Company
Date Published
Author
Jonathan Burns
Word count
468
Language
English
Hacker News points
None

Summary

The text explains the differences between VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) and SIP trunking (Session Initiation Protocol), highlighting their distinct roles and capabilities in telecommunications. VoIP is described as a method for transmitting voice data over the internet, while SIP trunking is a protocol that facilitates multimedia data transfer, including voice, text, and video, across various networks. VoIP calls are confined to internet or private networks, requiring a computer to manage software and connections, whereas SIP trunking can operate over diverse networks like ISDN, VPNs, or the internet, with equipment that functions independently. SIP trunking offers enhanced security as it is embedded in the phone exchange and network provider's equipment, allowing for a direct connection to the provider for sensitive data handling. In contrast, VoIP relies on centralized control by a separate provider, posing security risks and potential downtime vulnerabilities if the provider's system fails.