Understanding Caller ID and CNAM with SignalWire

Caller ID and CNAM might sound like simple features, but knowing how they work (and how to set them correctly) can make all the difference when it comes to professional communication.

In this quick SignalWire in Seconds video, we break down:

• The difference between Caller ID (your number) and CNAM (the display name)

• Why CNAM doesn't always appear—and why it doesn’t work for toll-free or Canadian numbers

• How carriers handle CNAM lookups (hint: it’s not passed with the call!)

• How to set CNAM for PSTN numbers by submitting a support request in your SignalWire Space

• How to assign Caller ID for SIP-to-PSTN or SIP-to-SIP calls using SIP endpoint settings

Whether you're dialing customers or routing internal calls, this guide helps you stay in control of what your recipients see.