[NTLUG:Discuss] open source PBX system - asterisk.org

[Richard Geoffrion]

Ok...if you haven't check it out yet, you MUST take a look at Asterisk.

I've was fighting with getting a voice over IP product when I stumbled upon
Asterisk.  I kid you not, this product is GREAT!  I won't go into a features
list here because the web site does it MUCH better.  Sufficed to say, it is
a definate MUST have for those with voice needs over remote branches.

I purchased a developer's kit  (1 single port analog FXO card to plug into
my phone line and a 1 port FXS station card) an extra single port FXO card
and a 4 station FXS card.   I sent the 1 port FXS card to my remote office
in Alabama and I kept both FXO cards and the 4 port station card.  As of
today, I have four internal extensions that ring in MY office and two
extensions that ring in Alabama.  One of the extensions in Alabama rings on
the linux server console. (no more need for a phone in the server
room...just use the soundcard and a mic!)

A test incoming phone call was automagically re-routed through the internet
to an extension in AL.  :) no more missed phone calls while I duck out to
see a 'Matrix' movie. :)

Things left to do.... create a dial plan so that I can call Alabama numbers
and so that the Alabama office can call Dallas numbers.

Oh well, there are many more things to do but the learning curve is
SooOOoOOoo steep.  What documentation there is seems to be written for those
'in the know' or those USED to being able to figure out a program by just
looking at command line options.

In case any of you decide to take a look..let me give you a brief overall
picture of how things relate.

the /etc/zaptel.conf file configures and tells Asterisk about the hardware
voice cards (made by Digium (the sponsers of Asterisk))
/etc/asterisk/zapata.conf configures and names the channels used by those
cards
/etc/asterisk/extensions.conf setups up internal extensions and configures
the dialplan (what numbers go out long distance..who's allowed to go where,
and when)
/etc/asterisk/iax.conf  configures the Inter Asterisk eXchange parameters so
that multiple Asterisk PBXs can be tied together. (IAX is a NAT friendlier
protocol)

There is ONE set of example configuration files that were a BIG help.
http://www.loligo.com/asterisk

Oh...and Chris,  give me a month or two(or three) and I'll have a
presentation topic for a saturday meeting.  (hmm...is there internet
connectivity at the meetings?)

/dev/rtcg