What Is SIP Trunking For Business Phone Systems?

If your business is still using a private branch exchange (PBX) phone system, you’re missing out on the latest features, excellent call quality, and other benefits of a modern phone system.

Fortunately, you don’t have to trash your old phone system to take advantage of these benefits. Instead, SIP trunking can transform your outdated system into a modern phone system powered by high-speed internet. In this post, we’ll take a look at SIP trunking, what it is, and how you can use it for your phone system.

What Is SIP Trunking?

Session Initiation Protocol trunking (or SIP trunking) allows PBX phone systems to connect using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology instead of traditional telephone wiring and infrastructure.

While it sounds complicated, what this basically means is that PBX phone systems can send and receive calls and communicate through other channels through an internet connection.

How Does SIP Trunking Work?

To understand how SIP trunking works, you need to first have a better understanding of how traditional business phone systems work. We’ll give you a quick overview.

With legacy PBX systems (or simply landlines with POTS — plain old telephone service), the voice spoken into a phone is converted into analog signals. These signals are carried through copper wires, routed to the person on the other end of the line, and converted again so the other caller hears the other person’s voice.

In recent years, VoIP has gained popularity. VoIP is different from POTS because instead of relying on copper wires and dated infrastructure, VoIP allows phone calls to be made using an internet connection.

With VoIP, the sound of a caller’s voice is converted into digital packets. These packets are routed to the other caller, reassembled into an analog signal, and come through the other line as your voice.

With SIP trunking, old PBX systems can connect through Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) to the public switched telephone network (PTSN). In other words, SIP trunking allows you to use your old business phone system with the latest phone technology.

Does Your Phone System Need A SIP Trunk?

If you have an old phone system that utilizes old copper wiring and infrastructure but would like to give VoIP a try, you will need a SIP trunk. In addition to being able to make and receive clear calls on a reliable network, you’ll also be able to take advantage of the many features and benefits of VoIP.

To get started, you will need to have phone service, a SIP trunk from a SIP provider, and the right equipment. While you can go out and purchase new IP phones designed for use with VoIP phone systems, you have other, more affordable options for VoIP equipment.

In many cases, you can use your existing desk phones and accessories, provided you have an analog telephone adapter (ATA). This converts old phones used on PBX systems to phones that connect with VoIP.

You can also download an app from your provider that allows you to use “softphones.” This may be your cellphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. As long as you have a stable internet connection, these devices can easily be used with your new VoIP phone system — no additional equipment required.

The Bottom Line On SIP Trunking

If you have a PBX phone system and want to upgrade without the expense and time required for a complete overhaul, SIP trunking is beneficial. This allows you to connect your old phone system to new technology.

If you want to ditch your outdated system altogether or need a new one, you can sign up with a VoIP provider. Many VoIP providers don’t require a separate SIP trunk — allowing you to access great features and reliable service all on one affordable monthly phone bill.

Learn how to know if your business is ready for VoIP. Then, do your research to learn more about the features and benefits of VoIP phone systems. Finally, we invite you to check out our list of the best VoIP providers, sign up for a free trial or demo, and see if a new phone system is right for your business.