Some Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
Do I need SIP Trunking
Yes - especially as ISDN and PSTN are being phased out. Traditional phone lines such as ISDN and PSTN are scheduled for complete retirement in the near future, meaning businesses will need to move to modern alternatives. SIP Trunking delivers phone calls over the internet, offering greater flexibility, cost savings, and scalability. It allows you to connect multiple sites, supports features like call failover and flexible numbering, and works with most modern phone systems. With the upcoming switch-off, now is the ideal time to make the transition.
Hosted vs On Premise
Hosted phone systems (cloud-based) are managed off-site by a provider and accessed via the internet, offering flexibility and minimal in-house maintenance. On-premise systems are physically installed at your location, giving you full control and often better suited for businesses with specific compliance or infrastructure needs. The right choice depends on your budget, flexibility requirements
Can I keep my existing phone numbers with SIP Trunking?
Yes - in most cases, you can transfer (or "port") your existing phone numbers to your new SIP Trunking service. This means your customers and contacts can continue calling you on the same numbers without any disruption. SM Unified Solutions will handle the porting process for you to ensure a smooth transition with minimal downtime.
What Happens If My Internet Goes Down?
If your internet connection goes down, SIP Trunking calls will be affected since the service relies on an active broadband connection. However internal calls are not affected, and with proper failover settings in place, calls can be automatically redirected to another site, mobile phones, or backup lines. At SM Unified Solutions, we offer built-in resilience and disaster recovery options to keep your business connected even during outages.
Is SIP Trunking Secure?
Yes - when properly configured, SIP Trunking is a secure and reliable solution. Security measures such as encryption (TLS and SRTP), firewalls, and SIP-aware intrusion prevention systems help protect against threats like call interception, fraud, and unauthorised access. At SM Unified Solutions, we implement industry best practices to ensure your SIP Trunking setup is fully protected and compliant with UK data security standards.
Do I need a UPS (battery backup)
Yes - to maintain operation during power cuts. A UPS keeps your routers, switches, access systems, and phones running, allowing continued communication and access management in the event of an outage.
Is there such a things as hosted CCTV?
Yes! Hosted CCTV refers to security cameras where video is stored and managed in the cloud rather than on-site. We partner with Verkada to provide fully managed, cloud-connected CCTV solutions, giving you secure access to live and recorded footage from anywhere, automatic software updates, and simplified system management all without the need for on-site servers or complex infrastructure.
Can door entry systems integrate with phones or VoIP devices?
Absolutely. Using systems like the Grandstream GXV range, your VoIP phones or video devices can integrate directly with your 2N door entry system. This allows you to see who’s at the door via the phone’s screen and remotely unlock doors, all from your desk or even off-site. Integration like this improves security, convenience, and gives real-time control over access without needing separate systems.
Can I view my CCTV remotely or on a phone app?
Yes! Whether your CCTV system is hosted in the cloud or installed on-premise, you can securely access live and recorded footage from a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Cloud-hosted systems let you view and manage cameras without on-site servers, while on-premise systems can also be configured for remote access. Both options give you flexibility, security, and peace of mind.