What is a SIP Trunk?
SIP Trunking (Session Initiation Protocol) is a method used to connect businesses private branch exchange (PBX) phone systems to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) over the internet. SIP trunks are used in VoIP (Voice over IP) systems, which allow voice communication to be transmitted over an IP network rather than through traditional copper telephone lines. Along with voice communications, SIP Trunks are also able to carry voice, SMS and other unified communication services over the internet.
How 3CX Works with SIP Trunks
SIP Trunks are an essential element of making your 3CX system work (make and receive calls!) and act as the bridge between your 3CX and the public telephone network. There are many SIP Trunk suppliers on the market however, 3CX have a strict supplier onboarding process – meaning there are only very few 3CX Preferred SIP Trunk Providers in the UK / world! Due to the flexibility, scalability and reliability of Fuse 2’s independent global SIP network , we are one of only two Preferred SIP Providers for 3CX in the UK.
So Do You Really Need a SIP Trunk for 3CX?
Yes, in short your 3CX phone system will not work without a SIP Trunk. If a SIP Trunk is not detected within the configuration of a 3CX system, users will only be able to make and receive calls internally via an internet connection. If your business needs to make and receive calls externally, a SIP Trunk is required to connect your system to the public telephone network. The number of SIP Trunks you require is all based on the size of your 3CX system.
In most instances, only one SIP Trunk is required as the channel allowance will be sufficient for the amount of concurrent calls. However, if you are running a large enterprise business and your concurrent calls are significantly higher, then more than one SIP Trunk may be necessary for reduced latency and better call quality.
Advantages of Using a SIP Trunk with 3CX
SIP Trunking offers a host of benefits to businesses by replacing traditional telecoms infrastructure with a more modern, scalable, efficient and cost effective solution. Scalability is one of the key benefits of SIP Trunking as they allow your phone system to continuously grow with your business.
As businesses grow, remote working inevitably increases which is where the flexibility of SIP Trunking is essential. SIP technology allows you to enable your team members to work from anywhere in the world all while using one phone system meaning, you can transfer a call from one side of the world to another seamlessly. The technology in place also means that all calls made or received are fully protected by your SIP providers infrastructure security.
Aside from the impressive scalability, flexibility and reliability, SIP Trunks also offer many advanced add-ons such as geographic flexibility, in-country breakout, disaster recovery and significantly better call quality!
Choosing the Right SIP Trunk Provider for 3CX?
There are many factors to consider when choosing the right SIP Trunk provider such as geographic presence, security measures used and support. However, when choosing the right provider for your 3CX system, it is best to listen to the experts (3CX!).
As mentioned earlier in this blog post, 3CX have a select few SIP Trunk providers who have passed all of the pre-checks and testing to become a 3CX preferred SIP Trunk provider. At Fuse 2, we are one of two preferred providers in the UK due to our impressive independent global SIP network and exceptional technical support.
Our network is monitored 24/7 and has been designed with resilience and scalability in mind. We have worked tirelessly building a strong relationship with 3CX to offer our customers best-in-class service which is why we are now the only 3CX providers in the world to have the following accreditations:
- 3CX Titanium Partner
- 3CX Preferred SIP Trunk Provider
- 3CX Solution Provider
- 3CX Advanced Certified Engineers
