Beware of SIP Impersonaters!

Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is a buzz word in today’s technology circles. SIP trunks work with your business phone system by utilizing your Ethernet or internet pipe. SIP rides on the same Internet Protocol (IP) that data does and allows both voice and data traffic to share the circuit.

The language can be a little confusing because you can have an IP phone system and not have SIP, yet you can have a TDM phone system and have SIP.

SIP is, however, important to research and consider. SIP trunks can present noteworthy cost-savings for businesses, reducing the need for local Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) gateways, expensive Integrated Services Digital Network Basic Rate Interface (ISDN BRI’s) or Primary Rate Interfaces (PRIs). Sound too good to be true? It could be. You could find yourself in a situation where you think you are buying the latest technology, but if that technology is not up to current standards you may not be able to achieve what you are hoping to.

There are some core questions you should ask if considering the use of SIP trunks:

1. Is the SIP carrier credible? There are many people selling SIP technology without Quality of Service (QoS) on the circuit. Since SIP rides on the data path, you need the control to keep the voice as priority or voice quality could be impacted. (Imagine if your business telephone calls sounded like you were talking on a cell phone in an area with poor cell reception…)


2. Can the SIP trunks be connected directly into your phone system or is additional hardware required to convert it? Anytime more hardware is concerned you should be asking about cost and if you are risking voice quality.


3. Does your business require faxing capabilities? SIP faxing isn’t always reliable and it may mean you need to keep a Plain Old Telephone System (POTS) line for faxing.


4. What is your business environment like? Do you have multiple sites? For example, if your main office is located in Indianapolis and your secondary offices are located in Fort Wayne, Reno, and /or Biloxi, each location can utilize the same SIP trunks regardless of where the call is placed.


5. Is your business seasonal? SIP trunks allow you to “burst” or expand during your seasonal times and only pay for what you need during those times instead of paying for costly terms on larger circuits.

What additional risks or considerations are important as you review Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and SIP?

• Most SIP providers want you to keep a POTS line as a backup so you have a priority line for 911 calls, so don’t expect to cancel all your lines.


• If your internet goes down, you lose both voice and data. However, if you purchase your SIP trunks through a major carrier, they will publish their commitment to your up time and what point they will reimburse you for lost business.

So, what does all of this mean? It is OK to get “jiggy” about new technology, but be cautious to ensure you are asking the right questions and involving trusted resources to ensure you are protecting your business and your investment.

This was Amy Hershman's latest conversation with Bill Taylor.Thank you and kind regards.