Companies may rely on outdated legacy phone systems that depend on older equipment, uncertain about transitioning or upgrading without incurring significant time and financial investment.
A SIP (session initiation protocol) trunk to PRI (primary rate interface) gateway, also called a SIP trunk to PRI converter, links contemporary SIP trunking phone services with legacy PRI phone systems. This enables businesses to preserve older, functioning, equipment while signing up for new phone services and continuing to use their existing phones.
Numerous organizations still utilize these older phone systems but wish to transition to VoIP (voice over internet protocol) services via SIP trunking. The SIP trunk to PRI gateways makes this possible.
This approach can be a cost-effective solution for businesses with extensive equipment to update or those needing to postpone significant upgrades.
A VoIP gateway facilitates the conversion between a traditional telephone connection and a modern VoIP connection using SIP. A PRI gateway translates SIP into a format that older technology can comprehend and utilize.
PRI systems, which rely on T1 lines for voice and data delivery, have been available since the 1980s. These systems utilize outdated hardware designs prevalent in various industries before the advent of SIP and other modern systems. To use PRI systems, a local telecom company must provide service through T1 lines to your office.
T1 lines possess a greater data capacity than the landline wiring commonly installed in homes, making them highly popular among businesses handling large call volumes.
SIP is a type of networking language. PRI gateways supply equipment information in the appropriate format, making the data appear to be arriving over an ISDN (integrated services digital network).
While SIP trunks are completely virtual, PRI connections involve actual hardware. They require a specially installed line within office buildings to accommodate the additional data required for a business operation. As a result, this was typically a service that only larger businesses with high call volumes would consider using. Companies such as telemarketing or large enterprises’ customer service departments relied on the PRI phone systems.
In contrast, SIP trunks employ networking technologies available on the internet. They do not require a separate physical line; instead, they can “exist” on the infrastructure used to deliver internet service.
Switching vendors is straightforward, as no dedicated physical line is connected to the phone company that needs to be disconnected. Special wiring installation is generally unnecessary to add SIP trunks.
There are two types of gateways.
Other terms for a VoIP gateway include:
- PRI gateway
- IP media gateway
- SIP gateway
- Voice gateway
- TDM (time-division multiplexing) gateway
- PSTN (public switched telephone network) gateway
- ISDN gateway
- Digital telephony gateway
- Analog gateway
Features of a VoIP Gateway
VoIP gateways are straightforward devices that convert traditional landline PSTN audio into data, effectively connecting a traditional phone system to an IP network. This makes them a vital component of any contemporary business phone network still reliant on traditional phone infrastructure.
VoIP Gateways offer several features:
Unlimited Long-Distance Domestic Calling
Service providers typically charge a per-minute rate when making a call to another state using a landline phone due to the strain on their copper-based network. However, this issue is eliminated with VoIP calls, as data can effortlessly travel long distances.
A VoIP gateway can help reduce long-distance calling charges if you or your employees frequently make such calls.
International Calling
Many VoIP services offer lower per-minute rates for international calls than landline providers. For example, 2talk provides plans that enable unlimited international calls to over 30 countries. This particularly benefits businesses with employees, contractors, and customers based overseas.
Conferencing
While traditional landlines typically allow for three-way calls, connecting to a VoIP system significantly increases this limit. With phones connected via a VoIP gateway, you can simultaneously conduct conference calls using 2talk’s Audio Conference with up to 15 participants.
Connecting a large group of people over the phone for extensive meetings can boost your team’s productivity.
Mobile Softphone Apps
With an all-landline setup, you can only use your landline number when physically present at your office. In contrast, VoIP systems offer mobile apps allowing you to make and receive calls from your landline number regardless of location. You need a smartphone (iOS or Android), and you have your landline number available on your mobile phone.
2talk also offers a Softphone, which converts your desktop or laptop computer into a feature-rich, web-based phone.
Why Businesses Need a VoIP Gateway
A VoIP gateway provides various advantages for businesses of all sizes:
- Versatility: VoIP gateways combine the proven reliability and call quality of a landline with the ability to connect those lines to the internet and enjoy all the features of VoIP.
- Cost savings on calls: Connecting your landline to the internet enables features like unlimited long-distance domestic and international calls. If your business frequently makes and receives calls nationwide and worldwide, you will see significant cost savings compared to using your office landline alone.
- Mobility: VoIP services offer mobile apps for making and receiving calls, allowing you to carry your business phone number with you on your Android and iOS devices.
Benefits of a VoIP Gateway for Businesses
If your company uses older hardware that relies on PRI standards, a SIP trunk to PRI gateway could extend the lifespan of your current equipment. Without a PRI to SIP gateway, you would need to purchase new equipment, potentially resulting in a significant investment for organizations with extensive phone infrastructure and equipment.
Using a PRI to SIP gateway, you can gradually phase in newer phone equipment utilizing SIP or postpone investing in new technology until funds are available.
Employing a PRI to SIP gateway may also be a strategic move for companies uncertain about SIP and want to ensure the service is suitable for their business before fully committing and buying a new phone system. This approach is also useful for businesses that are unsure which phone technology is the best fit and want to take the time to experiment with different types of phones on a smaller scale while using older equipment for most departments’ telecommunication needs.
What Sets 2talk VoIP Gateways Apart
VoIP and PSTN gateways function as networks’ interfaces, translating data and information from one source into a format the other network can understand and then forwarding the data to the appropriate recipient.
Networks must remain operational, and communication should be instantaneous. 2talk recognizes today’s data and communication demands, providing a robust, reliable cloud solution.
Moving Forward with 2talk
A VoIP gateway is an invaluable tool for business owners who wish to retain their landline setup while enjoying the advantages of VoIP technology. While new businesses might prefer an entirely VoIP network—often their only choice—a VoIP gateway offers significant benefits to companies navigating the transition between traditional and modern systems.
Selecting the right technology is critical for a growing business. Remove uncertainty from the decision-making process by opting for a SIP technology provider capable of scaling to meet your business’s needs, whatever they may be at any given time. Call 1-800 283 1332 or fill out the form below to request a no-obligation quote from a 2talk product specialist.
