Today's business communications involve tons of voice calls. While phones are still a vital tool for communications, professionals use many various technologies to converse.

Recent technological advancements have increased the choices corporations have in business phone systems. More and more, organisations are making switches from dated systems like Primary Rate Interface (PRI lines) to systems like voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) to save costs.

If you’re evaluating new business phone systems, you may be wondering what the distinction is between Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and VoIP, and which is best.

On this post, you’ll learn the pros and cons of both of these systems.

SIP vs VoIP: What’s the Difference?

SIP vs VoIP is not a straightforward comparison. While VoIP is a term which may be used to describe any internet-based telecommunications system, SIP is a specific type of VoIP deployment.

VoIP is a broad term which refers to any call made over the internet rather than over a standard phone line. VoIP depends on data connectivity to transmit voice information packets, rather than the public switched telephone network (PSTN).

SIP is a protocol used to initiate, maintain, and terminate multimedia system communication sessions in VoIP applications. SIP protocols support the signalling and management of voice, video, and electronic messaging applications.

 

SIP vs VoIP isn't the best question

While the SIP protocol is used to support and scale VoIP systems, not all VoIP systems are backed by SIP technology. SIP is simply one protocol which may be exploited in business VoIP to scale communications.

It can also be used to support video conferencing, instant electronic messaging, text, and alternative multimedia system communications. It also happens to be the most used protocol.

Pros and Cons of VoIP

Since the standard and options of VoIP will vary considerably, each of the pros and cons may also rely upon the type of service and its implementation.

However, evaluating the pros and cons of VoIP compared to SIP, isn't helpful. To best perceive however VoIP stacks up to VoIP with SIP, it's wisest to compare the pros and cons of business web telco which incorporates only voice communications (VoIP-only), rather than multimedia system options (VoIP with SIP).

VoIP-only Pros

  • Low initial investment price.
  • Ongoing cost savings with predictable, flat-rate monthly fees.
  • VoIP systems are incredibly mobile and do not need on-site installation.
  • Many basic VoIP service plans provide limited options like caller ID, call waiting, and call forwarding.
  • Most VoIP suppliers don't require long service contracts.

VoIP-only Cons

  • Requires higher bandwidth for service availability and excellent call quality.
  • May require the implementation of Quality of Service (QoS) network traffic management rules to preserve call quality.
  • Some essential VoIP services might not provide mobile integration or mobile apps.
  • Being a Voice-only service, VoIP systems lack support for multimedia communications.

Pros and Cons of VoIP with SIP

Switching to SIP from standard PRIs can allow organisations to achieve immediate cost savings. It also allows the organisation to scale quickly and unlock new productivity tools. To effectively compare SIP to VoIP, it is best to take a look at how using a SIP-based system will enhance VoIP communications into a multimedia system of communication.

 

VoIP with SIP Pros

  • Is capable of providing fail-over to mobile devices primary internet connection is lost.
  • Can offer extreme flexibility by providing businesses with the capability to add-on options and lines as required.
  • SIP VoIP systems tend to include easy to use administrative tools for adding lines, numbers and changing the configuration.
  • SIP VoIP system can also be developed to have integrations with typical business applications and software systems for increased productivity.
  • They can also be integrated with existing PRI lines to make a hybrid communication system.

VoIP with SIP Cons

  • SIP VoIP system need high bandwidth to support a good quality of service.
  • The quality of service offered by SIP suppliers will vary.  
  • Sending SIP VoIP traffic over a public web service, as opposed to a dedicated fibre-optic connection may present quality and security risks.

 

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