). Regular phone systems, on the other hand, use traditional phone lines or primary rate interfaces (or PRIs).

A SIP trunk is a type of virtual phone line. Users can make and receive calls to and from anyone in the world who has a phone number as long as they have an internet connection.

When someone uses a SIP trunk system, the calls get broken down into small digital packets. They then are sent across a network to their final destination, the recipient of the call.

What Are the Benefits of SIP Trunking?

There are lots of advantages that switching to a SIP trunking system can provide to businesses of all kinds. Some of the greatest benefits they offer include the following:

Consolidate Communications Services

When you use a SIP trunking system, you don’t have to pay for lots of different data services. Your phone, internet, and other communication services can all be bundled into one, which helps to streamline your office.

Save Money

In addition to streamlining, SIP trunking can also help when it comes to saving money. If all your services are bundled, you may end up paying less per month than you were paying for each one separately. Many people who switch to SIP trunking also see returns on their investment right away.

Strengthen Your Local Presence

With SIP trunking, you can set your business up with local area codes. That way, when people receive a call from you, they’ll know it’s from a local business. This, in turn, may increase their inclination to pick up.

Grow and Scale with More Ease

If you need to add new phone lines when using a SIP trunking system, it’s easy to make the necessary adjustments. You don’t have to order tons of expensive hardware or wait for new phone lines to be put in. 

Increase Productivity

SIP trunking can help your employees to be more productive as well. When they can communicate with ease and don’t have to waste valuable time trying to figure out how to get something to work the right way, they’re able to get more done and get it done in a timely manner.

Enjoy More Mobility

Switching to a SIP trunking system also makes it easier for employees to stay in touch with the office and their clients even when they’re on the go. They can be more mobile and take calls or other forms of communication while commuting or while they’re working from home.

Increase Reliability

Let’s not forget that SIP trunking is highly reliable. You’ll get to enjoy clear, high-quality calls to and from clients who are located anywhere in the world without having to worry about tons of static or calls getting dropped. This can help everyone do their jobs in a more effective way and yield better results for your company.

How Do You Choose a SIP Trunking Provider?

Does SIP trunking seem like something that would work in your office? If so, make sure you’re working with the right SIP trunking provider. Here are some tips that will help you vet the qualities of SIP trucking providers and find one that’s a good fit for you and your employees:

Consider Voice Quality

First, find out about the voice quality the service provides.

Does everything sound clear? Can you hear what the other person is saying? Can they hear you?

Ask About Coverage

Ask about the coverage each provider offers as well. Using their system, can you get in touch with clients who are in another state or country?

Make sure you understand the provider’s geographical reach and make sure it matches your business’s needs before you agree to work with them.

Research Reliability

Do some research to learn about what current and past customers are saying about a particular provider. Are they generally happy with the reliability of their system? Would they recommend it to someone else?

Assess Security

How secure is the system the provider offers? What measures have they taken to protect users’ privacy and ensure that calls do not get intercepted?

Factor in Flexibility

Make sure the system allows for the amount of flexibility you and your employees need. Can you change numbers and adjust service features with ease? Will you be locked into a long-term contract when you work with them?

Take it for a Trial Run

Find out if you can take the system for a trial run before you commit. This gives you and your team a chance to test it out and see how easy it is to use. It also saves you from investing in a product that holds your office back or doesn’t meet your basic needs.

Invest in SIP Trunking Today

Now that you can answer questions like “What is SIP trunking?” with confidence, are you interested in investing in this new system for your office?

If you want to make a change that will make communication easier for everyone, SIP trunking is the way to go. Follow the guidelines listed above to ensure you choose the right provider for your business’s needs.

For more information on SIP trunking or other changes that you can make to improve the way your office runs, visit the Business Resources section of our site today.