Take a SIP
A SIP Trunking Q&A
Maybe you’ve heard of it. Maybe you’ve been told you need it. And maybe you have no idea what the heck it is. At Millside, we can explain what exactly SIP Trunking is, how it works, and how it can benefit your Canadian business’s communication plan. We’ve even included a helpful glossary to explain some complex terms. Ready? Let’s do this.
First things first, what is a SIP?
SIP stands for Session Initiation Protocol, which sounds complicated, but it basically means to make a call using VoIP.
It’s the virtual version of an analog phone line, creating a real-time link of audio and/or video between two endpoints (more on those in a bit). More simply, it allows businesses, co-workers, clients and customers to be able to communicate with each other over the Internet.
How does SIP Trunking work?
SIP Trunking can connect one, two, or twenty channels to your PBX. SIP Trunking from Avaya can allow you to make multiple outbound calls on your existing system (based on your company’s Internet bandwidth). Pretty handy when you have many employees involved in different communication points at the same time.
SIP Trunking from Avaya right for your business?
Avaya SIP Trunking is perfect for your business if you’re looking for a communications solution that is simple, affordable and flexible. You can use your existing Internet connection, and consolidate voice, video and data into a single network—saving your business money and hassle.
What do you need to use SIP Trunking?
In order to get SIP Trunking at your business you will need a few things. First, a service provider. (Hey, that’s us!) Next, you will need some elements located at your premises: security devices (like a Session Border Controller and Firewalls), a communication platform (like servers, gateways and SIP proxies), application servers (for messaging, video and audio conferencing, collaboration tools, IM, Prescence), and finally endpoints (including hardphones, softphones, mobile devices, and application integration.) It might sound complicated, but at Millside, we’re here to help guide you through the process.
How much does SIP Trunking cost?
You can gear the cost of SIP Trunking up or down depending on your company’s needs and budget. A small set-up fee of up to $150 will be charged, and after that you simply pay a monthly fee based on the number of Trunks (or lines) you need. Each Trunk will cost between $25 and $50 per month. Once you’re set up, you will have unlimited inbound and outbound calls, both local and long distance.
A HELPFUL GLOSSARY
SIP TRUNKING: This whole post helps to explain SIP Trunking, but briefly, it enables voice, video and messaging applications via the Internet.
VOIP: Short for Voice over Internet Protocol, also known as IP telephony, it delivers voice communications and multimedia sessions over Internet Protocol networks, i.e. the Internet.
PBX: A Private Branch Exchange allows users of an enterprise phone system to use a certain number of external phone lines.
Session Border Controller: A Session Border Controller can be either a physical device or a virtual application designed to protect VoIP calls from malicious attack.