Selecting a Host Server for the Open Source PBX Asterisk

The ideal server for your Open Source Asterisk PBX

Selecting an appropriate PC or VoIP server to run the software on is one of the most important factors to take into account when implementing an open source PBX based on Asterisk, trixbox, Elastix, and other open source platforms. Running on a Linux footprint, asterisk does not assume that hardware drivers will always be available, unlike Windows.

Users frequently experience confusion regarding additional components including hard disk type and size, RAM quantity, and CPU kind and speed. When establishing an Open Source IP PBX, selecting the appropriate hardware, Linux distribution, and installation technique are crucial choices.

Check motherboard compatibility before buying PCI TDM or PRI cards for IP PBX. Cards come in PCI, PCI-X, and PCI Express formats. Digium cards may have specific requirements.

You will also need to decide which version of Linux you want to use if you plan to utilize asterisk. You "could" run Asterisk on literally hundreds of Linux distributions, although some are more well-liked and unquestionably better maintained and documented than others.

Choose Linux distro for Asterisk PBX (Fedora, Debian, RedHat, CentOS). DistroWatch.com helps explore options. No single "best" choice, but RedHat/Fedora/CentOS are secure options.

Trixbox, Switchvox, AsteriskNow, and PBXInAFlash offer easier PBX installation on CentOS than Asterisk. These pre-packaged options are ideal for users new to Linux administration.

Pre-built vs. DIY server: Choose based on comfort level. Pre-configured servers from Dell, HP, IBM offer easier support. For advanced users, Supermicro offers reliable server components.

CPU/RAM/Storage depend on your needs. VoIP-Info.org offers dimensioning advice. Small businesses ("PRI and Under Crowd") can start with a basic server setup.

• AMD equivalent CPU or a single Intel Pentium 4 or dual core CPU

• RAM: 1 or 2 GB (more won't hurt, since RAM is incredibly affordable these days).

• One 80GB SATA hard disk (it won't hurt to add a second, third, or fourth drive). An additional recommended option is to add RAID redundancy.

• Two NIC cards for Ethernet (10/100/1000).

• Power Supply: In order to provide additional redundancy and protection against downtime, numerous server manufacturers offer redundant power supply options.

The TDM or PRI interconnect cards (Digium, Sangoma, Rhino) that you plan to use should be housed in the appropriate PCI, PCI-X, or PCI Express slot(s). Should your company be larger, with more workers (users) and hence a higher "concurrent" call volume, and you anticipate engaging in any unusual activities like...

• Call Recording

• Transcoding

• Software Echo Cancellation

More demanding features like call recording and software echo cancellation require a beefier server for smooth performance.

If implemented properly, asterisk, trixbox, elastix, and other technologies hold great promise for improving overall corporate productivity and return on investment. I would advise you to conduct thorough study beforehand and, in the end, to not compromise on the reliability or quality of your server hardware.