This area is for more advanced users looking to 'roll-their-own' or do a manual install. If you'd like quick install please see the FreePBX distro page. This section is a continual work in progress by Bryan Walters, Andrew Nagy and Rob Thomas. Recent versions of Asterisk 1.6 are compatible with the Asterisk 2.0 GUI. This wasn't always the case, as the Asterisk GUI was developed for the 1.4 branch. Tom, Don’t reinstall or reboot your computer. I ran, update-source, update-scripts & update-fixes and still have FreePBX version 2.5.2.3.
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AsteriskNOW
WIth the new AsteriskNOW its very simply to setup an Asterisk PBX (Private Branch Exchange) and make calls over your network for free. You can also link up Asterisk server to make calls over the PSTN (Public Switch Telephone Network).
Its really a great way to communicate across a large network using the best way of communication:P using your voice. Best of all Asterisk is 100% free and very well documented making custom installations on all platforms and hardware equipment a lot smoother.
This hub is made up of two main sections
1. Installing Asterisk NOW
2. Creating User Accounts
3. Setting up sip softphone (using x-lite) registering user with the server
Installing AsteriskNOW
The installation of AsteriskNOW is very simply as it comes in ISO format which means you can simply burn the image to a cd and install it to a free partition. The AsteriskNOW image comes with all PBX software and a default copy of windows. It also comes with a nice graphical interface to esaily restart or shutdown your Asterisk server.
You can create new parition's on Linux using Gparted or any other common partitioning software.
Once you have burnt the AsteriskNOW image to a CD. Simply insert the CD into your cd/dvd drive and reboot your computer , and ensure that you boot up options are setup with the cd/dvd rom drive as first priority.
As your computer boots up it will try to boot off the CD and the asterisknow installation screen will appear
AsteriskNOW
Once you have completed your installation Asterisk will load the console screen as shown below.
Here you can check the ip address of your Asterisk server, in this case 192.168.1.122
and as you can see you can access the Asterisk gui by typing that ip address into a web browser, I recommend using Mozilla firefox (version 2) as version 3 is currently unsupported.
Don't forget your password you setup from the installation as you will need that to log on to your Asterisk server and add registered users, voicemail and all that other stuff
www.oldversion.com/Mozilla-Firefox.html
Registering a User on Asterisk
Its simple to add users on AsteriskNOW simply log on through your browser e.g http://192.168.1.122/
you can also setup users manually using the sip.conf & extensions.conf files, but I will go through them later on in another hub or may update this one at a later stage.
Once logged into AsteriskNOW follow the steps
- Click Users on the left hand side
- Now click New
- Add your new user's extension ( here i added 2000)
- You can also add a password, voicemail password, caller ID and a few other things but the main thing you need is the extension (4 digits)
Once you have done click SAVE
Now click the Activate Changes in the right hand corner to easily apply your settings, otherwise you can go into the asterisk CLI, and type dialplan reload or just reload the entire asterisk server
Setting up Sip Softphone
Nows it time to setup your sip softphone (not a real hardware phone same settings apply) with the registered user details setup previously.
For this task I used a popular sip softphone (x-lite FREE) available at http://www.counterpath.com/
Now with an asterisk user ready to be used, install and then open up x-lite
In X-lite
- Right click on the x-lite screen and click settings
- Now enter the Display name
- Username & Authorization name
- and point the Domain and proxy to the address of your server in this case 192.168.1.122
Apply the changes
Making the calls
Now once you pressed ok on X-lite it should initialize with the server and your user should be registered and ready to make calls to every other registered user on the network.
If you want to find out who else is logged on to the server and you are able to make calls to
type ' show sip peers'
Now make calls to networked users to your hearts content, In the next hub i will go through adding hardware phones and putting in PSTN connectivity so you can call landlines and mobile phones. Also how to edit sip.conf and extensions.conf when your using a regular version of Asterisk and not AsteriskNOW.
How To Reinstall Asterisk
Good article
I installed Asterisknow3.0 and using jitsi softphone. I am creatind two exxtensions as well and now i want to make call to those extensions , whenever i tried to call these extensions from softphone i get failed to establish call error.. Please help in this
hi!
i am doing a project which will do real time transmission of video .can i use asterisknow??
