Making the Move to SIP: Why PRI’s are Yesterday’s Technology

Trunking refers to the method used to transport multiple phone conversations on a single line. Originally, analog trunks were utilized and were able to provide one single connection over each individual trunk. This was referred to as carrier telephony. This rudimentary connection has been replaced with digital Trunking. A digital trunk now allows you to share Trunks between multiple users. Now an even newer technology is available to offer better connectivity options. SIP Trunking provides better utilization of T1s.

Your phone system is connected to your service provider using PRI or SIP trunks. The choice depends on your own needs, the capabilities of your system, and the provider. Simply purchasing a new VoIP system doesn’t automatically guarantee the use SIP trunks. Most systems still come configured with cards that interface with PRIs.  This is often because these cards are more competitively priced. It is essential to properly engineer your system to utilize SIP trunks if you prefer.

PRI, primary rate interface, are lines that can be dynamically programmed to provide use where you need it the most. For example, each of the 23 channels can be available for whatever use is needed at the time rather than having to dedicate each channel to one specific function. SIP trunks use a T1 line but it is configured in a different way than PRIs are configured. Phone conversations over SIP trunks are digitized and are assigned to packets rather than channels of the T1. SIP (session initiated protocol) is the switching system used for IP PBX (private branch exchange) systems.

Learning about SIP Trunking

SIP trunks are integrated into the PBX.  In order to use SIP Trunking your PBX must have the necessary hardware to support SIP. SIP Trunking is desirable because of the flexibility and efficiency that these trunks provide. The SIP Trunk consists of multiple connections that can include voice and other connections. SIPs can be used to eliminate the need for BRIs, PRIs, and PSTN gateways that can be very expensive. By utilizing SIP trunks you can more effectively utilize your resources to see an immediate cost savings.

In order to deploy SIP you will need the following three components:

• SIP enabled PBX
• Enterprise edge device that understands SIP
• SIP Trunking service provider

Once you have SIP in place you will be able to use SIP phones that offer improved features and options to improve business communications. SIP communications offer more reliability than other Trunking options because of the ability to implement backup solutions. The SIP trunk replaces the traditional PSTN (public switched telephone network) lines. SIP Trunking services are provided through a SIP service provider, like BroadConnect Telecom.

SIP Trunking certainly looks to be the future path for IP phone systems. Managers should consult with our skilled technicians here at BroadConnect to learn more about the benefits of choosing this type of connectivity for your business communication needs.

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