Not sure what a SIP address is? Interested in learning what it's used for? Here are some frequently asked questions about SIP and how you can get your own SIP address.
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Session Initiation Protocol, or SIP, is an Internet Protocol used to initiate or terminate live communication sessions. These may include anything from instant messages, to and video calls, to interactive multimedia conferences. Over the last couple of years, major players in the voice over IP industry have adopted SIP as their signaling protocol of choice.
A SIP address is a lot like an address in that it also serves as a locater of the user. SIP addresses even look very similar to addresses. Like addresses, they are comprised of two parts: a username, and a domain. For example, if your name was Mike, you might have the following identical SIP and addresses:
SIP communication would be routed to Mike at his SIP address sip: as would be sent to Mike at his address mailto:.
The easiest way to get a SIP address is by creating an account with an online service. Like creating an account with Google or Yahoo, you will be provided with an address (i.e. or ). However, your SIP service provider may allow you to create SIP addresses within your own domain as well (i.e. ).
SIP service providers like OnSIP allow customers to use the registered domain name of their companies to create SIP addresses free of charge.
Alternatively, you can also set up your own SIP server to host your SIP addresses.
For people using old telephones to reach you on your SIP address, you need to have a regular number which forwards to your SIP address. If you want to call people who are using regular telephones, your SIP service needs the ability to call out to regular numbers. Usually, your SIP service provider can provide you with one or both of these services.
Your SIP address allows you to participate in SIP-based communication over the Internet. As already stated, SIP can be used to initiate a variety of communication formats, ranging from a call to collaborative conferences, over existing Internet connections without the need of traditional services.
What makes SIP even more powerful is that it is personal like an address. While a number is registered to a specific device, a SIP address follows the person it belongs to. This gives SIP users access to new features that standard landline services simply do not offer. For example, SIP users can use a 'find me, follow me' service so that they always get their important calls, regardless of whether they're at home, at work, or at the beach. With the increasing prevalence of Internet telephony in the corporate and consumer markets comes the gradual migration from the use of numbers to the use of SIP addresses.
When computers were the new hot technology in businesses, those who were fast to adopt it surged ahead. Companies that were slow to shift away from their manual processes lagged behind.
For decades, PRI dominated the business scene, but times have changed. With SIP revolutionizing connectivity, the pressure to switch is mounting. Yet, the fear of disruption looms large, leaving many unsure about taking the leap. The question is, can you afford to stay behind?
In this post, we'll navigate the maze of PRI to SIP migration, offering insights and strategies to ensure a smooth transition. From crucial factors to consider to best practices for implementation, you'll emerge equipped to make the shift confidently, leaving doubts behind.
Migrating from PRI to SIP: Factors to Consider
With any change in service, there's risk involved. However, the weight of the reward is enough to tip the scales. Additionally, the ILECs are retiring their copper networks so you inevitably are going to have to move from PRI at some point.
And you're not alone. By the year , an estimated 70% of businesses already made the switch to SIP.
However, if you are still considering the switch to SIP from PRI, here are a number of reasons you should consider migrating as soon as possible.
1. SIP Interoperability
SIP interoperability is the main factor when deciding if your SIP deployment will be successful. If your SIP service and Private Branch Exchange (PBX) can't talk to each other, your going to have a lot of troubleshooting on your hands. It's also a problem if you switch carriers who don't communicate well with each other.
Because SIP is an Internet protocol, software matters far more than it did with PRI. Software allows you to customize your to meet specific needs, but since carriers have their own interpretation of SIP, programming won't always translate if you switch to a new provider.
Every company has their own interpretation of SIP, meaning they've setup their products to support how they interpret the protocol. Because of this, it's crucial to validate interoperability before switching carriers. At a minimum, ensure your can run the necessary tasks for day-to-day work.
While the lack of shared interpretations can be frustrating, there is hope for better interoperability. Every 18-24 months, the Session Initiation Protocol Interoperability Test (SIPit) holds a conference. This is a week-long event where vendors from around the world bring their implementations to ensure they work together. Although there's a lot of time between events, it still means there's progress in the arena. They've also created an Automated Self-Test that can be used to check your SIP implementations between events.
2. Updating Switches and Caller ID
Updating switches is a problem you have much less control over. When you change carriers and initiate SIP trunking services, your carrier needs to ensure that every company has updated your new information. Typically this done through clearinghouse services such as Neustar.
Every carrier has a switch. While your service provider has your correct information, if others don't update their switch database, calls will not get routed properly. For example, if a customer calls, but can't get through, it's likely because their carrier has yet to update your information.
