Installing Linux's Version of Vodia's IP PBX on AWS
Published on:
February 25, 2020
Vodia’s IP PBX system can be installed on 32- or 64-bit versions of CentOS, Debian and FreeBSD, with 64-bit recommended for optimal performance. During installation, users can configure port settings to avoid conflicts with other services, establish firewall rules and activate the license key via an initial internet connection. Once installed, administrators can manage the system through Linux commands, update via the web interface and even deploy on AWS for cloud-based setups. Detailed video tutorials are available to guide users through configurations like firewall settings and IP routing for smooth audio quality.
Currently, we are supporting CentOS 32- and 64-bit, Debian 32- and 64-bit and FreeBSD 64-bit versions. For new installations, we strongly recommend 64-bit operating systems. We recommend you make yourself familiar with Linux before installing the system.
In many installations, there is a service running on the standard HTTP ports (80 and 443). If you wish to continue running the service on the host, you need to assign different ports to the PBX. You can do this by editing the script /etc/init.d/pbx and adding "--http-port x" and "--https-port y" the OPTIONS variable.
The PBX needs to have access to the public Internet (https://vodia.com) for activation of the license key and for installing software updates. After the PBX has been activated and is operative, this connection isn't required anymore.
Installation
To start the installation, you need to be logged in as a system administrator to a shell (typically bash).
Download and run the install script for your operating system. Before running the install script, edit the install script and read the comments. You may choose to install different languages and make other modifications to the installation script that fit your purpose.
If you need to write a pidfile, you may do so by editing the OPTIONS variable in the installation script. You need to add "--pidfile <filename>" to the list of options.
The script will figure out automatically if you need to install 32- or 64-bit versions.
Please note you will have to configure your firewall (iptables). On CentOS6.3 and above, we needed to change the iptables setup; in Debian6 it worked without changes. Otherwise, you won't be able to access the web interface of the PBX and register phones.
After the installation you can check if the PBX is running using the following command:
ps -C pbxctrl
You can restart the service using the following command:
/etc/init.d/pbx restart
Software Updates
Once the service is installed, you can update the software through the web interface. The procedure is the same for all operating systems. It is important the executable has the name "pbxctrl" and can be moved and deleted by the PBX process.
Uninstalling the Software
You can uninstall the software by deleting the working directory of the PBX (usually /usr/local/pbx) and by deleting the script pbx in the /etc/init.d directory.
Installing Linux's Version of Vodia's IP PBX on AWS (Amazon Web Service) Instance
Vodia's IP PBX is now compatible and ready to install on the Amazon Web Service (AWS) server for the IP PBX server running a Linux/Unix Operating system. The step-by-step installation procedure, configuring the firewall, IP Routing list setup (for two way audio fluency) and adding the license and getting the PBX ready to go is been explained in great detail in the following video tutorial.
AI-powered calling gives businesses new ways to manage conversations, improve availability, and respond to callers more efficiently. It also introduces important questions about transparency, consent, privacy, data handling, and accountability. Organizations need clearly defined boundaries for what a Voice Agent may answer, which systems it can access, and when identity verification or human assistance is required. A thoughtful deployment balances automation with appropriate safeguards, helping businesses use conversational AI confidently while protecting callers and maintaining trust.
Yori Kasprzak, founder of Brandywine Technical Partners, joins Vodia’s Eric Altman to share how he built a multimillion-dollar business and the role Vodia has played in its growth. From cloud telephony and CRM integrations to door systems, AI and mobile workforces, he explains how Brandywine solves customer challenges with Vodia’s open platform and shares advice for partners looking to grow. His story shows how finding customer pain points can create business opportunities beyond traditional phone services.
Vodia Billing turns PBX activity into customer invoices by bringing call rating, recurring charges, taxes, invoice generation and payment tracking into one dedicated platform. Built for Vodia PBX fleets, it can process CDRs, count recurring PBX items, produce branded invoices, connect with Xero and QuickBooks Online, monitor overdue payments and flag potential fraud. It also gives MSPs clearer visibility into margins, helping them understand not only what customers owe, but what their services are actually costing to deliver.