virtual pbx

[SAG]

I've tried CSipSimple, 3CXPhone, Sipdroid, and Zoiper... all 4 have the same problem on my Samsung... they refuse to use the regular mic and instead only use the speakerphone mic (which is located up by the earpiece).

I use Groundwire. Before that I was using Acrobits Softphone (Acrobits also makes Groundwire).
Acrobits Softphone will provide you ALL the functionality you want/need for less money than Groundwire. Works with my BT headset as well.

IMO, none of the free ones work well enough with my SGS3 for daily use. That's why I puchased Acrobits Softphone and later got Groundwire.

But to be honest, anymore I just add a Follow Me to forward to my cell number when i'm out as a Softphone really eats away at the battery. Using my cell plan minutes is not a big deal.

Other options for a phone in your home would be... you know what doc, PM me you phone number man. I got something for you.

 

[DocGreen]

I have several GV trunks. I would like to say they are perfect but they are not. Quality is great, and uptime is about 99%. AFAIK, I have never *missed* a call. In your GV settings just make sure that both GT and your phone number are checked. That way, if the Jabber connection fails it will still ring your cell phone.
MY home phone number has been a GV trunk for.... 3 years now I guess.
I have a GV trunk for my business Hylafax server as well.
But remember, nothing that is free is 100% and will last forever.

From the sound of it, even though it's not 100% it's probably better than the cell phones I'm using now. (Before anyone balks at the cellphone use, keep in mind I'm basically a 1-man show and frequently out of the office. Problem is though the cell phone hardware isn't reliable... my phones frequently lock up and randomly shut off for no reason). Not only that but switching my number over to the PBX would save me a decent amount of money, even if I had to pay for the trunk.

The reason I have several GV trunks is because I have other *users* that connect remotely to my SIP server for phone service.... just family and friends, who are fully aware of what is taking place. I snagged a bunch of cheap Grandstream phones for $25 a pop for them and provide the trunk.

I'd thought about doing this for a friend... she's on a cell plan with an unreliable relative and frequently finds her self with a disconnected phone. Considering she has young kids, I thought it would be helpful for her to have a more reliable phone in case of emergencies.

As for the business use... you don't know of any issues regarding a single GV trunk and call volume? I don't expect to field 20 calls at once... but I would want to be able to handle as many as say 3-4 (rare).

you know what doc, PM me you phone number man. I got something for you.

LOL, will do


Thanks for the help!

 

[SAG]

As for the business use... you don't know of any issues regarding a single GV trunk and call volume? I don't expect to field 20 calls at once... but I would want to be able to handle as many as say 3-4 (rare).

Regarding what exactly?
Let's say you have a single GV trunk and a SIP phone with Extension 101.
If the PBX is set up right, someone calls you and it'll ring extension 101. If someone else calls (depending on your phone) it can go to voicemail-busy or hit your BLF to let you know you have another call.

If you have, say... an Aastra 53i
You can set Line 1 to be Ext 101 and Line 2 to be Ext 102. Then create a Ring Group (RG 100) and have it ring Ext 101 and Ext 102. Have all calls forwarded to RG 100. If you are on the phone on Line 1 and someone calls in, just place them on hold and pick up Line 2. Then go back to Line 1 when needed. This would be the easiest thing to do until you get used to how it all works.

Check your PM Box to see why I brought up the Aastra 53i.

 

[DocGreen]

Regarding what exactly?
Let's say you have a single GV trunk and a SIP phone with Extension 101.
If the PBX is set up right, someone calls you and it'll ring extension 101. If someone else calls (depending on your phone) it can go to voicemail-busy or hit your BLF to let you know you have another call.

If you have, say... an Aastra 53i
You can set Line 1 to be Ext 101 and Line 2 to be Ext 102. Then create a Ring Group (RG 100) and have it ring Ext 101 and Ext 102. Have all calls forwarded to RG 100. If you are on the phone on Line 1 and someone calls in, just place them on hold and pick up Line 2. Then go back to Line 1 when needed. This would be the easiest thing to do until you get used to how it all works.

Check your PM Box to see why I brought up the Aastra 53i.

I guess my question is, is the number of concurrent calls determined by the trunk (GV in this case) or the hardware in use? If it's the hardware, and my hardware only handles 2 lines... could I configure an inbound route to place calls into a queue, then pickup calls from the queue 1 (or 2) at a time?

If it's the trunk, can I increase my maximum concurrent calls by adding a 2nd trunk? (but then wouldn't that mean 2 different DID's?) Clearly I have a lot of questions still... but at least I have the basic functionality figured out!

 

[SAG]

I guess my question is, is the number of concurrent calls determined by the trunk (GV in this case) or the hardware in use? If it's the hardware, and my hardware only handles 2 lines... could I configure an inbound route to place calls into a queue, then pickup calls from the queue 1 (or 2) at a time?

