This article will explain the key features of SIP trunking, how to set up and what to do if there is an issue with Now’s SIP trunking service.

What is SIP trunking

SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) trunking is a technology that allows businesses to use their internet connection to make voice and video calls instead of traditional phone lines.

It involves connecting a business's PBX (Private Branch Exchange) to the internet via a SIP trunk, which serves as a virtual phone line. In other words, SIP Trunking is a digital alternative to traditional wire and cable methods of managing multiple phone lines.

To be able to utilise SIP trunking, your PBX must be compatible with SIP. To check if PBX contact Now to check.

Why should I choose SIP trunking for my business?

SIP trunking can offer customers with their own PBX and the resources to manage it greater scalability, cost savings and flexibility

SIP Trunking, depending on the PBX capabilities, can offer most of the features and benefits a business would get with a cloud PBX. Because SIP trunks can be shared across multiple locations, and a single trunk can handle multiple calls, the cost savings associated with SIP Trunking can also be significant.

Should I opt for SIP trunking or a Cloud PBX?

The deciding factor when choosing between SIP Trunking and Cloud PBX will usually be the size of the business. Smaller businesses will nearly always be better off with cloud PBX, as they provide all of the functionality of VoIP at little cost, both at the startup phase, and then later when it comes to maintaining the system.

SIP Trunking, on the other hand, is better for larger businesses with more employees with existing PBX in place.

How many SIP trunks do I need?

Firstly, ensure you have sufficient bandwidth on the connection your SIP trunk will be set up on. A SIP trunk shares the same connectivity environment as your IT infrastructure, so you’ll need to factor in the bandwidth requirements for trunking as part of your overall internet demand. Next work out how many SIP trunks you’ll need.

Now will set up your SIP trunk with a specific number of channels – with a channel considered as one incoming or outgoing telephone call. Each call takes up one channel. For example, if a business is making 20 calls at once, the SIP trunk will have 20 channels to accommodate them.

If your business receives a large number of concurrent incoming calls (e.g. you have a call centre), or makes a lot of concurrent outgoing calls you must ensure that there are enough channels to serve all of them and therefore need multiple SIP trunks.

Can I get phone numbers and/or voicemail with Now’s SIP trunking?

Yes, DDI numbers can be purchased from Now in blocks of 10. Now can also provide a network based voicemail which can still be reached in the event your PBX is down.

How do I set up Now’s SIP trunking?

We will provide you (or your PBX support vendor) with the onboarding details so you can configure your PBX to work with the NOW SIP Trunking service.

1. SIP Username:

2. SIP Password:

3. Channels:

4. SIP Server:

We will provide you (or your PBX support vendor) with up to one hour of onboarding training and support. Support over and above the first hour will be chargeable at our standard labour rates.

Troubleshooting Now’s SIP trunking service?

Firstly, it is important to eliminate the PBX as the problem. You should contact whoever supports your PBX for them to check whether the PBX is still operating or that the PBX has lost registration (connection) with Now’s SIP trunk. Once they have eliminated, they should contact Now technical support for troubleshooting.

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