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Q: What is Asterisk? (top) |
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A: Asterisk is an Open Source software application that runs on industry standard PC hardware using the Linux operating system. It has all the features of a standard PBX (including voicemail) and supports anlog and digital phone service as well as most common VoIP protocols. |
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Q: Does the VS-1 use Astlinux? (top) |
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A: No. The software used in the VS-1 is known as Asterisk Administrator and has little in common with Astlinux beyond the basic architectural similarities. They use different Linux kernels (Asterisk Administrator uses Fedora Core 3) and different utilities. Astlinux is optimized to be as small as possible for use in embedded devices, Asterisk Administrator is designed to be easy to manage and provide as much functionality as possible. |
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Q: Does the VS-1 use AMP? (top) |
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A: No. The VoIP Connection has developed its own Web-based interface for the VS-1. The features and functionality provided are based on the suggestions of our users and our extensive experience deploying VS-1 based systems at remote locations. |
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Q: How many extensions will the VS-1 support? (top) |
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A: There is no license or other hard limit on the number of extensions the VS-1 can support. Capacity is limited by the number of concurrent phone calls, and this number can vary depending on the the number and type of PSTN interfaces if any, and by the amount of codec conversion required. Generally speaking the base sytem will support 25-50 extensions. The 1.3Ghz model has at least double the capacity. |
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Q: What kind of PSTN interface do I need? (top) |
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A: If you plan to use all IP phones and a VoIP service provider such as Vonage or Pipeline, you do not need a PSTN interface at all. If you want to connect to a conventional phone service with analog lines, you need an FXO interface for each line. If you want to connect analog phones or other devices with a two wire telephone interface such as paging systems or door phones, you need an FXS interface for each device. |
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Q: Do I need a T1 interface for VoIP over a T1? (top) |
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A: No special hardware is required for VoIP service regardless of how your internet service is provided. A T1 interface is used to connect the VS-1 to a PRI line or channel bank. |
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Q: How are upgrades to the VS-1 performed? (top) |
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A: The VS-1 system contains all the tools necessary to upgrade Asterisk and other system utilities directly on the system. However, since it is often necessary to upgrade multiple components at one time, and since it can be difficult to "undo" an upgrade performed this way, we recommend purchasing a system flash upgrade. In most cases, an upgrade is as simple as shutting down the system, replacing the system flash, and restarting the system. |
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Q: Does Compact Flash have a limited lifespan? (top) |
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A: Compact Flash does have a limited lifespan, but the VS-1 is engineered to run off of a RAMDISK so that disk writes are kept to an absolute minimum. Under normal usage, the Compact Flash chips in a VS-1 will last for many years. |
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Q: Can I modify or customize the VS-1 software? (top) |
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A: While they have been configured and tuned for maximum performance, the Linux and Asterisk software components running on the VS-1 are completely standard and can be modified or customized as they could on a standard server. However, extensive changes may limit our ability to support the system. |
