A VoIP phone service, otherwise known as hosted PBX, is an internet phone system which operates over a virtual private network. By contrast to a public switched telephone network (PSTN), a VoIP phone service does not entail the need to maintain a dedicated infrastructure.
As opposed to the traditional private branch exchange (PBX), VoIP does not entail the need for any dedicated hardware or switches. In simple terms, a voip phone service provides all the functionality required in a traditional telephone system – such as identifying callers and forwarding calls – without the need for additional equipment. The VoIP technology is based on digital telephone networks (PSTN), which allows multiple calls to be placed within the same network using the same number. This facility is helpful for businesses that require many phone calls at the same time.
SIP Trunking: SIP refers to Short Internet Protocol. It is a technology that enables organizations to establish voice connections via internet. Typically, this technology is implemented as an application layer on top of the normal IP packets. The advantage of a VoIP phone system over a traditional phone system is that calls can be placed and received in real time irrespective of the location where the call is made or received. This is possible thanks to SIP trunks, which route voice calls through the Internet.
There are three types of SIP trunks:
internet-based, off-site, and hybrid. Internet-based trunks use the protocols and algorithms that are implemented within the browser of the computer system. On the other hand, off-site trunks are designed to use different protocols that are based on different protocols like TTY/TDD, ISDN, and WAN. These are used by enterprises in order to make remote access to their data centers possible.
There are some disadvantages that come along with using off-site SIP trunks.
One of them is the extra cost that the organization would have to incur in order to convert its current telephone system into one that uses a SIP protocol. Businesses may also encounter difficulties in integrating the new system as it requires additional hardware installation and migration assistance. In addition to these, it can also take a considerable amount of time for the business to become proficient in handling VoIP communications.
On the other hand, switching to a SIP phone system based on the Internet can provide numerous advantages. For starters, it is much easier to integrate VoIP phone services to an existing computer network. As a result, users will not have to worry about additional technical installation, which could involve software installation and migration. Furthermore, the implementation of sip trunking will help users take advantage of features that are provided by the Internet-based voice service like call forwarding, video, and music conferencing, and advanced call distribution.
One of the most compelling reasons for using off-site SIP trunking is the cost benefit that it provides. Switching from a traditional telephony system to a modern phone system with SIP technology can provide users with significant cost savings. This is because telephone companies usually charge by the minute. When a user calls a toll-free number, the call charges are generally lower than those associated with traditional telephony. But even with the lowest calling rates, users are still able to save significantly if they use a reputable off-site SIP provider instead of a traditional carrier.
Off-site SIP providers offer a variety of services to their clients. They may offer conference calls using VoIP technology or allow users to make free VoIP calls from any smartphone device. For businesses, off-site SIP providers are a cost-effective way to expand their business.
- With these services, businesses do not need to purchase additional modern phone systems or hire additional employees to manage their VoIP phone service.
- Instead, they simply need to forward their current telephone number to their off site SIP provider, which then redirects calls to the correct destination.
- And since the majority of SIP providers offer unlimited long distance calls, there is no need to purchase another phone line.