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.