1. 6 benefits of using SIP Trunks
1 Introduction
Looking to save money? This paper is to inform you about what SessionInitiation Protocol (SIP)
Trunking is and how it could benefit you to switch from Integrated Servicesfor Digital Network
(ISDN).ISDNare services for public telephone networks. The service has now become quite
outdated as many businesses have realised the potential of SIP.
2 What is SIP Trunking?
SIP is the technology used to establish a voice session on a data network, making it more financially
beneficial. It allows you to connect with others and receive calls over the internet. It combines the
efficiencyof internet speed and connectivity with the sound quality of an ordinary phone call.
Instead of using a physical phone line SIP uses your data network which allows more flexibility for
your business as you don’t have to worry about maintenance for the lines or moving them should
you move to a different location. SIP Trunks connectto your existing PBX (private branch exchange)
system to the network, passing information betweenyour PBX and an IP (internet phone) network,
allowing for calls to be made and received.
PBX is theprivate networka companyuses toconnect internal phonelines andconnect themto the
PSTN(public switchedtelephonenetwork).
3 How can SIP benefit you?
You may be thinking, why do I needthis technology? There are numerous benefits to switching to
SIP.
1. Lower Cost
2. Call Options
3. Network Expansion and Efficiency
4. Maintenance
5. Security
6. Reliability

2. 3.1 Lower Cost
As SIP technology uses the internet to communicate,it eliminates the costs you would have to pay to
rent an ISDN line.This also means that you are not charged basic call rates per minute you only pay
to accessthe SIP Trunk. SIP Trunks also reduce maintenance costs as there are no physical lines that
require upkeep.
3.2 Call Options
 Monitor, forward and record calls
 Voice calls
 Conference calls
With SIP, you decide what number is displayed as your caller ID which can be a useful asset. For
example if you’re calling someone located in Manchester,but your offices are based in London, your
number can be shown with the same telephone prefix as the person you are contacting. SIPTrunks
are also approved to connectto Skype for Business, allowing you to reach contacts from their
platform.
3.3 Network Expansion and Efficiency
An advantage of having an internet-based network is that calls can be automatically rerouted to your
personal device.This eliminates the constraints of having to be in the office at all times to avoid
missing calls from potential customers. You can call from anywhere,any time. SIP trunks enable you
to broaden your network, as you can add and remove lines quickly to suit your requirements, it could
in theory be infinite.
3.4 Maintenance
Issues with SIP Trunks can be fixedremotely by engineerswhich means you won’t have to pay call
out fees.
3.5 Security
A common worry amongst those considering the switch from ISDNto SIP is how secure their
communication is. This is understandable being that it is an internet-based connection.However, you
needn’tbe concernedas firewalls can be put in place to protect your network. Firewalls are software
that block anything that could be damaging. Firewall settings can be adjusted to fit your personal
requirements.
3.6 Reliability
SIP trunks are very reliable as they are virtual lines which makes them immune from local power
failures causedby weather or equipment malfunction. Also calls can be rerouted to any device so
you won’t miss any should there be an issue with the devicesin your office.

3. 4 Considerations
There a certain things you must take in to account,when converting to SIP, which may impact how it
runs. These are:
 Bandwidth
 Quality of service
 Firewalls
If your bandwidth (the rate data is transferred to your device)is strong it will result in data loading
faster e.g. webpages will open quickly, and prevent delays. The second thing to consider is your
quality of service. This is relatively self-explanatory, it simply refers to the quality of your network
which can be determined by factors such as delays in activity or broken signal connection.Finally,
you needfirewalls in place to ensure anything deemedharmful to the security of your network is
blocked.
5 SIP vs ISDN
5.1 How do they compare?
SIP ISDN
CALL OPTIONS
Video, voice and conference calls Voice communication only
EXPANSION
Add and remove as many lines as
you wish, any time
Limited to channel blocks
PHONE NUMBER
Use any number prefix wherever
you are
Assigned a phone number
MAINTENANCE
Issues can be resolved remotely
by an engineer
Engineermust go to site to fix
issues. (resulting in call out fee)

4. 6 Conclusion
Is it any wonder why so many companies have convertedto SIP Trunks? They are more flexible,easily
controlled and financially beneficial. The sooner you start using SIP, the sooner you start saving
money!