SIP Introduction
SIP – Session Initiation Protocol allows you to transfer your current PBX phone system to the cloud. Besides, SIP makes it possible for you to have Voice over Internet Protocol. Most business and IT professionals are adopting SIP, especially those expanding their company’s phone services beyond a single location.
Soo, every business will be in the cloud, and cloud phone services will be the order of the day. This will equip staff with the tools required for effective communication, and the SIP-based system is one of the most cost-effective phone systems.
The total expense for phone services is usually less than 6% for most companies. This might be a small amount, but efficiency is the most important thing. Remember, communication is the cornerstone of any business. Effective communication with customers, prospects, vendors, partners, and co-workers determines a business’s growth.
An unreliable or out-of-date communication system will make you struggle and an increase in cost. So, SIP calling will transform your business’ phone system while cutting on the cost.
What is Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)?
Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)is a communication protocol, which manages multimedia communication – for instance, voice and video calls. Therefore, SIP calling simply means transmitting voice calls over a SIP channel or SIP trunk. Typically, SIP calling uses VoIP to transfer your analog call traffic over an internet connection.
You need a SIP phone to use SIP. The phone establishes communication over the internet. So, SIP wholly relies on o the internet to make reliable and secure calls, unlike traditional phone systems.
With the SIP protocol, organizations can have unified communication. Remember, SIP integrates basic phone capabilities with email, video, instant messaging, and more. So, any organization looking for reliability, scalability, and unlimited voice calls will find comfort in SIP calling.
SIP features
- Call forwarding – both advanced and basic
- Conference calling
- Hold with optional music
- HD phone calls
- Call recording
- Auto-attendant
- Shared call appearance
- Mobile and desktop app integration
- Custom caller ID
How SIP Calling Works?
- An ordinary phone system features three parts:
- Private Branch Exchange(PBX): on-premise system, which manages your calls
- Primary Rate Interface(PRI) lines: lines connecting calls to the PSTN
Public Switched Telephone Network(PSTN): the network routing calls to their destination
With SIP, you eliminate the need for PRI lines; instead, you’ll use the SIP trunk, which is a line that utilizes the SIP protocol. The SIP trunk is installed of the internet connection and uses this internet connection to connect the PBX to the PSTN – typically, bypassing the PRI lines.
When you make a call from a SIP phone, the device will notify the SIP server it is connected to. So, the SIP server acts as your business VoIP service. The SIP server will then initiate contact with a different extension or patch your call over to the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network). The call is established once the other party answers the phone.
This allows you to use call management features such as auto attendants, voice mail, call forwarding, etc., without multiple phone lines.
Benefits of SIP calling
The major benefits of SIP calling are:
1. Cost-effective communication
It can reduce the phone bills by up to 70% thanks to unlimited toll-free calling, no maintenance costs, and no service disruptions
2. Scalability
Everything occurs over the internet. So, no physical lines when you need concurrent calls or more phone numbers.
Thanks to the unified virtual presence, a unified communication system that leads to higher productivity saves up to 115 minutes per day per person. You don’t have to switch between communication channels.
3. High-quality calls
The redundancy feature routes your calls automatically to your mobile or other location in cases of poor-quality calls.