Connectivity Solutions – How SIP and MPLS can work together

101 10
Business connectivity has advanced from what we typically think of as the ‘internet' – in fact, to take advantage of future-led, data hungry applications such as business VoIP, you will need a network that is far more powerful than your average broadband connection.

SIP and MPLS are the communication buzzwords of the here and now; the trouble is too few organisations are truly looking into them as optional business connectivity solutions. As a nation, we're not fond of change and are hesitant of new services that thrust us into unfamiliar territories, how can we trust them? And why fix something that isn't broken?

But even though traditional solutions still do the job they're there for, for your business to get ahead in the 21st century you need to be looking at investing in high performing, next generation communications to gain the ultimate advantage over those -thinking competitors.

What is SIP?

SIP stands for ‘Session Initiation Protocol' and is the language used to carry voice traffic over a data connection (like the ‘internet') to effectively work as VoIP. They are the virtual version of your ISDN lines, allowing for data and call convergence.

SIP Trunking is a vital tool to ensure you can maximise Return on Investment as it replaces the need for confusing ISDN circuits. SIP trunks are delivered by IP for maximum results, long-term financial savings will be evident through the increase in productivity given to your business. A SIP/VoIP solution can usually be expected to pay for itself within 12 months.

Your SIP provider manages your Trunks and ensures that they interact successfully with one another, as the call traffic is bypassing the PSTN it also means that national and international calls are greatly reduced.

Historically, businesses had two distinct and separate network connections for data and voice, now with MPLS and SIP we are able to combine these. Maintaining one line for both is much easier, and cheaper. With SIP, the need for extra copper, cards or contracts isn't necessary.

What is MPLS?

Multi-Protocol Label Switching is a private circuit used to connect multiple sites and remote workers, created to increase the forwarding speed of routers and has now evolved to become vital in the building of large IP networks.

As it doesn't use the public internet this means that you have complete control of your own traffic, and are able to add priorities to types of traffic such as data or voice - this means faster speeds and a totally uncongested network.

MPLS is a Quality of Service (QoS) network far greater and faster than typical broadband, this allows you to gain access to hosted apps and VoIP. As MPLS is considered a QOS technology, it is intended to guarantee rapid delivery of data, reducing costs by 10% to 25%.

MPLS solutions are flexible in nature so network designers can easily decrease the number of ‘hops' to and from different network points making for a rapid response time. Your MPLS provider works closely with you to design the network to ensure maximum upload and download speeds.

What is VoIP?

VoIP continues to replace traditional ISDN telephony and as previously mentioned with SIP, uses virtual ISDN functionality over a data connection to reduce costs, increase flexibility and improve productivity.

VoIP was created to be sent over the internet, however the internet wasn't designed to carry voice traffic and as such offers no Quality of Service (QoS). The most effective way of implementing VoIP is to place it over a high performing, private network such as MPLS.

How do SIP and MPLS work together?

Any business enabling SIP over its own MPLS network will allow ISDN type functionality for incoming and outgoing voice calls over IP, allowing for the creation and deployment of other feature rich services than go beyond simple VoIP.

MPLS was a network designed for high performing, data hungry applications such as VoIP. To get the most out of your SIP Trunks they will need to be placed over a QoS network, by utilising SIP over MPLS you will be minimising the threats to your business.

As SIP trunks are delivered by IP, they may placed be over the public internet or over a private MPLS connection, however, you are guaranteed a much more dedicated and quality service by placing SIP over MPLS, this will undoubtedly:
  • Improve voice quality that competes with traditional ISDN
  • Improve security
  • Give you access to more robust features
  • Reduce costs
  • Introduce your business to the possibility of full Cloud migration or Unified Communications
  • Increase functionality
  • Allow for site to site VoIP
  • Accommodate home workers
  • Plus more

As SIP and MPLS convergence allows for true business and workplace collaboration of voice and data, you are therefore able to further benefit from such things as Unified Communications solutions. With multimedia business integration you will undoubtedly strengthen your entire business infrastructure and operations.

By talking to a business connectivity provider such as Elite Telecom, you will be able to further see how MPLS and SIP can help your business.
Source...

Leave A Reply

Your email address will not be published.