If it's the trunk, can I increase my maximum concurrent calls by adding a 2nd trunk? (but then wouldn't that mean 2 different DID's?) Clearly I have a lot of questions still... but at least I have the basic functionality figured out!

A single GV trunk will give you two channels (think of a channel as a line). The Qty of channels is not based on your hardware.

2 GV trunks will give you 4 total channels, however, the DIDs don't hunt across channels. So if your GV trunk has 2 calls, then the trunk is full. With an actual SIP provider to can setup an overflow DID for when the trunk is full, but not GV, and now-a-days it's better to just increase the channels.

Having said that, you can have one GV trunk with a DID for your incoming calls, and one GV trunk that is your outbound route (for all outgoing calls). So if you make a call and your GF makes a call, you still have 2 channels open for incoming calls through your main GV trunk/DID.

Now, something might have changed to make what I say here incorrect. I haven't kept up on the changes in GV trunks, mainly because it's just something to play with. So I am not sure that if you create a Que and drop the calls into that if they will hop trunks - but I doubt it.

And so you know, you can have a SIP trunk with 20 channels if you want.
After playing, if you want to switch to a real SIP provider, Broadvox can hook you up with a 2 channel/1 DID trunk for under $30/mo - all you can eat VOIP.
There are other providers offering unlimited incoming for $5 or $6 a month as well, and you can use your GV trunk for outgoing calls only.... the options are endless.

 

[DocGreen]

A single GV trunk will give you two channels (think of a channel as a line). The Qty of channels is not based on your hardware.

2 GV trunks will give you 4 total channels, however, the DIDs don't hunt across channels. So if your GV trunk has 2 calls, then the trunk is full. With an actual SIP provider to can setup an overflow DID for when the trunk is full, but not GV, and now-a-days it's better to just increase the channels.

Having said that, you can have one GV trunk with a DID for your incoming calls, and one GV trunk that is your outbound route (for all outgoing calls). So if you make a call and your GF makes a call, you still have 2 channels open for incoming calls through your main GV trunk/DID.

Now, something might have changed to make what I say here incorrect. I haven't kept up on the changes in GV trunks, mainly because it's just something to play with. So I am not sure that if you create a Que and drop the calls into that if they will hop trunks - but I doubt it.

And so you know, you can have a SIP trunk with 20 channels if you want.
After playing, if you want to switch to a real SIP provider, Broadvox can hook you up with a 2 channel/1 DID trunk for under $30/mo - all you can eat VOIP.
There are other providers offering unlimited incoming for $5 or $6 a month as well, and you can use your GV trunk for outgoing calls only.... the options are endless.

Thanks, that's exactly the information I was looking for.

I'd wondered about having separate inbound/outbound w/ GV, and that's probably what I'll end up doing. I'm curious about Caller ID though. As I understood the setting, I can change the Caller ID to read "Unavailable, Private, Blocked, etc." Can I also change the outbound CID to match the inbound DID? Or... can I, through settings in my PBX, Specify the name to display with the CID number? (Though honestly, how many people still have traditional CID? With so many people being strictly wireless, the display name is kind of pointless as wireless providers only give you the CID number.)


As for upgrading from GV to a traditional SIP trunk... unless I see an uptick in call volume, I'll probably stick with GV until the end of the year. I hear they're planning on switching it over to a paid service, at which point I'd at least see what they're offering in comparison to other providers.

Thanks again, SAG!

 

[SAG]

Thanks, that's exactly the information I was looking for.

I'd wondered about having separate inbound/outbound w/ GV, and that's probably what I'll end up doing. I'm curious about Caller ID though. As I understood the setting, I can change the Caller ID to read "Unavailable, Private, Blocked, etc." Can I also change the outbound CID to match the inbound DID? Or... can I, through settings in my PBX, Specify the name to display with the CID number? (Though honestly, how many people still have traditional CID? With so many people being strictly wireless, the display name is kind of pointless as wireless providers only give you the CID number.)


As for upgrading from GV to a traditional SIP trunk... unless I see an uptick in call volume, I'll probably stick with GV until the end of the year. I hear they're planning on switching it over to a paid service, at which point I'd at least see what they're offering in comparison to other providers.

Thanks again, SAG!

You can only manipulate the CID if your SIP provider allows it... Google does not. Remember, Google doesn't even *officially* support this at all.

I can't see Google charging for the service any time soon. Once they start acting like a phone company, they have to start adhering to teleco rules, paying FCC fees (fines), providing 911 service, etc, etc. With as glitchy as GV and GT can be, it's hard to expect people to pay for it as their sole service. That's why they only have incoming calls as a supported feature of GV - once they start officially supporting "outgoing" calls, the rules change. If you hear of google buying a teleco company, then brace yourself. But I have not heard of them preparing anything.

