How to Set Up an IP PBX for Your New Business

For a very long time, communications basically depended on how well maintained the telephone system was. This caused many problems over time as lines became worn and outdated, including dropped calls, lost connections, and high costs, but today technology has provided new and exciting ways to make and receive calls that require very little equipment and make optimal use of your computer and LAN connection.

One of these technologies is known as IP PBX. IP PBX uses an existing IP data network to transmit calls in the form of data packages. This is especially convenient for businesses and entrepreneurs as it reduces costs, while providing the option of a VoIP gateway to connect to traditional phones. It is also easy to install, making it possible for you to set up your own system, without having to wait on a professional to do it, and can be managed with little effort thanks to a user friendly interface, which traditional telephony simply does not have.

Another benefit to be had from using an IP PBX system for your new business and home is the fact that there is no wiring to install, and you can simply connect your phone to your network port, which makes for less of a clutter, and easier to move telephones, which brings us to scalability. As your business grows, your telephone system will grow with it, and a traditional phone line can be cumbersome, especially when you require it handle a large number of calls. With an IP PBX system, you simply have to connect more telephones to your network to make it larger, which then gives you the ability to handle your customers in a more efficient and effective manner.

VoIP providers have also adapted their software to include many of the features you have come to love about traditional telephony, including voice mail, call waiting, and three way calling, as well as ring groups and reporting, all while reducing costs and making it less expensive to make use of these features.

Because VoIP and IP PBX systems use existing networks, and don’t require complicated installations or hardware, you will be able to save money in a more efficient way, especially when you consider you can take your phone number with you wherever you go. This is probably the most important advantage of IP PBX systems in regards to businesses, as they allow the user to divert phone calls they would normally take at the office.

All in all, IP PBX telephone systems provide a large number of benefits to your business and home, but how exactly do you get it set up? Installing your very own IP PBX system requires very little technical knowledge and time. It is just a matter of following a few simple directions, and you will be up and running in no time at all.

Hardware and software: While the installation itself is pretty simple, you will have to gather some items you can’t go without, including a SIP phone, or a SIP adapter if you would rather use a traditional telephone. You will also need an IP PBX, and an account with the VoIP provider of your choice, who will provide you with a server address and other information you will need during installation.

Getting started: Before you configure your IP PBX, you will have to download the appropriate software, which is normally available at your VoIP provider’s website, and follow the directions that appear on your computer’s screen. Once the installation is finished and you have rebooted your computer, you can start adding users to your network. This is done by manually adding each one to the IP PBX software (in most cases an Add button is available at the top left of the installation screen), so just fill in the required information, which includes the SIP address, the port number (the default SIP port is usually 5060), the username, and the password that your VoIP provider has given you during sign up. Keep doing this until all your users have been configured.

Adding external connections with a VoIP gateway: Doing this will give you the ability to connect to traditional phone lines, so select the appropriate option from your software’s main menu, and add your VoIP account information. Once you have finished adding the pertinent data, you can configure your automatic answer settings, as well as any other features you selected. This will allow you to make and receive phone calls without any limitations. If you need to add more telephones to your system at a later date, simply repeat the steps above and you will be all set.