Simplifying SIP Trunk Installations

SIP trunks are a simple way to not only deploy VoIP, but also to begin adoption of unified communications and all its attendant benefits quickly. For VARs and end-users alike, SIP trunk deployments need to happen in a fast and streamlined manner.

Far from complicated and challenging, SIP trunks can be deployed with a minimal amount of time and headache. The key to a smooth installation is a well-planned network and the selection of components that are certified as interoperable. Interoperability also maximizes the security of your SIP traffic – a critical point.

Here’s what you need to know for a successful SIP trunk installation:

A SIP trunking service provider – There are many service providers today offering SIP trunk solutions. A traditional voice telephony service provider typically offers one or more T1/E1 trunks to the enterprise for fulfilling its needs for voice communication outside its own premises. With SIP trunking, service providers deliver call capacity in much smaller increments and have the ability to expand and contract the trunks very quickly. The SIP trunking service provider is responsible for placing the calls onto the PSTN, which often can reduce long distance charges significantly.

A SIP-enabled PBX (News - Alert) – Many IP-PBXs are designed to handle SIP. This is a necessity, as SIP trunks – like all real-time communication such as VoIP – are based on the protocol. Leading IP-PBXs provide the features that enterprises require. Many PBX vendors also perform rigorous interoperability testing with other vendors and ITSPs, which helps to strengthen security for your SIP communications and eliminate interoperability issues.

An edge device that can handle the traversal of SIP traffic – The enterprise edge component serves many critical purposes, including solving the NAT traversal issues that are common with SIP, maintaining security of the PBX and the resolution of interoperability issues between the ITSP and IP-PBX.

We, and our partners, will demonstrate the ease of SIP trunk installation at the upcoming ITEXPO (News - Alert) in Los Angeles during Ingate’s free SIP Trunk Seminar Series. Stop by room 502A to watch us deploy a SIP Trunk solution in 20 minutes or less. IT

Steven Johnson is president of Ingate Systems (News - Alert).

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