When using Skype for Business, you need a reliable way to save on cost while achieving large communication coverage, and that’s where the SIP trunk comes in. This guide teaches all the details about SIP in Skype for Business. This guide covers all details about using SIP in Skype for Business. Still, we will understand what SIP trunking means, how it works, and the benefits of using SIP in Skype for Business. Lastly, we will discuss the frequently asked questions about SIP in Skype for Business.
What Is SIP in Skype for Business?
SIP stands for Session Initiation Protocol. It is used for initiating and managing Voice over IP (VoIP) communication sessions required for telephone services. Moreover, it supports other real-time communication, such as conferencing, instant messaging, multimedia, and conferencing. You can set up a SIP connection that goes beyond your local network and the firewall. That way, you enhance communication for your Business Server enterprise. Ideally, when you get licensed for Skype for Business, you get assigned your SIP address to enable you to participate in real-time communications over the internet. The SIP address comes with the ID and password you use to access your Skype for Business. Whether signing into your Skype for Business on your Windows or Mac, you will need the three credentials to sign in.
Understanding SIP Trunking
To create a SIP communication, you need a SIP trunk. The SIP trunk is the IP connection responsible for establishing the SIP communication link to connect your organization to the Internet Telephony Service Provider (ITSP). Therefore, SIP trunking refers to linking your organization’s site to an ITSP. SIP trunking is beneficial in creating a real-time communication service for your organization. Besides, SIP trunking helps consolidate all the organization’s connections to a central site provided by the service provider. This feature is an update to the Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) that was used earlier and only allowed each trunk to have its separate branch site. So, why employ SIP trunking for your Skype for Business?
Cost Savings
Cost is crucial for any organization. Luckily, SIP trunking lets you cut the cost required for communication. With a SIP trunk, the cost incurred in calls is lesser for long distances. Besides, SIP trunking reduces the complexity of the deployment, which also saves on costs. Moreover, the bandwidth usage and cost depend on the ITSP you choose for your SIP.
Expanded VoIP Services
SIP trunking enhances voice communication. While at it, SIP trunking offers extended VoIP capabilities to improve voice features and services. Besides, it provides better integration for mobile phones, and for services such as emergencies, the caller’s location can easily be determined. The bottom line is that SIP trunking for Skype for Business is beneficial, and once you understand what you want to enhance for your Skype for Business, you can implement SIP.
Difference Between Distributed and Centralized SIP Trunking
You can choose between centralized or distributed SIP trunking when implementing SIP trunking. With the centralized SIP trunking, all the branch site traffic and the VoIP traffic get routed through the central site. Centralized SIP trunking is cost-effective and straightforward, making it the recommended deployment model for Skype for Business servers. Distributed SIP trunking involves implementing the local SIP trunks in various branch sites. Therefore, the VoIP traffic gets routed directly to the service provider instead of passing through the central site.
Conclusion
SIP in Skype for Business refers to the protocol for initiating and managing Voice over IP communication sessions to enable telephone services and real-time communication, such as conferencing, instant messaging, and multimedia. We’ve discussed what SIP and SIP trunking means.
