Making the right connections...

Winter, 2013

necessity and choice...

Whether your current phone system connects with analog lines or a PRI a Zerabox IP-PBX can connect right up to your existing provider's connection. In most cases a typical business phone system will connect to the phone company through copper lines (Loop Start Lines) or a PRI (Private Rate Interface) delivered through a T1. So, when getting a new PBX it must to ordered to have the correct hardware to make the appropriate connection. A Zerabox server is capable of connecting to just about any type of connection and comes ready to go. Let's discuss two of the major types of services:

Loop Start Lines- Also at times referred to as copper lines or analog lines they are pairs of copper wires, with each pair consisting as a line. When the receiver of the phone is lifted it starts or seizes the line between the customer and the central office switch and the electrical loop is completed and dc current flows across the circuit. Small businesses may have perhaps three phone lines and a fax line or a different amount, but each line or number would be carried by its own set of wires.
PRI (Private Rate Interface)- A T1 service is actually not a service at all, but should be thought of more as the hardware and provides the necessary means for PRI service to be delivered to a business. So, the PRI is the actual service, while T1 is the hardware used for delivery. It consists of 24 channels, each of which can be used for a different purpose. They could all be used to deliver phone service with 24 individual "phone lines" to a location, or it could be used to deliver bandwidth for data connections or Internet. Or the 24 channels could be split up with some dedicated to voice and some to data. The full bandwidth that a T1 is capable of is 1.54Mbps.

Now comes a new way to look at your connection; SIP Trunking:

A lot of interest has been generated about SIP trunking as of late and it's no wonder why. SIP Trunking or what might be best described as phone lines that connect using IP (Internet Protocol), has some distinct advantages, one of which is cost savings. SIP trunks can be programmed into a Zerabox IP-PBX and within minutes it will start routing calls over the network. The only significant need is there would be available bandwidth. No other hardware interface cards would be needed for a SIP trunk connection, as the Ethernet connection that is already built in would be used. An with Zerabox there would be no need to buy an additional license, unlike many other IP-PBXs. You may even discover that your current telephone provider may offer SIP trunking services, eliminating the need to have to explore for or take on a new provider.

So what's best for your business?

Surely, the advantage to make the best of both worlds. Installing a new Zerabox with your current connection makes upgrading your phone system simple and easy. Then explore the savings that can be realized with SIP trunks. You may even discover that your current carrier may offer these services, eliminating the need to have to explore for or take on a new provider.

It never has been easier, it never has been more affordable.