IP PBX VOIP FAQ

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SIP Trunking Frequently Asked Questions

What is a SIP Trunk?


A SIP Trunk is primarily a concurrent call that is routed over the IP backbone of a carrier using VoIP technology. SIP Trunks are used in conjunction with an IP-PBX and are thought of as replacements for traditional PRI or analog circuits. The popularity of SIP Trunks is due primarily to the cost savings of SIP along with the increased reliability as backed by the SLAs of SIP Trunk Providers.

What are the advantages of SIP Trunks over Analog Circuits?


SIP Trunks are cheaper than analog circuits while maintaining the same service quality that businesses expect from line quality. SIP Trunks cost approximately $20 to $25 per trunk versus approximately $40 per analog circuit. In addition, long distance termination charges associated with SIP Trunks are much cheaper than traditional analog or TDM rates.

What are the advantages of SIP Trunks over PRIs?


SIP Trunks realize their primary benefit over PRIs from cost savings. SIP trunks typically cost $20 to $25 per trunk for unlimited inbound and local calling along with a long distance rate that can be under 2 cents per call. When coupled with line oversubscription (e.g. a 30 person company purchasing just as many SIP trunks as they anticipate having concurrent calls....typically 8 to 10) SIP Trunks are a very cost effective way for a business to save money. Lastly, a primary benefit of SIP Trunks over PRIs is that SIP Trunks can be purchased in increments of 1, whereas PRIs have to be purchased in increments of 23 channels.

When should a business use a SIP Trunk instead of hosted?


A business should look into purchasing SIP Trunks when they decide that their needs are best met with a premise based system. This system is often referred to as an IP-PBX. Coupled with SIP Trunks, an IP-PBX serves up similar features to hosted solutions. SIP Trunks typically save a business customer money over a hosted solution in that a SIP Trunk can serve the needs of three to four employees (depending on oversubscription) while a hosted seat is used for each employee.

What equipment do I need for my SIP Trunk?


SIP Trunks can work with a SIP ready PBX.

Will I need more Internet Connectivity when I buy SIP Trunks?


SIP Trunks are virtual circuits delivered over an Internet Access line. Depending on the amount of SIP Trunks purchased, and the amount of excess Internet connectivity, a business should consider purchasing more Internet Access. However, it's important to know that when a SIP Trunk is not being used, the bandwidth otherwise allocated to a SIP Trunk is freed up for use in less intensive applications such as e-mail and general web use. This dynamic allocation of bandwidth is yet another feature of SIP Trunks versus more traditional technologies such as analog or PRI circuits.

Where Can I purchase a SIP Trunk?

Click Here for a list of SIP Trunk Providers

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