Thanks,
Very simple and clear
Looking for vpn connection between server and client side...
i ve installed asterisk n ekiga clients on 2 different machines....ekiga has successfully registered with asterisk....but when i call i m not able to hear any voice...my headphones works perfectly fine!!!! plz help me
hi expectus...i have earlier used asterisk 1.8 on a fedora14 machine and it worked well, there we configured everything manually i mean all the configuration files. It worked perfectly.
now i have installed AsteriskNOW 2.01 beta(centOS 5.7+ asterisk1.8), everything got installed correctly. Now am trying to configure the extensions and configurations from the freePBX GUI and nothing seems to be working...I can't see the *.conf files over-written with the changes i make in the GUI.
can you please tell me whether i missed out something to install after installing asteriskNOW or i am going wrong somewhere else....
You help will be highly appreciated....
How to get the SIP address??? am really confused.. where can i find it?? If i would have to create one please let me know the ways to create one. I have a centos 1.3 asterisk installed in my computer and able to make outbound calls and calls inside the LAN. pls help m with it.
@Expectus,
Hi i have installed centOS 1.3 in my network. I have setup the eyebeam soft phones and is working good. I purchased a toll free number from 'tollfreeforwarding.com' and am not able to setup my asterisk server to receive inbound calls. My toll free provider asks me to provide the SIP account info(like: user@domain address) but am really confused about what is this 'user@domain address'. Please help me with it. It would really be a timely help for me... I have setup a public static ip for my asterisk server, it has two NIC so it can also communicate in the LAN and it can be accessed from WAN using the public ip.
So i have added 2 Extension 1001 and 1002 Sip Device in the FreePBX admin. Then i installed the X-lite on the 2 computer which the same network as the AsteriskNOw. I set the user name,Authentication user name, I use the proxy setting and set the address to 192.168.0.5. The 2 X-lite status is ready but i cannot make call to each other? (saying the person you are calling is unavailable please try again) where i type the command 'show sip peers' at the console and found peers are Connected. Please help me soon....
plz assist me for this..i need help for my projectwork..plz reply asap
i m newbie to asterisk.i have installed asterisk and i m able to log into freepbx and web interface...i m facing problem in softphones....do i suppose to install softphone on same asterisk now or on other operating system?
i have done the installation assigned the extensions to the soft phones. but it is not registering them it says, registration error 408 time out, can you help with this.
Hi. My sincere appreciation Expectus, for the wonderful job u r doing with ur blog.
however, my name is microspecs and an MSC student intending to benchmark VoIP in the cloud with a case study of hosted VoIP. I have done all the necessary installations according to the guidelines on your blog. But I am unable to configure the asterisknow via the gui using the firefox 2.0. After entering the details, the save button doesn't seem to work and hence the changes i made arent registered.
Please kindly assist me as this the initial step to the main project.
Hi...Hi, I have installed AsteriskNow 1.8 with a Sangoma pri card. Is it possible for multiple users to work at the same time, like accessing the extensions.conf.
Hi, I have installed AsteriskNow 1.7 with a Sangoma analogue FXO card. The installation appears to be successful, after downloading some extra rehat and Yum code. When I go to the GUI to add users or extensions. It does not allow me to create either Users or extensions, because I have to create dial plan first. There are some default dial plans, but I can not apply them to any of the trunks I have created. Neither will it allow me to create new dial plan not even internal.
I am logged in as admin on the GUI and root on the server shell. I seem to keep going around in circles.
Help please, I am desperate
Expectus: I have been able to setup my asterisk server using asteriskNOW and 2 PCs with X-lite phones. The two PCs are all connected now, but after dialing the next PC it will ring and answer but will hear no sound.
Please help me on how to enable sound and messaging system.
Thanks and hope to hear from you soonest.
@expectus : u r post is really goood, have got skype with asterisk figured out
Hello,
Installed asteriskNow without any problem.
I can login the system with ssh but my username and/or password is not accepted in the browser.
Where do I go wrong,
Pls help
Regards Joost
@expectus: Thanks for this good tutorials on how to install and use AsteriskNOW.