And before anyone steps up to say "but I can make an outgoing call with GV", no you can not. You initiate an incoming all to you, Google handles the rest - that's why you need a callback number or chat client.

 

[AlaDes]

Of all the SIP providers out there that I have looked at, I can't seem to find any of them that has my local exchange or the ability to port my number over. Any ideas?

 

[SAG]

Of all the SIP providers out there that I have looked at, I can't seem to find any of them that has my local exchange or the ability to port my number over. Any ideas?

Call Broadvox.
Here, I just pulled this out of my last email from getting a trunk:
> Ryan Morrison
> Sr. Account Executive
> Direct: 206.639.2020

No, I'm not an affiliate, nor a reseller. I just happen to have had great service from them and KNOW they support Asterisk quite well.

 

[DocGreen]

Is there anywhere you can go to just for a number? For example... GV doesn't have any local numbers for my area right now. Is there somewhere I can go to reserve or purchase a number specifically for the purposes of porting it to an actual carrier?

OR... to avoid having to get a new number...

Is anyone familiar using an existing GV account with FreePBX? I read that it's recommended you create a new account for FreePBX instead of using an existing one...

If that is the case, and a new account is necessary... could I do the following as a workaround:

1. Port ***-2739 (main business line) from Verizon over to a new GV account
2. Port ***-2738 (Amanda's line) from old GV account to vacant Verizon account
3. Create 2nd new GV account
4. Port ***-2738 from Verizon to 2nd new GV account


Sounds like a mess... but Verizon had recommended doing something similar to get around paying for upgrade fees on our personal lines.




I think I may play around with putting the 2738 (old GV) number into the PBX as is and see what happens.

 

[SAG]

Is there anywhere you can go to just for a number? For example... GV doesn't have any local numbers for my area right now. Is there somewhere I can go to reserve or purchase a number specifically for the purposes of porting it to an actual carrier?

OR... to avoid having to get a new number...

Is anyone familiar using an existing GV account with FreePBX? I read that it's recommended you create a new account for FreePBX instead of using an existing one...

If that is the case, and a new account is necessary... could I do the following as a workaround:

1. Port ***-2739 (main business line) from Verizon over to a new GV account
2. Port ***-2738 (Amanda's line) from old GV account to vacant Verizon account
3. Create 2nd new GV account
4. Port ***-2738 from Verizon to 2nd new GV account


Sounds like a mess... but Verizon had recommended doing something similar to get around paying for upgrade fees on our personal lines.




I think I may play around with putting the 2738 (old GV) number into the PBX as is and see what happens.

Trying to overcomplicate things again are we?

Save yourself a headache.
http://pbxinaflash.com/vitelity/

$3.99/mo They give you unlimited inbound and a DID.
Set up a GV trunk for all your outbound calls and, assuming your business number is a GV number, forward it to the DID Vitality provides you.

Makes life simpler.

...Or just pay $30/mo and get a full fledged 3 channel SIP trunk with unlimited minutes.

 

[DocGreen]

Trying to overcomplicate things again are we?

Save yourself a headache.
http://pbxinaflash.com/vitelity/

$3.99/mo They give you unlimited inbound and a DID.
Set up a GV trunk for all your outbound calls and, assuming your business number is a GV number, forward it to the DID Vitality provides you.

Makes life simpler.

...Or just pay $30/mo and get a full fledged 3 channel SIP trunk with unlimited minutes.

You're getting to know me too well! LOL
I'd seen that Vitelity page when I was going through my setup... couldn't remember where I'd seen it, but I wanted to look into it if I couldn't get GV to do what I wanted.

 

[DocGreen]

Damn the torpedoes!!

Went ahead and put Amanda's GV number into the PBX... confirmed that she wasn't using that account for Gmail, and that she had logged out of GV from her phone. So far it's working just fine, inbound and outbound. Installing the IncrediFax module now... will have to give that an inbound number later on. Looks like all I have to do now is port the main business # over to GV and plug that one into the PBX, then I'm good as gold!

 

[drpcfix]

Keep in mind with these - keep them behind a firewall and don't forward ports in. These things are huge targets when found on the internet..


If anyone wants a recommendation for a voip provider - we've been having really good quality and pricing with flowroute.com.

(And we've tried 4 other companies in the last 6 years)

 

[AlaDes]

Trying to overcomplicate things again are we?

Save yourself a headache.
http://pbxinaflash.com/vitelity/

$3.99/mo They give you unlimited inbound and a DID.
Set up a GV trunk for all your outbound calls and, assuming your business number is a GV number, forward it to the DID Vitality provides you.

Makes life simpler.

