We’ve produced a video which explains different methods to get SIP/VoIP telecom service to the broadcast facility. Here’s an outline of those methods::
SIP trunks via dedicated connection, often called “Managed SIP”. Provider is responsible for performance to the customer’s facility. (SIP trunks require an on-site SIP PBX, such as an Asterisk-based phone system.) Dedicated fiber installation. Dedicated SIP over DSL. Dedicated bandwidth over cable.
SIP trunks via a shared connection. Customer is responsible for providing an adequate and reliable Internet connection. (SIP trunks require an on-site SIP PBX, such as an Asterisk-based phone system.) Existing business Internet connection (cable, fiber, or DSL) Upgraded business Internet connection (subscribe to a higher bandwidth connection to accommodate SIP telephony) Additional, dedicated Internet connection (additional cable, fiber or DSL connection exclusively for SIP telephony)
SIP extensions from an outside, “cloud” SIP PBX. Customer pays for “extensions” from a remote SIP PBX. The provider manages the SIP PBX hardware. The customer may manage the configuration of the extensions. (No SIP PBX hardware is required on-site.) Existing business Internet connection (cable, fiber, or DSL) Upgraded business Internet connection (subscribe to a higher bandwidth connection to accommodate SIP telephony) Additional, dedicated Internet connection (additional cable, fiber, or DSL connection exclusively for SIP telephony)
A broadcaster already using an on-site SIP PBX for business purposes may arrange for additional SIP extensions from that hardware to serve a studio SIP talkshow system. Some considerations include the following: Will the business SIP PBX handle additional call volumes associated with on-air use? Can additional trunks be brought into the business SIP PBX for on-air use? Can such additional trunks be SIP, or would the have to be T1 or ISDN PRI service? Can additional SIP extensions be configured in the business SIP PBX without incurring additional SIP port licensing fees? (Some business PBX manufacturers charge one-time or annually for SIP port licensing.) Consider using two SIP PBXs for high reliability. Use a dedicated SIP PBX for on-air studios, but also connect some extensions from the business SIP PBX for backup or cross-functional use.
Use a SIP gateway as a temporary measure to convert between existing SIP and non-SIP telecom services. Telos does not recommend using a SIP gateway unless absolutely necessary. Some limitations inherent in converting technologies or formats usually result in a loss of audio quality or call reliability. Direct experience shows that going “all in” to a SIP/VoIP infrastructure is the best approach.