I am also interested on connecting skype with AsteriskNow, have you figure it out on how to do it?
Hi,
Very good tutorial.
I am thinking about setting up the following config:
Windows Server 2003: with Astericks PBX
(Would this run OK on W2K3? Or would I have to use AsteriskWin32, would the config be the same?
Then on separate windows machines within the same domain have X lite installed and configured.
Does anyone have any advice about the above config?
Thanks in advanced!!
I installed asterisknow and it works fine.
I set up 2 laptop and 1 pc with x-lite, configure 3 ATA box (telco system) and create user extension (6000-6005)in asterisknow web gui. All unit works as expected! Our inter office telephone system are now via asterisknow!
Just asking if what open source billing software is compatible with asterisknow? and if posible, a guide (like this- simple&straight forward ^_^ ) on how to install it?
Thanks for this guide! More power!
Installed Asterisk now ISO 1.7 using VM I got the IP using ifconfig command.I have only CLI interface how to open webbrowser
hi
how calm when we try to install AsteriskNOW on freespace, we keep receiving a message that the driver doesn't have enough space, but we have a lot. is there anyway to deal with this?
tnx
I am getting error: Failed to establish call. I have successfully installed extensions.
pls help
Hi,
I've read this entire thread hoping for some knowledge to what I'm trying to do but couldn't find any. I've been asked to install asterisknow onto Vmware (which I've already done) and my next step is to get this soundpoint 650 sip phone working with the software. I've been told it won't be fully functional due to the company network, and getting voicemail is just fine.My problem is I have NO idea where to start.
Thanks!
i am trying to set up at asterisk-gui, but when I get the subversion and use the ./configure...command it does nt work and gives the following error
I used this :
Error: bash: ./configure: No such file or directory
pls help
Hi I installed asterisknow on my computer , but i can only see the command line, I want to use the GUI, i am guessing the GUI did not come up because it said that it was missing startx, can u please walk me through
Hi
what should be the network settings on Virtualbox? I installed AsteriskNOW (centos) as guest system on Host system XP.
I tried NAT network settings and I was able to ping out, but was not able to ping in. Also I got IP 10.0.2.15 instead of 10.0.0.20 as the host computer. I tried bridiging network settings but not able to ping out or do DNS lookup either.
Any idea how to configure Asterisknow on Virtualbox?
@ expectus i solved the problem by bridging the vm's interface to the laptops interface, because it makes it NAT by default.
Now i want to make internal calls so i create extensions and i configure X-lite like the created extensions but they don't register, any clue?
Hi expectus, i am having the exact same problem as reaz mahmood, i get the same IP as he got and when i put it in firefox, its unreachable...how did u solve it for him, if u did...thanks
Dear expectus ;
i have little problem with softphone XLite with asterisk trixbox, that when i call outside i can hear them but they can't hear me. if you can help i appreciate you .
Hi,
Also i don't get the console screen after rebooting. Just the login. I can go to root@localhost with my password. (if i type asterisk -vvvgci then it does seem to run Asterisk and i get CLI command line)
Also i only have installed Asterisknow 1.4 with GUI. So, no other OS with web browser to access that IP address 192.168.0.14. How do i go about?
It is set up on a standalone machine. I do get a private ip address (192.168.1.104). I even tried setting a static I still can not access it from another machine on the network. I thought maybe I missed something during the install and reinstalled everything again but still no luck.
Hello expectus, i was following this thread and u seem to be the power that be when it comes to AsteriskNow. I am a newbie to viop and I have chosen Aserisk to be my first subject and I have come to a roadblock.
I installed the latest AsteriskNow version ona standalone machine. I have logged in and pulled th ip address however whn I try and login on another machine on my network i get an unreachable error. Does the browser I am using make a difference? I am using IE8. Other than that, anything else I can try?
hii..thanx..it was very helpful...but could u please explain a bit on how i can place a call from some pc connected to my lan to the server and hear any set of pre recorded options??
