Q: What is SIP trunking?
A: The bundle of telephone lines coming into your building are called trunks. Typically, they're installed by the phone company and you pay monthly charges, whether you use them or not. SIP trunks allow you to use your existing internet connection to send calls to your IVR or phone system. You can keep the same phone number, and get better services with more features. Other benefits include disaster recovery options, and flexibility for unpredictable call traffic loads.

Q: How do I get started with SIP trunks?
A: The first step is speaking with an Internet Telephony Service Provider (ITSP) who is the interface to the PSTN (Public Service Telephone Network). The ITSP handles all your phone number porting and setup, plus ongoing support and training. Another good thing? You don't have to enter into multi-year contracts with an ITSP. Try doing that with your typical carrier.

Q: How do I connect the IVR to SIP trunks?
A: The IVRWarehouse IVR is designed for SIP trunks, but can be used with traditional phone lines as well. You'll simple put your IVR on the network, and you'll have a Border Element (router/firewall) direct the SIP calls to the IP address of the IVR server.

Q: This is too complex for us.
A: DiRAD can facilitiate the SIP trunking order for you, and get you setup with a reputable SIP carrier.

Q: We want our IVR to sound good, not like VoIP.
A: Actually, VoIP calls can sound much better than PSTN calls, with a right-next-door quality. It's all a matter of how much bandwidth you have available, and what compression (if any) you need.

Q: How much bandwidth do I need?
A: A fully uncompressed IVR call is about 84kpbs including overhead. With compression, you can get down to around 16kpbs or lower. At that compression, it's been described as sound like a cell phone.

Q: Can you transfer calls with a SIP trunk?
A: Yes you can. Make sure your ITSP supports SIP REFER. This will transfer calls, and release them from your system.