Caller ID is in a similar situation. When switching carriers, details can be lost, affecting the way customers see your information. With firm regulations from the FCC on Caller ID, it's critical to keep your information as correct as possible. Local Number Portability means that you can keep your number as you switch carriers. Some carriers are better than others at keeping their number lookup databases from getting stale.
To mitigate risk from both these issues, you need to actively manage your carrier's information on your company and ensure they're updating the proper channels so you can maintain contact outside your organization.
3. Hosted PBX Option
You'll likely have to upgrade to a different PBX as you switch to SIP. Using an on-premises PBX can be costly, and many companies are opting for a cloud-based PBX to meet their needs. Still, this may be more expensive than necessary for a company making the initial transition to SIP. Higher costs make finding a PBX-as-a-Service provider a better option.
Outsourcing to a cloud-based PBX service offers cost savings, scalability, less maintenance, and improved reliability. A reputable provider will have procedures in place to ensure a smooth transition from one carrier to another.
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4. Owning the Network
When deciding whether to make the transition, it's important to know the extent and status of the network you'll be using.
First, ask your carrier if their network has only one path to the public switched network or do they have planned resiliency and connect to multiple networks. If it's the latter, there's a good chance your service will be of higher quality than the single-path solution.
Additionally, find out if they integrate with any PBX system. Some networks will only operate with a certain PBX, limiting your options.
Either way, finding a network that covers everywhere you need and works with your required services will give you more control and, ultimately, more flexibility.
5. SBC Required
A Session Border Controller (SBC) is a system that acts as a gateway for your dial tone, routing calls to their correct destination. Imagine it as a switchboard operator in the s, plugging and pulling calls to ensure they reach the right person on the other end.
Using SIP requires an SBC to set up and tear down calls. As a bonus, an SBC serves as a firewall for your system. You can establish criteria that tell the SBC whether to permit or deny calls, such as international numbers.
If you've chosen to work with Atlantech, we'll provide the SBC so you don't need to worry about purchasing or managing your own. Having to own and manage your own SBC adds a significant layer of cost and complexity that you should try to avoid at all costs.
6. Software Apps and Functionality
SIP enables seamless integration of business communication channels, treating service as data like or file transfers. This allows for enhanced customer service and efficiency within the organization.
Any computer can turn into a with a simple headset and software, also known as a "softphone." This allows employees to call in from any computer with the software installed, allowing them to join conference calls or other meetings without needing their own VoIP . You can also instant message other people on the hosted PBX platform, and those instant messages can interact with other messaging platforms.
You can provide presence indicators to others in the office or even to the public. Publish your status, such as "in a meeting," or "away from desk," so people have an idea of why you're not answering.
Metrics and analytics improve business processes, while voice as a data application extends office communication beyond the local office walls. With softphones, communication is possible from any location, whether in the field, on-site, or during transit.
7. Rich Conference Calling
SIP enables a new level of conference calling. You're limited to less than 23 lines on the same call with PRI. Because SIP operates in a packet-switched fashion, you're liberated from depending on circuit switching.
High-quality video conferences with unlimited participants are cost-effective, ideal for large or remote organizations. Participants can join from a softphone or SIP-enabled IP , offering newfound flexibility.
8. 911 Access
Finally, you need to verify whether your provider can pass calls into the U.S. 911 infrastructure. If an emergency occurs, you need to make sure you call gets routed to the proper PSAP.
Because of E911 database issues, some calls may not connect to the right E911 operator. There's also a chance that although the call connects, the data required to dispatch the authorities is not sent. Making sure that how you make and where your E911 calls get routed is factor that you definitely need to account for when making the change from PRI to SIP.
How to Make the PRI to SIP Transition as Smooth as Possible
Transitioning your business system from PRI to SIP can seem daunting, but with careful planning and execution, it can be smooth. Here's a concise guide to help you navigate the process effectively:
With these steps, you can smoothly transition to SIP and reap its benefits for your business. Contact us for expert guidance on your migration journey.
Mitigating Security & Compliance Risks During a PRI to SIP Migration
When migrating from PRI to SIP, ensuring data security and compliance with regulations is paramount. Here's how to navigate these concerns effectively:
When to Migrate from PRI to SIP
Use these factors to decide if it's worth migrating to SIP. Even if you don't find the benefits outweigh risks, there are ways to mitigate issues along every step to make it a more viable option for your business.
Before you make the official transition, alert any stakeholders that the change is taking place. They'll be more understanding of communication issues if they know you're facing challenges from the migration.
And if you need help understanding what questions you should care about when selecting a service, we've written a guide specifically for you. 10 Questions to Ask Before You Buy Service for Your Business will spell out everything you need to ask and why it's essential.
Once you know what you should be buying, our Essential Guide to System Pricing will help you understand how features and redundancy affect your overall price tag.
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