Hi sir,
I installed AsteriskNow 1.5 version and now i'm trying to add two extension to call each other ( the two PC and the PBX are working under a private network 10.1.3.X . as i read in the websites to create a number i need to create sip user then create an extension for this user,but when i logged to the system i found different menus (trunks, extension..etc) and it's different from other versions and i couldn't create any user so can you help me please.
Note:- i want both numbers sip type.
thnx for your time and support
Yes, i got the same issue. but if i diale to 7000 the wireshark will display that asterisk did response and play audio.
Have have chan_sip.so Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) loaded
any idea
So i have added 2 Extension 8611 and 8628 by submitting Generic Sip Device in the FreePBX admin. Then i installed the X-lite on the 2 computer which the same network as the AsteriskNOw. I set the user name:8611, Authentication user name 8611 but different display name, i use the proxy setting and set the address to 10.10.23.109. The 2 X-lite status is ready but i cannot make call to each other y? (saying the person you are calling is unavailable please try again) where i type the command 'show sip peers' at the console?
Thanks for the Info, i thought i did something wrong not to get the screen. So i want to install 2 X-lite on 2 different pc and make then call each other. I you instruct me how to do it please? i am not a linux guru so how to configure my users manually by going through the server and find sip.conf and extensions.conf for me it was installed in /etc/asterisk/sip.conf. Also does it support IAX softphones like Idefisk IAX
Hi Expectus
I have installed asteriskNOW. It is the same from the 2 video
My installation was same as in the 2 video:
1- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tn9TzJ6eZW0&fea...
2- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgSzSjBVAXI&NR=...
Through out the installation i didn't get the Asterisk Now Console menu.
I got the ip address and enter it in the broswer. This log me to the FreePBX administration only.
How can i log me to the AsteriskNOW to click on user etc as mentionned above ????
I am using AT&T 1.5 MB DSL. I use AT&T for phone service also, but there is no phone shared with that phone jack- just the DSL Modem.
I have successfully called another SIP on the same LAN, but I haven't subscribed to a trunk/DID service yet. Everything is internal.
The problem started when I configured voice mail. Whenever I make a call and get VM, it immediately disconnects and the wireless router has to be rebooted. It loses Internet connectivity as well as LAN connectivity.
I contacted Netgear and they told me 'to open the ports for the VOIP in the router' via 'Port Forwarding'. I did that, but it didn't help.
I was wondering if I needed to update the firmware, but probably not necessary since Skype works fine.
Thanks again.
Thanks for the feedback expectus. I'm in Memphis and haven't found anything for 25 cents for local, but wish I could.
I also have a problem with my router (I think). Whenever I call and get voicemail, not only does it disconnect, it knocks my router off the network. I got some feedback from Netgear, but still having problems. Are there any instructions on how to configure your router with Asterisk?
Thanks again.
can you use any remote login session to see my problem?
when i put the ifconfig command i get the inet address 10.0.2.15 when i put this address on the firefox of my vista host it says unreacable
sorry i am disturbing you a lot . but i am in a very bad situation
i can log into the centos.but in command line mode.
i an installing it in a virtual machine. when i enter the command 'asterisk -r' it says asterisk server is running. but how do i get the web console?
why my 'the asterisknow installation screen' doesn't appear when i boot from the iso image that has been downloaded from the asterisknow website?
or i am using a wrong one, which only installs cent os opearting system?
can u please do remote log in to my machine to sort things out. please this is my final year project, i really need it running. please....
can u please do remote log in to my machine to sort things out. please this is my final year project, i really need it running. please....
how do i get the ip address of the asterisk server?
through ifconfig command? then should i need to go the server from web browser of my host os? please help
i have installed asterisknow on a virtual machine from the iso file. but after installing i get the command line mode, not the asterisk console mode as shown in this post. please help me
MR ONE, MAY I TALK TO YOU PERSONALLY? I AM ALSO IN SAME POSITION? MY MAIL reaz.u.mahmood@gmail.com
i have installed asterisknow on a virtual machine, but it doesn'u give me the asterisk gui? please help me
Can I use it for hosted IP PBX for commercial purposes?
can i know how to configure for the conference and msg...i want the manual way config...can u help me???
i just want to know..how to config sip at the asterisknow 1.4.6 because if i refer for asterisknow 1.4.9 guide line it have configuretion sip at the option...at the asterisk 1.4.6 did't have the advance menu at the option...now how to config sip at the v1.4.6??
reinstall asterisk or reinstall x-lite???
i try open the config panel with google chrome...now i can fix up the users..tq...
but i can't connect the 2 pc...T_T
i have using firefox v3.0...=) i also think,i not setup all the config properly...
