Asterisk PBX & Phone Systems

Asterisk is a software implementation of a comprehensively featured communications server. Coming from the open source community, Asterisk has consistently pushed the boundaries of what can be expected of a Soft PBX, in terms of quality, reliability, scalability and functionality.

At its most basic implementation it can be configured to provide a company with a PBX (private branch exchange). Asterisk supports all the functionality expected in a PBX, but it can also be configured to provide many unique services as it allows the ability to write individual dial plans or be integrated into other systems like a CRM (Customer Relationship Management system) using the AGI Asterisk Gateway Interface.

Freedom of Choice

Because Asterisk is a software application it affords you the freedom of choice to determine the environment in which it can be deployed.

The Network

Depending on the hardware Asterisk is paired with, it can support VoIP (Voice over IP) and TDM (Time Division Multiplexing) networks, both analogue and digital. Connection protocols include:

VoIP* SIP* MGCP* H.323
Circuit Switched* ISDN* SS7

The Server

Asterisk runs on a variety of servers that support a range of operating systems including:

Linux
NetBSD
OpenBSD
FreeBSD
Mac OS X
Solaris

The Handsets

Asterisk can support a huge range of handsets. Any open standard SIP compliant phone will work happily with Asterisk. However there are some proprietary implementations of SIP that may create interoperability issues. Foehn can advise on the best choices available.

Asterisk - customisation and configuration

Any effective Asterisk implementation requires a degree of customisation and configuration. Most notably in the area of the dial plan. The dial plan is essential to the effective operation of the PBX, however Asterisk does not provide an effective tool (Asterisk GUI) to assist in the development of the dial plan. There are however numerous third party software products that can assist in this process.

Foehn has years of experience in the customisation and configuration of Asterisk. We can advise on the best alternatives.

Take a look at the features at your fingertips with an Asterisk VoIP PBX