SIP numbers and how to use them
SIP number is associated with a specific terminal. For its operation we need an IP phone or a special softphone. We show you how to use them.
What are SIP numbers?
A SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) number uses IP telephony to make and manage telephone calls.
IP telephony is the system that uses VoIP technology. It transforms voice into data packets and sends them over the Internet to other devices.
How SIP numbers are used
Firstly, to use a SIP number we need a device that has an internet connection either an IP phone or any other terminal that can download the relevant softphone. In the case of the softphone, you will have the possibility to install it in a computer, tablet or laptop. The problem with softphones, although they give you some comfort, is that they are quite complex to configure.
To make a call from a SIP number we will need a series of requirements:
- The most important thing is to have an address and a SIP account in the device we are going to use to make and receive calls.
- You will also need a SIP line, which you will have to contract with a telephone provider.
- A high quality internet connection
- Device installation, either IP phone or softphone
There is the possibility of having different SIP number prefixes. This allows us to make outgoing calls by displaying a local number, so that our customers can contact numbers in their home countries. In this way we increase the value of our customer service and transmit a better international image.
Calls with SIP numbers also have several advantages.
- Reduction of the costs of calls, internal, external, national and international.
- You can stand a higher number of calls.
- We have the possibility and ease of contracting more than one extension associated with our SIP number.
- And as we have discussed before, it allows having a number with different prefixes both in provinces and in other countries, and gives a better image.
Difference between SIP number and WebRTC
Over the years, IP telephony has changed. From IP phones that work like a traditional landline, to WebRTC technology, in which no special device is required for operation.
Both a SIP number and a number with WebRTC, have the particularity of working through the Internet. But today with WebRTC technology we have many more functionalities apart from greater flexibility. We will now look at the differences between them:
Devices
The most obvious difference is that SIP numbers have to be linked to a specific device, that is, you have to use it through IP phones or you need to download a license on the device you want to use. Whereas with WebRTC technology, since it is not associated to a specific device, but to a user and password that can be used in any device with an Internet connection. In fact, you can register the same extension on several devices and when a call is received it will ring on all of them at the same time.
In addition, the possibility of having your extension number on any device allows you the flexibility to connect wherever you are. This reduces the possibility of not answering a call. Moreover, with the different functionalities of this technology you will be able to manage your calls in a professional way, using tools such as queues, options menus, etc.
Call Quality
Voice quality is another important difference, as WebRTC technology uses codecs such as the Opus codec that transmit voice and video in high definition and adapt to the bandwidth available at any given time.
Functionalities
With WebRTC you can have software with more features than just a SIP number, and thus create a better customer service experience. As long as there is a stable internet connection we will always have very good call quality.
Offer
It is true that SIP technology has been on the market longer, which means that the range of SIP number providers is much wider than that of WebRTC solutions.
Investment
And the most noticeable difference is the investment we have to make when contracting a SIP number. Since we have to take into account the acquisition of the devices, installation and maintenance of them.
Teleworking
As for the possibility of remote work. With a SIP number we would have to install our device, either a fixed phone or a softphone in the place where we are going to perform the telework. However, with WebRTC technology this problem would be solved, as we could connect from any device directly from the browser and without downloading any software.
To recap, a SIP number works with IP technology. We can make calls and receive them from an IP phone or a softphone that we have previously configured to be able to use it. We have the possibility of this SIP number having a local number from any province or international.
IP telephony has been changing in recent years so we invite you to discover the new updates of this technology as the WebRTC developed in open source by major enterprises in the world of technology such as Google.