...Or just pay $30/mo and get a full fledged 3 channel SIP trunk with unlimited minutes.

Dumb question lol...When doing outbound calls with GV (or any other SIP provider), is it possible to have the pbx server show a different number than the one I'm actually dialing out on? For example: I am using my GV trunk to place outbound calls and don't want the person I'm calling to know I'm calling from my GV number, can I choose what number will display on their caller ID?

 

[SAG]

Dumb question lol...When doing outbound calls with GV (or any other SIP provider), is it possible to have the pbx server show a different number than the one I'm actually dialing out on? For example: I am using my GV trunk to place outbound calls and don't want the person I'm calling to know I'm calling from my GV number, can I choose what number will display on their caller ID?

You can only do it if your provider allows it.
GV numbers (usually provided by Bandwidth.com CLEC) will not allow it.

 

[acscva]

Maybe check out phonebooth.com as they have plans for $20 per month.

http://www.phonebooth.com/business-phone-plans

Contact Brian Klemm if you are interested in their reseller program and tell him Shawn Scott with Advanced Computer Solutions referred you.

Brian Klemm
Solution Specialist
919-439-8594
bklemm@bandwidth.com

Contact 24/7 Customer Support:
855-MYBOOTH (855-692-6684)

 

[DocGreen]

Maybe check out phonebooth.com as they have plans for $20 per month.

http://www.phonebooth.com/business-phone-plans

Contact Brian Klemm if you are interested in their reseller program and tell him Shawn Scott with Advanced Computer Solutions referred you.

Brian Klemm
Solution Specialist
919-439-8594
bklemm@bandwidth.com

Contact 24/7 Customer Support:
855-MYBOOTH (855-692-6684)

Thanks. Phonebooth.com is a hosted solution though... I already have the PBX, I'm just looking at options for trunks. At this point it look like Google Voice will do just fine for the time being.

 

[DocGreen]

*Update*

So far things are working pretty well... I've got 2 Google trunks linked to the PBX with a 3rd coming as soon as I port my number, and then a 4th (for inbound fax) coming as soon as Google has another local number available. I also setup Incredible FAX and have it working for both inbound and outbound faxes (goodbye eFax!) There are a couple small details that I haven't gotten ironed out yet and I'm hoping some of you guys might be familiar with them...

1. Email notifications
PIAF is supposed to send email notifications of voicemails, incoming faxes, etc. to the email address I've defined in the configuration. What I'm not able to figure out though, is how to configure PIAF to be able to actually send mail outside of the PBX itself. I've done plenty of Googling and everything I've found has proven to be pretty confusing. Basically, as I understand it, I need to have sendmail forward outbound emails to my email host... I'm just not sure how or where to do that. I'm kinda tempted to call up my old Linux instructor on this one, LOL.

2. Inbound faxing on any line.
The NerdVittles guide I used to setup my Incredible FAX server says that PIAF should be able to identify and receive faxes on any inbound line thereby eliminating the need for a dedicated fax line. Apparently there's a bit of setup involved there, because everytime I tested it, the faxes failed. So far I'm only able to get inbound faxing to work if I dedicate an inbound route to the fax.


That's where I'm at... the essentials are working. It's just that the way they're working isn't optimal. Any help at this point would be outstanding! Thanks in advance!

 

[SAG]

*Update*

So far things are working pretty well... I've got 2 Google trunks linked to the PBX with a 3rd coming as soon as I port my number, and then a 4th (for inbound fax) coming as soon as Google has another local number available. I also setup Incredible FAX and have it working for both inbound and outbound faxes (goodbye eFax!) There are a couple small details that I haven't gotten ironed out yet and I'm hoping some of you guys might be familiar with them...

1. Email notifications
PIAF is supposed to send email notifications of voicemails, incoming faxes, etc. to the email address I've defined in the configuration. What I'm not able to figure out though, is how to configure PIAF to be able to actually send mail outside of the PBX itself. I've done plenty of Googling and everything I've found has proven to be pretty confusing. Basically, as I understand it, I need to have sendmail forward outbound emails to my email host... I'm just not sure how or where to do that. I'm kinda tempted to call up my old Linux instructor on this one, LOL.

2. Inbound faxing on any line.
The NerdVittles guide I used to setup my Incredible FAX server says that PIAF should be able to identify and receive faxes on any inbound line thereby eliminating the need for a dedicated fax line. Apparently there's a bit of setup involved there, because everytime I tested it, the faxes failed. So far I'm only able to get inbound faxing to work if I dedicate an inbound route to the fax.


That's where I'm at... the essentials are working. It's just that the way they're working isn't optimal. Any help at this point would be outstanding! Thanks in advance!

Don't fret on this man. When I have time I'll be able to answer all of this for you. On a job right now, waiting on this RAID to rebuild.