Training:Process Review

IPitomy PBX (On Premise)

Process Review

Preparation is critical before heading on-site to install a PBX, whether it's for an IPitomy cloud or on-premise solution. Thorough preparation reduces stress and ensures a smoother, more efficient installation process. This involves installing and testing a basic setup of the major components to ensure everything functions as expected.

Pre-Installation Steps

Thorough preparation is a key component of a successful installation. Complete the Site Survey and IPitomy Setup Worksheet, including contact information for key parties such as the ISP, IT Department, and Trunk Providers. If possible, set up as much as you can in the PBX before arriving on-site. Although it's not advisable to register the phones at this stage (since the IP address of the PBX may change), pre-configuring extensions, groups, menus, schedules, etc. reduces the time spent on-site during installation.

Matching the LAN

The first step of the installation process is configuring the PBX IP addresses to communicate on the network. If the network subnet is not 192.168.1.x, adjust the PBX to match the subnet of the LAN. There are two ways to configure the PBX IP address. After setting it up, it is recommended to reboot the PBX.

Using a Keyboard and Monitor

Connect a keyboard and monitor to the PBX and press ALT-F7. This will bring you to a screen that allows you to set the Static IP, Subnet Mask, Gateway, and DNS. Once all the values are set, select 'S' to save.

PC and Simple Network Setup

By default, you can access the PBX via 192.168.1.249/ippbx. Connect your PC and the PBX to a simple network, with only a switch between the two devices. Set your PC statically to 192.168.1.50 and log into the default IP address of the PBX. Once logged in, navigate to System => Networking and configure the Static IP, Subnet Mask, Gateway, and DNS.

Connecting to the Network

After configuring the correct IP addresses on the PBX, connect it to the customer network. Connect the PBX to the switch that will host the majority of the phones and avoid connecting it to the customer's router to prevent potential traffic bottlenecks.

SIP Localnet and External IP

Ensure the Localnet is properly configured under PBX Setup => SIP. The Localnet should match the LAN to allow phones to communicate with the PBX. The Localnet follows the pattern xxx.yyy.zzz.0, where x, y, and z match the PBX IP address, and the last octet is always zero. The subnet mask for the Localnet is typically 255.255.255.0. If remote SIP (Provider or Phones) is involved, enter the site's public IP address in the External IP field.

Access Control List

After setting the Localnet, configure the Access Control List (ACL) under System => Access Control => Access Control List. Click the 'Load Recommended Defaults' button to configure the basic ACL services (SIP, Call Manager, Local Manager, and TFTP) for devices within the Localnet to communicate with the PBX. If using a SIP provider, add <SIPTrunkIP>/32 as a rule to the SIP service in the ACL. For remote phones with static IP addresses, add them as well. If remote phones have non-static IP addresses, delete the entire SIP ACL Service and enable 'Log Watch & Ban'.

Registering Extensions

Start by registering two extensions and make test calls to ensure everything is functioning correctly. Verify if each phone can call the other, if there is two-way audio, and if there are any issues with call quality.

Testing Remote SIP

If the site plans to use remote phones or SIP trunks, install a remote phone to test if the router is handling NAT correctly. It's recommended to identify any issues at the beginning of the installation to allow time for router adjustments if necessary.

Testing with Softphones and Hardware Phones

Use a SIP softphone on a cell phone to test WAN extension registration to the PBX. Also, have other employees register physical SIP phones to WAN extensions on the PBX and test.

Configuring Trunks

Configure and test trunks early in the installation process. This allows the provider time to resolve any possible issues while you work on the rest of the installation. Add only one DID at this time to ensure the provider is sending the correct number of digits.

Thorough Testing

Thoroughly test the installation by setting up local extensions, remote extensions, and trunks. Ensure LAN phones can make and receive calls, DTMF works correctly, remote phones can make and receive calls, and trunks function properly. Verify there is two-way audio for LAN phones, WAN phones, and trunks, and check if DIDs are routing correctly.

Complete Configuration

After the basic installation has been tested and is functioning correctly, register the remaining phones to the PBX, add and configure the remaining DIDs, and thoroughly test the complete functionality. Check if Ring Group calls function as desired and if Menus route callers to the intended destinations.

Training

Once the system is installed and functioning as expected, begin training the end users. Many features will work similarly to their old system, but there may be new things to learn. Ensuring that end users are familiar with their phones and the PBX will result in satisfied customers.

IPitomy Cloud PBX

IPitomy Cloud PBX Process Review Proper preparation is essential before initiating the setup of IPitomy's Cloud PBX solution. This includes creating a blueprint of the entire network setup, including SIP Firewall & Routers, user extensions, and phone types which ensures an efficient and smooth installation process.

Pre-Installation Steps

Effective preparation is crucial to the successful implementation of a Cloud PBX solution. Completing the IPitomy Setup Worksheet, which includes important contact details for the ISP, IT Department, and Trunk Providers, is an essential first step. Pre-configuring extensions, groups, menus, schedules, etc., as much as possible before the implementation starts can significantly reduce the time required during the actual setup.

Cloud Configuration

Once the pre-installation steps are complete, configure the Cloud PBX to match the necessary specifications and requirements. This step includes setting up and disabling the appropriate firewall settings to ensure secure SIP communications, configuring necessary port forwarding rules if required, and preparing the system for integration with the network.

Web Interface Access

Access the IPitomy Cloud PBX interface via the provided URL. Once logged in, navigate through the system settings to configure the network settings, SIP trunk parameters, user extensions, and other necessary details as per the initial network blueprint.

Extension Setup

Set up the required extensions for users on the Cloud PBX system. This includes assigning extension numbers, setting up voicemail, configuring call forwarding rules if necessary, and providing the required credentials to the users for setting up their phones or softphones.

Remote SIP Testing

If the setup includes remote phones or SIP trunks, test them to ensure the router is handling Network Address Translation (NAT) correctly. It's essential to detect any potential issues early in the installation to allow time for necessary adjustments. If you are deploying remote phones at multiple locations you should always add an additional E911 end point for each location.

Softphone and Hardware Phone Testing

Use a SIP softphone on a mobile device to test the registration of WAN extensions to the Cloud PBX. Also, when deploying remote phones have employees register their physical or soft SIP phones to extensions on the Cloud PBX and conduct tests to ensure they work properly.

Comprehensive Testing

Thoroughly test the system by setting up local extensions, remote extensions, and trunks. Confirm that all phones can make and receive calls, that DTMF is functioning correctly, and that all trunks are operating as they should. Check that there is two-way audio on all phones and that DIDs are routing correctly.

Final Configuration

After all tests confirm that the basic setup is functioning correctly, finalize the Cloud PBX configuration. This includes adding and configuring any remaining DIDs, setting up any additional features like call queues or IVRs, and testing the complete system to ensure everything is working as expected.

User Training

Once the Cloud PBX system is fully set up and functional, begin training the end users. While many features may be similar to their previous system, there will likely be new features and functions to learn. Ensuring that end users are comfortable with their phones and the new PBX system will result in satisfied customers.