Lots of people are familiar with VoIP—Voice over Internet Protocol, which allows you to make affordable calls over the internet. For years, this technology has provided the benefit of low-cost, high-quality conversations.

Yet, there’s another technology that has become just as vital, particularly for businesses. Since 1996, Session Initiation Protocol, or SIP, has revolutionized the way VoIP is accessed, making it a staple in today’s tech landscape.

Considering a cloud-based private branch exchange using VoIP? You’ll probably need SIP trunking. Let’s explore the role of SIP trunk port numbers and determine how many SIP trunks you actually need.

Key Points:

• Towner SIP trunking facilitates VoIP for both voice calls and multimedia communications.
• With Towner SIP trunking, you gain access to unlimited business lines at a low cost because the system operates virtually.
• The crucial SIP trunk port numbers are 5060 and 5061, which manage the majority of your VoIP communications; however, with Towner’s world-class support, managing these details becomes hassle-free.

What Is SIP, and What’s Its Role in VoIP?

VoIP was the breakthrough technology that made digital calling over the internet possible. However, there was a challenge in enabling these calls to connect across different systems and providers.

SIP technology provided the solution and has since become the standard for facilitating VoIP communications. Think of it this way: if a VoIP call is like a subway car carrying your messages, then SIP is the station and tracks that guide each car to its destination.

SIP manages the initiation of calls, maintaining the connection, and disconnecting calls when finished.

Moreover, SIP has enabled the integration of video and text messaging into your VoIP systems. This is why you can upgrade your cloud-based PBX into a comprehensive unified communications service without needing extra devices or hardware.

What Exactly Is a SIP Trunk?

Trunking is the process that links your PBX lines both internally and with the external world, facilitating calls. Ever wonder where the term “trunk” originated? Historically, an analog PBX was connected to the outside world using a physical trunk device.

Here’s an easy way to picture it: Imagine a PBX as a tree filled with separate extensions or branches. These branches would connect to the outside world of public switched telephone lines through a trunk.

So, a trunk essentially acts as a central hub connecting a group of lines. In the past, due to the limitations of physical hardware, a traditional T3 trunk could handle only up to 28 lines. If more lines were needed, additional trunks were required.

However, the advent of SIP technology has revolutionized this setup. With everything being virtual, a single SIP trunk can support virtually unlimited lines.

How Many SIP Trunks Are Necessary for Your Business?

You might have already guessed the answer to this question: You only need one SIP trunk! This is because these virtual solutions allow you to host unlimited lines (or “channels”) on your system.

So, the real question becomes: How many channels do you need for SIP trunking?

Although the system is virtual, the calls, conferences, and messages your system handles are still transmitting data. Your provider manages this data securely from their data centers, which is why professional VoIP and SIP trunking services still come at a cost.

Additionally, consider that the number of channels and the volume of calls you manage will require adequate internet bandwidth to ensure smooth and clear connections. It’s wise to discuss your needs with your communications service provider to determine if you need to upgrade your internet to a service that can adequately support a business line.

What Is the Purpose of a SIP Trunk Port Number?

Talking about SIP port numbers can dive deep into technical jargon pretty fast. You don’t need to grasp all the details unless you’re an IT professional.

What’s important to know is that these ports are virtual pathways that manage the flow of data for various activities. The two main port numbers used for SIP traffic are 5060 and 5061.

Port 5060 facilitates the majority of your VoIP calls through quick, non-encrypted connections. In contrast, Port 5061 is designated for traffic that requires transport layer security.

Previously, knowing these port numbers was crucial for troubleshooting. However, with today’s advanced cloud-based VoIP business lines, these details are often handled by your service provider. They should provide 24/7 support to monitor your system and guide you through any troubleshooting steps as needed.

What Advantages Does SIP Trunking Offer?

If you’re still using a legacy PBX, you might be wondering if it’s worth making the switch to the cloud. Here’s why it definitely is:

Cost Savings: Virtual systems are generally cheaper to start with, and you won’t have to pay for extra lines. You can easily scale your system up or down as needed without additional costs.

Remote and Hybrid Work Capabilities: With a secure communications system that only requires internet access, you can maintain reliable communication with your team, no matter where they are.

Reliable, Future-Proof Technology: Your service is supported by multiple data centers through your provider, ensuring business continuity even during outages or disasters.

For more insights, consider the experiences of customers who have successfully transitioned to a cloud-based phone service.

Ready to Upgrade Your PBX to the 21st Century with SIP Trunking?

Towner SIP trunking simplifies the process of setting up a virtual business line more than ever before. Many companies can even have their cloud-based PBX up and running within just a few days, or sometimes even on the same day!

To tap into the advantages of SIP trunking, reach out to us at Towner. Whether you’re modernizing an old system or building from the ground up, we’ll help you boost flexibility and cut costs with a contemporary business phone service.