[asterisk-users] Replace full PRI with SIP/IAX trunks...YES/NO?

[Stephen Bosch]

Jim Canfield wrote:
> I've been considering replacing a PRI with SIP or IAX trunks.  The 
> monthly cost difference is marginal, but it would save a bit on the 
> hardware side and soft trunks would be easier to manage. I can't help 
> but wonder what I would be giving up?  I'd like to hear some "lessons 
> learned" from those who are doing it or decided, for whatever reason, 
> it's a bad idea.

Here's what you'd be giving up: reliability.

If consistent call quality and reliability is what you want, SIP or IAX 
on unmanaged, public networks is not for you. If you can arrange private 
bandwidth to a carrier's POP where you can pull telco SIP channels that 
get you right onto the PSTN, then great. Not many locations have this 
available yet.

If cheap is what you want and you're not too concerned about service 
quality, SIP and IAX can be a good option. As it appears you're running 
a clinic, I would recommend against dumping your PRI.

Cheers,

-Stephen-