Business VoIP – SIP Trunking vs. PRIs<

SIP Trunking vs. PRIs

SIP trunking (Session Initiation Protocol) and PRIs (Primary Rate Interfaces) are both methods used to connect a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) network to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). This connection, or interface, is necessary to allow a VoIP phone system to work just the same as an ordinary PSTN phone system, and be able to make calls to any phone—regardless of whether the call recipient is on the VoIP network.

Regardless of which method you use, the end result is transparency. You can enjoy the cost advantages and the advanced feature sets of VoIP, but you are still able to just pick up the phone and make a call to anyone, without having to think about whether the party you are calling is on your network.

SIP means cost savings

For users who have chosen to take advantage of a hosted PBX system however, this will not be an issue, since the SIP trunking or PRI is going to be on the hosting party's side, instead of on-premises. The third party provider will take care of it behind the scenes. But, for those who run their own IP PBX on premises, there must be a provision made to make this interface happen. Fortunately, options like SIP trunking and PRI make the process fairly transparent and easy to implement. Both options work in much the same manner, placing an interface between the IP PBX and the firewall. An IP PBX is usually recommended, although if you have an older analog PBX you can still leverage that original investment by attaching an Integrated Access Device (IAD) to it. This allows your older PBX to function as a type of hybrid PBX that allows for VoIP calls. However, not all PBXes will work with SIP trunking, so make sure you have the right equipment before embarking on this path.

There are differences between SIP trunking and PRI however, the greatest one being cost. SIP trunking is less expensive for two reasons; first, provisioning can be done remotely without an on-premises call by the provider. Second, additional channels can be purchased incrementally, one at a time. PRIs come in groups of 23 channels. This allows you to purchase only as many channels as you really need, on an as-needed basis.

There is no differentiation in call quality between SIP trunking and PRIs as well, which makes the SIP trunk option the preferred configuration in most cases. SIP trunking is usually recommended for businesses that have high-quality, high-speed connections and a Quality of Service guarantee from their providers.

Submit a VoIP quote request today for your business and save up to 80% on your monthly phone bills.