SIP Trunking
What is SIP trunking in telecom, and how is it used? Learn all you need to know about SIP trunking here.
What is SIP trunking?
SIP is the technology that creates, modifies, and terminates sessions with one or more parties over an IP network. It can be used from something as simple as a two-way call, or as complex as a conference with multiple participants.
A SIP trunk is the virtual version of an analog phone line. Using SIP trunks, a SIP provider can connect channels to your PBX allowing you to make local, long distance, and international calls over the Internet.
Benefits of SIP trunking
Immediate and Long-term Cost Savings: Depending on the type and quantity of calls your business is making, you can save up to 50% or more on your monthly phone bill just by installing a secure SIP trunk. Additionally, SIP trunking requires very minimal to no capital investment.
Simple Scalability: Since SIP trunking uses virtual phone lines, you can add and remove lines at any time. Businesses only pay for the channels and minutes they use, and most SIP providers have no minimum requirements for the number of channels or SIP trunks.
Reliability of Service: In the case of an emergency or a system failure, a SIP trunking provider can easily re-route your calls to a redundant data line, or forward the PBX to your team’s mobile phones to make sure your calls can always be made or answered.
How much bandwidth do I need for SIP trunking?
Your Internet provider will be able to give you a specific answer unique to your business as to how much bandwidth you’ll need to support your SIP channels. However, you can get a good idea of what you’ll need using this simple equation:
Number of Concurrent Calls During Busiest Hours X 85 Kilobits per Second = Bandwidth in Megabits per Second Required for SIP Trunking
How much does SIP trunking cost?
Depending on the provider that you choose, the cost of SIP trunking can vary. Some SIP providers charge upfront setup fees, while others simply charge more per month to recover the cost of installation.
Most SIP providers charge anywhere from $10 – $50 per month for each channel. Some providers will bundle calling minutes into those costs. For example, if your business is located in Germany, and you make many long distance calls to the United States, you might want to search for a SIP provider that offers unlimited outbound calling to the US as part of their flat monthly fee.
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