If you are looking to switch to an internet-based phone system, understanding the key differences between Voip vs SIP Trunking will allow you to pick the best communication solution for your business. The best place to start is to determine whether your business will utilize a voice-only service or if you need a more robust communications solution. While SIP Trunking and VoIP have some similarities, they are not the same. Before we discuss the benefits of each, let’s first dive into what VoIP is and what SIP Trunking is.
What is VoIP?
Voice Over IP (VoIP) is a technology that allows you to make voice calls using a broadband internet connection instead of an analog phone line.
VoIP services, such as VirtualPBX, convert your voice into a digital signal that travels over the Internet. If you are calling a regular phone number, the signal is converted to a regular telephone signal before it reaches the destination. VoIP can allow you to make a call directly from a computer, a special VoIP phone, or a traditional phone connected to a special adapter. In addition, wireless “hot spots” in locations such as airports, parks, and cafes allow you to connect to the Internet and may enable you to use VoIP service wirelessly.
Benefits of VoIP include:
- Advanced Features not available on a traditional phone, such as Call Routing, Auto Attendant, Business Text Messaging, and More!
- Lower costs
- Higher scalability
- Increased accessibility
- Clearer voice quality
What is SIP Trunking?
Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) entails sending unified communication services across the internet. SIP Trunking is the consolidation of multiple channels of individual SIP sessions. SIP trunks running on PBX networks are basically virtual phone lines that enable users to make and receive phone calls over the internet to anyone in the world with a phone number. SIP trunks utilize a packet switch network, in which voice calls are broken down into digital packets and sent across a network to the final destination.
On-site PBX (Private Branch Exchange) refers to a system where hardware such as desk sets, computer equipment, and VoIP phones reside at your office. Call routing flows are also configured on the PBX hardware. While large organizations may have dedicated personnel and server rooms to handle their complex call flows and save money by connecting them with SIP trunks, smaller organizations may not be able to support this.
It could therefore be said that SIP enables VoIP as one of its specific protocols – but not all VoIP is SIP.
Benefits of SIP Trunking include:
- Consolidated communications systems
- The potential to grow and scale globally
- End to end unified communications system
- Instant Return on Investment (ROI)
- Cost savings on a reoccurring basis
Voip vs SIP: Which Is Better For Your Business?
SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) are not direct comparisons. Instead of comparing VoIP vs SIP directly, you should ask whether voice-only VoIP phone service best serves your business’s needs or if a SIP implementation with Unified Communications tools is a better fit.
Think of it like this: SIP Trunking is Do-It-Yourself, and VoIP is full feature.
Looking to Get Started with VoIP or SIP Trunking?
SIP Trunking has become a popular option with users of on-site private branch exchange (PBX) phone systems because it can save them money while being reliable. At VirtualPBX, we structure our SIP trunking pricing so your costs are predictable, and we’re always willing to work with high-volume customers for bulk deals.
Want to learn more? Get your copy of our SIP Trunking Whitepaper today, or compare VoIP plans!