1 thing,at the firstime when i login admin username,the asterisk GUI setup wizard is not appear but it straight go through the asterisk config panel...it normal setup or i have a mistake???
then after 1day i config the panel...the asterisk GUI setup wizard appear but i can't access it...when i click next after 3second it appear again the first page at asterisk GUI...why??or i must format and install again the asterisk???
hi...
i'm a final year student and create the VOIP as my final project..i have install asterisk via asteriskNOW and have install and config X-Lite on two PCs like the simple step like this:-
install asteriskNOW
1. Installation Type: Express Installation
2. Automatic Partitioning: Remove all Linux partitions on this system
3. Network configuration: DHCP (default)
4. Administrator Password: remember this password
Initial setup
1.After reboot the screen will show the IP address of the new AsteriskNOW box.
Browse to that address (10.0.74.59) by making use of your web browser and
login using the user credentials that you set before. The username is “admin”
and password is what you chose during installation.
2.Once logged in, click on the “Users”button in the left side bar so that we
create a new user extension.Then click on the “Save” button at the bottom
of the page and “Activate Changes” at the top.
Setting up IP Phone
1.It is time to try out our new extension. Install X-Lite and configure
it by right clicking on the application (X-Lite) and selecting “SIP Account
Settings”. Then click on the “add” button and set the following options in the
“Account” tab like:
• Display Name: Joe Doe (does not really matter)
• User name: 6000
• Password: 6000
• Authorization user name: 6000
• Domain: 10.0.74.59(the IP address of the PBX)
2.X-lite should show up as “Ready, your name is 6000”. Make sure that the
extension works by calling 7000 which by default is the “Voice Menu”system.
You should hear an automated voice asking you to dial an extension.
3.PBX configuration
•Set up a few more accounts like before.
Setting up toll free calling
1. Select the user that you created before and select a dialplan “DialPlan1”.
Remember to save and activate the changes
2. From the AsteriskNOW configuration click on the “Service Providers” and
then “Add Service Provider”.
3. Select “Custom VoIP” and the fill in the following fields:
•Comment: anything
•Protocol: SIP
•Host: sip.tollfreegateway.com
•Username: anything
•Activate changes
4. Finally create a call rule by clicking on the call rules button on the left bar
and “add a calling rule” button. Use the following details:
•Rule name: free calls
•Place this call through: choose the provider that we just added
•If the number begins with: 1800
•Followed by 3 digits
•Select the “or more” option
5. Activate the changes
6. From X-Lite call the listing directory on 18005551212 - you should hear an
automated voice.
after finish all the configuration i connect that 2 pc and server with cisco switch,i make call for the 2 PCs.then it appear at both user are not online...but i can hear the voicemail went i dial 7000.plz help me!!!now i have no idea to troubleshoot.i have one week before my demo...
*one thing,when i click on the “Users” at the left side bar.when i want to select one user it select all.why i can't select one user???
hi...
i'm a final year student and create the VOIP as my final project..i have install asterisk via asteriskNOW and have install and config X-Lite on two PCs like the step...when i connect that 2 pc and server with switch,i make call for the 2 PCs.then appear at both user not online...plz help me!!!i must demo this project next week...
I have installed Asterisk via AsteriskNow and have installed and configured X-Lite on two PCs inside my LAN. Everything is working fine, but now I need to figure out how to make calls to the outside world. Do I need a DID provider? Can someone help me determine the next step along with the least expensive recommendation? I am not trying to start a phone business...just trying to save money on phone service. Thanks.
Hi Jack, in this post, he is using AsteriskNow 1.4. The version you probably have is AsteriskNow 1.5 which has a different interface and the most updated version as of now March-2010.
