| Asterisk, complete PBX software, runs on | | | | through an Asterisk server which uses a Linux |
| Linux, Windows, BSD and OS X. Asterisk does | | | | Unix OS. Asterisk calls are passed through |
| VoIP in four different protocols, and is able | | | | different channel protocols. The most popular |
| to interconnect with almost all telephony | | | | forms of calls are H323, SIP, IAX or Zap. |
| equipment which is inexpensive. | | | | Depending on the type of channel you use, the |
| | | | user must have the appropriate software to |
| Asterisk provides many features like | | | | handle the call type. |
| Voicemail services with Directory, Call | | | | |
| Conferencing, Interactive Voice Response, and | | | | Let's say, if are a registered on an Asterisk |
| Call Queuing. It includes three-way calling, | | | | PBX (or other PBX) as a SIP user, you are |
| caller ID services and Skinny. | | | | required to use a SIP phone client such as |
| | | | X-Lite or SIPPS. Or, if you are registered as |
| You will not need additional hardware to | | | | an IAX user you must use an IAX phone client |
| implement Asterisk. But it does expect a | | | | such as iaxcomm. SIP/IAX Client Configuration |
| non-standard driver that implements dummy | | | | allows you to register SIP and IAX users. |
| hardware as a non-portable timing mechanism. | | | | This includes the adjustment of all Asterisk |
| Single or multiple VoIP Providers can be used | | | | and client phone settings. |
| for incoming and outgoing calls, though | | | | |
| incoming calls can be handled by different | | | | To make calls with Asterisk telephone system |
| VoIP Providers. | | | | you should connectivity to an Asterisk PBX |
| | | | for call handling and users using PCs with |
| For use of digital and analog telephony | | | | SoftPhones for calling internally and |
| equipment, Asterisk supports a number of | | | | externally. All configuration information for |
| equipment most notably is Asterisk sponsored | | | | the Asterisk PBX knows is written to the conf |
| hardware Digium. Their FXO and FXS cards are | | | | files located in /etc/asterisk. |
| popular for small installations. | | | | |
| | | | All information for SIP users is stored in |
| Full features of Asterisk Open Source Edition | | | | sip.conf and for IAX users in iax.conf. |
| include Full PBX Capability, Switched or | | | | Numbers are read from extensions.conf. |
| Packet Data, VoIP Capability, TDM Capability, | | | | Voicemails are stored in voicemail.conf etc. |
| Converged Telephony, Voice Mail, | | | | To place a call through Asterisk, |
| Unlimited-Seat Conference Bridge, SIP and IAX | | | | registration to Asterisk is not required. |
| Support and Asterisk-centric Poundkey Linux. | | | | However, you do need a username and password |
| | | | which will allow you to call someone who is |
| Asterisk also includes the Business Edition, | | | | registered. To receive a call, you must be a |
| where it includes other features like | | | | registered user and have an extension. |
| Asterisk Technical Manual, Quick-start Guide, | | | | |
| Commercial License with Legal Protection, 240 | | | | When any change is made in conf files from |
| Simultaneous Calls, Tech Support for Install | | | | etc/asterisk/ or changes that relate with |
| and Bug Resolution, Free Upgrades and Tech | | | | some of these files, you must type 'reload' |
| Support for One Year, Access to Business | | | | in the Asterisk Command Line Interface (CLI) |
| Edition Portal for One Year, Special Offers | | | | to make the changes effective. |
| for Partner Products and many others. | | | | |
| | | | It is possible to implement only the Open |
| Asterisk allows people to communicate using | | | | Source Edition for your corporate business. |
| the internet. It is one of the cheapest ways | | | | You will only need a Linux OS computer and |
| to talk. The PC clients connect to each other | | | | Asterisk has to be installed. |