Last Updated: February 20th, 2014
Office Internet phone systems frequently come in one of a few different setups. In most cases, Internet protocol or IP-PBX systems are the majority of applied situations. SIP trunking is another alternative that is gaining popularity, mainly because of its flexibility as well as its lower cost to operate. The differences are most notable in how the systems are designed.
A TDM System
A Time Division Multiplexing or TDM system allows multiple branches of hardware units to connect to its network. All of these branches provide a connection to the Internet when properly set up. They can include both desktop computing as well as PBX phones. Because the system provides full integration of every hardware unit, they are also all manageable from one central point as well, as long as the connection is maintained.
The downside of a TDM system, however, is that each connection in aggregate all run through the portal to connect to the Internet. This bottleneck situation creates what is called a heavy load and a single point of failure. The system is only as good as its ability to carry bandwidth through that one connection portal. What makes this sort of failure almost guaranteed is the amount of data a voice connection carries. It’s far more than anything typical performed on a computer Internet connection. As a result, when multiple phone connections jam through the same portal as an office’s computer work, the system slogs to a halt or a severe slowdown.
A SIP Trunking System
A SIP Trunking system provides a similar network by which to connect Internet-ready phones systems or PBX networks. Multiple nodes can be connected to the SIP network similar to a TDM system. However, unlike the TDM system, a SIP system does not channel all of its data through one bottleneck. Instead, each branch of connecting points can access the Internet independently of the other. As a result, a portal crunch doesn’t occur because the data transmission doesn’t reach critical mass with multiple access points. Particularly with voice connections and their large data movement, this is a serious design advantage.
SIP Trunking versus TDM
Where reliability and consistent free access is important, a SIP Trunking system stands out as the better option for an office that connects both desktop data as well communications to the Internet. Standard TDM system begins to fail with their data throughput goes to critical, slowing down every user unless traffic is prioritized. For a high-productivity office situation, that means winners and losers when it’s not necessary. Instead, under a SIP Trunking system, every connection point runs at full capability, enhancing productivity instead of restricting it.