Hello, I have installed AsteriskNow; but when I try to access the web GUI I do not get the same as the screenshot above. I can only access FreePBX. I cannot see any option for adding a user...
Also, when it first installs I do not get the Asterisk Console screen that you get. Any help would be greatly appreciated
Hello, I have installed AsteriskNow; but when I try to access the web GUI I do not get the same as the screenshot above. I can only access FreePBX. I cannot see any option for adding a user...
Also, when it first installs I do not get the Asterisk Console screen that you get. Any help would be greatly appreciated
dah! (I'm a 'windows dummy' and now feel like a 'linux Idiot' lol), ifconfig = ipconfig, every thing works now and I thank you so much for your help..
Hi Expectus, Thanks for replying but I am still lost.
I've followed these 2 YouTube instructions:
1- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tn9TzJ6eZW0&fea...
[first video tells you installation from a to z.]
2- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgSzSjBVAXI&NR=...
[second video tells you how to obtain server ip address]
but when I type '[root@localhost `]# ipconfig' I get 'command not found'.
if I type '[root@localhost `]# setup' then it takes me to the option where you can do
>network configuration
>run tool
>edit a device params>(press enter & you get first device to select)
> 'eth0-AMD790970 pcnet32 lane' >(enter & you get)
> 'Devernet configuration'
here all of my static ip/netmask/gatway ip are blank which shouldn't be per the video 1,
can you please help me to see what I'm doing wrong and how to obtain server ip address. (please note I've tried installation with linux text and graphical mode but no luck) plus no where near to the 'AsteriskNow console Menu' said in your page above. many thanks in advance for your asistance.
Hi Expectus, great knowledgebase!
I'm installing 'AsteriskNow' first time on a VM. Every thing worked ok upto 'Localhost Login',entered 'root' as user name & the password. After this I get this line: [root@localhost `]# and I am kinda stuck what to do from here... can't find further instructions, can you please help or point somewhere. Best regards.
is there any full details documents available to learn using Asterisk step by step?
please help me if you know any good source
Hi,
I am new to Asterisks, infact i am just installing the asterisknow. I will like to know how to integrate it with google Gizmo5 in order for user to reach out beyond our campus.
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A small business private branch exchange system gives each of your employees access to multiple phone lines through their desk’s phone. The systems are easy to operate and provide great support, but their installation can be tedious and time-consuming. Many hardware providers offer phone support that may aid the final programming of your PBX platform.
1.Locate an area central to your phone lines and employees; this is where you will mount your key service unit, the brain behind your PBX system; it must be connected to your phone lines and your phone units.
2.Attach the KSU to the wall with its mounting kit and your electric screwdriver. You may need to start the mounting holes with an electric drill.
3.Plug your circuit cards into the KSU. These are often used for voicemail and will have dedicated, labeled slots for each card. They are often found on the side of the KSU, although some units will require you to remove its casing for access to the slots.
4.Connect your telephone lines directly to the KSU using telephone cords. These are the dial tone lines provided by your phone company.
5.Run a telephone line from the KSU to each of your employee’s phone units.
6.Plug in the KSU to a wall outlet for power and watch to make sure its system lights all illuminate.
7.Turn on all of your employee’s phone lines and watch for the proper light to signal that it has connected with the KSU.
8.Use the setup and programming guide provided by your PBX vendor to properly code your unit. These directions vary greatly across models, so follow them explicitly.
9.Test your phones by placing and receiving calls once the programming is complete.
Things Needed
- KSU mounting kit
- Electric drill
- Electric screwdriver
- Telephone line cords
- Voicemail and other circuit cards
Tip
- Many vendors offer limited free support for installations and programming; relying on these can alleviate many self-installation headaches.
Warnings
- If you have not installed similar systems, you may risk damaging your equipment if it has special installation or programming instructions.
- Self-installations can void some PBX system warranties.
References (2)
About the Author
Geoff Whiting is a writer and copy editor who has specialized in business technology, consumer electronics and research reports since 2007. He has written for national magazines like 'American Shipper' and 'BIC Magazine,' has written daily news articles for FierceMarkets, and has crafted research reports for Rider Research, Intel and Spotify.
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