If your organization is looking to improve its communication, an SBC may enhance your phone performance and its security.
However, there are many different types of SBCs on the market so if you do not understand the differences between them, you may end up purchasing the wrong SBC for your organization.
Understanding the different types of SBCs will help you identify and understand the different features and functionalities you need the most and help you determine which SBCs are the best solution for your organization.
Coeo knows how important a reliable and secure phone solution is and has delivered thousands of SBCs to organizations to help them improve the performance and security of their phone solutions.
By the end of this article, you will understand the different types of SBCs and which ones are the best fit for your organization.
The different kinds of Session Border Controllers (SBCs)
If your organization is looking to purchase SBCs, it is important to understand the differences between the various types of SBCs. This will help you determine which SBCs are a good solution for your organization.
Most providers also give you the ability to own or lease your SBCs so it is important to decide which SBCs you prefer and whether you want to own or lease them before purchasing.
There are three main types of SBCs organizations can choose from that include:
Hardware SBCs
Hardware SBCs are hardware devices implemented into the customers’ infrastructure to improve the performance and security of their phone solution.
They provide dedicated hardware resources for the processing and management of VoIP phone solutions.
Since hardware is typically more expensive than software, hardware SBCs are typically more expensive than other SBCs depending on the type of SBC and the provider you purchase from.
Software SBCs
Software SBCs are installed as servers or virtual machines instead of as hardware devices. These SBCs leverage the computing power and flexibility of software to handle VoIP traffic.
There are two main types of software SBCs including:
Cloud-based SBCs
Cloud-based SBCs are software SBCs that are connected to the cloud via the internet.
They are hosted and operated in the cloud by a managed service provider, allowing your organization to have the provider manage them for you.
Since cloud-based SBCs are hosted in the cloud, they are more flexible enabling you to integrate them with many different types of phone solutions.
This option also eliminates the need for dedicated hardware or software installation on the premises of the customer’s location since cloud-based SBCs are hosted and managed by the provider.
On-premise SBC
An on-premise SBC is a software service that is installed and managed in your local network.
On-premise SBCs are software SBCs that are installed on the premises of the organization, unlike cloud-based SBCs that are hosted and managed by the provider without necessarily being installed at the customer’s location.
However, depending on the provider, your provider can also manage your on-premise SBCs for you.
Which type of SBC is right for your organization
Now you understand the main types of SBCs. However, it is important to also understand which specific SBC is the right solution for your organization.
If your organization is a large enterprise organization or experiences a large volume of calls, a hardware SBC may be the best solution for your organization.
Hardware SBCs can ensure excellent phone performance and meet any phone security requirements you may have. Additionally, most hardware SBCs can support more lines per appliance than software-based SBCs.
Alternatively, if your organization is small or medium-sized, a software SBC may produce better results for you.
Software SBCs are typically less expensive so they cater to smaller organizations with more limited resources.
Additionally, they typically do not have the capacity to support hundreds of phones like a hardware solution making them better suitable for smaller organizations that have fewer phones.
Cloud-based software SBCs are more flexible and offer greater scalability. If your organization has dynamic call volume and a phone solution that requires flexibility, cloud-based SBCs may be the best alternative.
If your organization is growing and looking to scale your phone solution with your growing company, cloud-based SBCs can help you accomplish that.
Additionally, since cloud-based SBCs typically do not reside at the customer’s location, they are easier to manage if you decide to manage the solution internally using an SBC portal provided by your provider.
If you're looking for a solution that is easier to manage, a cloud-based SBC may be the right fit for your organization.
If you are looking to fully manage your SBCs internally, an on-premise solution will enable that since it is installed at your organization’s location.
Next steps to purchasing the right SBC for your organization
Now you know the different kinds of SBCs and which is the best solution for your organization. This will help you determine which SBC will benefit your organization the most so you can avoid paying for the wrong SBC.
No one wants to experience a poor-performing phone solution or a phone solution that does not have good security.
While an SBC can help you improve your phone system’s performance and security, it’s important to understand which type of SBC will benefit your organization the most.
If you do not understand the different types of SBCs available on the market you could end up purchasing the wrong SBC for your organization.
Coeo knows how important a reliable and secure phone solution is to an organization and has delivered SBCs to thousands of customers in order to improve their phone solutions.
We want you to understand the different types of SBCs so you can determine which one is the best solution to improve your phone system.
If you would like to speak with our team to learn more about the SBCs and phone services or ask any questions you may have you can schedule an appointment.
Now that you understand the different types of SBCs, read this article to learn about the factors that go into the cost of SBCs.
