Webex Calling: Cisco Calling Plans vs. Cloud Connect vs. Local Gateway

With the rise of remote work and the need for virtual collaboration, digital platforms like Webex have become essential for businesses of all sizes. Webex’s suite of cloud-based tools including meetings, messaging, telephony and webinars make it a natural fit for the needs of a modern business enabling intuitive, joined-up communication and collaboration for hybrid work arrangements.

With specific focus on telephony, organizations are increasingly looking to migrate this critical business function away from legacy platforms to a more cloud-based option with something like Webex Calling.

The Webex Calling interface:

What is Webex Calling?

Webex Calling is a cloud-based phone system that enables users to make and receive calls from anywhere with an internet connection. It works by connecting to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) using SIP technology.

And as Webex Calling is built on top of the Webex platform, it seamlessly integrates with the entire Webex suite of collaboration tools of a unified and seamless experience.

For businesses looking to stay connected in the digital age, Webex Calling is one of the most popular options on the market with a range of benefits to suit a variety of organizations.

• Flexibility and scalability: Make calls globally from any internet-connected device, whether at home, in the office, or on the go. Its scalable nature allows seamless user management, adapting to business growth or changes without hardware or software worries.
  
  
• Reliability: Built on a global infrastructure of data centers, Webex Calling delivers proven 99.999% availability. It is also available with survivability options for any deployment model that provides calling redundancy even when the cloud is not accessible.

• Security: Webex Calling offers superior security features which are recognized as second to none amongst their competitors. All calls are encrypted, and features like multi-factor authentication add an extra layer of security to your account.

• Cost savings: Enjoy cost savings by eliminating the need for expensive hardware or software and maintenance of on-premise equipment. Through Cloud Connected PSTN providers like Pure IP, users can benefit from cost-effective utilization pricing, paying only for what they use.

The Webex Control Hub:

External PSTN connectivity with Webex Calling

PSTN connectivity is needed to acquire phone numbers, port existing numbers and set-up emergency call routing. Webex Calling offers three ways to do this:

1. Cisco Calling Plans

Cisco Calling Plans are an all-in-one service where Cisco and Cisco’s Certified Calling Providers act as your PSTN carrier. This service is designed to simplify the process of connecting to the PSTN for businesses of all sizes.

Advantages:

• Easily order and port new and existing numbers, with setup taking mere minutes, all managed through the Webex Control Hub. With coverage available for local and international numbers across multiple countries.
• As an out-of-the-box solution, Cisco Calling Plans are configured to meet regulatory requirements in the regions they are offered in. 

Please note: Cisco Calling Plans are available in a limited number of countries. Organization’s that require services in countries outside those currently covered by Cisco will need to use Cloud Connected PSTN or Local Gateway.

2. Cloud Connect

Cloud Connect is the second way to connect to the PSTN using Webex Calling. Cloud Connect is a service that allows users to connect their Webex Calling platform to the PSTN through a third-party carrier.

This service is ideal for businesses that already have an existing relationship with a carrier who is certified with the program, or that want more choice and control over their PSTN connectivity. All carriers on the program undergo a strict certification process.

Advantages:

• The main advantage of using Cloud Connect is that it provides a high level of flexibility and control over the PSTN connectivity. Users can choose the carrier that best meets their needs and can customize their connectivity options to fit their specific requirements. Once a provider has been selected, numbers can be provisioned in Webex Control Hub. In addition within Control Hub, users can activate or deactivate users and gain oversight of their telephony usage with interactive dashboards.
• Cloud Connect removes the complexity associated historically with provisioning and managing telephony services through an external provider. 
• Depending on the provider chosen, service coverage is offered in more regions making this a good option for organizations with a global footprint.
• Webex certified providers on the Cloud Connect program undergo a thorough certification process to ensure they meet high standards of security, quality, reliability and support. 
  

3. Local Gateway

A Local Gateway connects a user's on-premises telephony infrastructure to the Webex Calling platform. This service is ideal for businesses that need to maintain their existing phone system but still take advantage of the benefits of Webex Calling. This could be down to an on-going contractual agreement, or due to a user requiring coverage in a hard-to-reach country using local SBCs.

Advantages:

• The main advantage of using a Local Gateway is that it provides a high level of flexibility and control over the PSTN connectivity. Users can retain key components of their existing phone system, such as geographic coverage in hard to reach areas, while tapping into the full benefits of Webex Calling.
• For hard-to-reach areas, Local Gateway may be the best option as it enables connection to the PSTN through a premise-based Local Gateway Session Border Controller. This opens up connections in regions not covered by Cisco Calling Plans or through providers on Cloud Connected PSTN. 
  
  

How Pure IP can help

Unlock seamless PSTN connectivity with Pure IP as your Cloud Connect partner for Webex Calling. With our world-class voice network, enjoy the full potential of cloud-based telephony hassle-free.

As a Certified Calling Provider, we guarantee compatibility and reliability across all Webex deployments, from basic setups to enterprise-scale migrations and high-volume contact centers. 

More details on our Webex solution here >>