Hi there,

Between 2016 and 2018, I operated a small web design business that utilized an IAX connecting line to manage a call center. Our focus was on contacting local companies in the UK, with 5-7 simultaneous outgoing calls per day, five days a week. Additionally, we had three extensions that managed incoming and outgoing calls via DDI. My office hosted an asterisk server solely for connectivity purposes.

After ceasing operations, I am now restarting my business and exploring my options. Regrettably, the company I previously used no longer supports EAX. They have switched to SIP trunking, which I am unfamiliar with. I am unsure about what exactly I should be looking for at the moment.

Are there any benefits to hosting Asterisk at home now? Is SIP hosting just as good, or is there room for improvement? Would there be any additional costs involved in using SIP?

When considering the use of IAX2 versus SIP, there are two primary benefits to utilizing IAX2. Firstly, it has fewer firewall issues, which makes for a more streamlined experience. Secondly, IAX2 calls can bundle multiple voice packets into a single packet, reducing overhead for packet headers.

Despite these advantages, most people still prefer to use SIP due to its widespread usage and general understanding. For the sake of flexibility, I will opt to utilize SIP via IAX2.

There are several factors to consider when deciding between hosting Asterisk at home and using SIP trunking for your web design business.

Hosting Asterisk at home can provide you with more control over your telephony infrastructure and potentially reduce costs, as you have already invested in an Asterisk server. Additionally, you may have greater flexibility in customizing the system to fit your specific needs.

On the other hand, SIP trunking offers some distinct advantages. It is a standard protocol widely supported by service providers, making it easier to find compatible solutions and integrate with other systems. SIP trunking also offers scalability, allowing you to add or remove lines easily as your business grows or changes.

In terms of benefits, SIP trunking can provide higher call quality and reliability compared to traditional phone lines like IAX. It also allows for more concurrent calls, reducing the need for multiple connections.

As for cost, SIP trunking typically involves paying for the number of concurrent channels or lines you require, which could result in additional costs compared to your previous setup. However, you may be able to find cost-effective options depending on your call volume and provider.

Here are a few more points to consider when deciding between hosting Asterisk at home and using SIP trunking:

1. Reliability and Redundancy: SIP trunking typically offers built-in redundancy and failover capabilities, which can ensure uninterrupted service in case of hardware or network failures. Hosting Asterisk at home may require additional measures, such as backup power and internet connections, to achieve similar levels of reliability.

2. Security: SIP trunking providers often have robust security measures in place to protect against unauthorized access and potential threats. When hosting Asterisk at home, you will need to implement your own security measures, including firewalls, encryption, and regular software updates, to maintain a secure VoIP environment.

3. Support and Maintenance: SIP trunking providers usually offer technical support and handle maintenance tasks for their services. If you choose to host Asterisk at home, you will be responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting the system yourself or hiring IT professionals to do so.

4. Integration and Compatibility: Consider how well the chosen solution integrates with other systems and applications you use in your business. SIP trunking is generally compatible with a wide range of IP-based communication platforms, making it easier to integrate with other tools and services.

5. Scalability: If you anticipate business growth or changes in call volume, scalability becomes an essential factor. SIP trunking allows for easy scalability by adding or removing lines as needed, while hosting Asterisk at home may require more manual configuration and hardware upgrades.