Configuring your firewall for remote users is essential for enabling VoIP communications through the Vodia PBX. This setup requires allowing specific TCP and UDP ports, including 5060 and 5061 for SIP signaling, UDP ports 49152 to 64512 for RTP and TCP ports 80 and 443 for web access. Additionally, setting the appropriate IP routing entries ensures both internal and remote phones can communicate effectively, utilizing a netmask that accommodates local network traffic while allowing access from external sources. This dual configuration allows for seamless call management across different network environments.
A firewall controls the incoming and outgoing network traffic based on an applied rule set and establishes a barrier between a trusted, secure LAN and/or WAN network(s) and the internet (neither secure nor trusted).
Vodia Networks recommends a LAN architecture where the voice traffic bypasses the firewall:
If a firewall feature is configured, it must allow the following ports to pass (if you want to connect remote users to the PBX then you will need to configure the Vodia SBC settings):
Allow TCP/UDP ports 5060, 5061 (for SIP)
Allow UDP ports 49152–64512(for RTP)1
Allow UDP port 123 (for NTP)
Allow TCP port 80 (for HTTP)
Allow TCP port 443 (for HTTPS)
Vodia PBX SBC
In order to make the PBX show the public IP address, you need an entry that matches "every other IP address". In other words, the netmask must be 0.0.0.0 (for example, "0.0.0.0/0.0.0.0/123.124.125.126"). The problem is it will block all calls on the private network, so there is also a necessary rule for the private network.
Example: Let's say the PBX is running on 192.168.1.2 address, the netmask is 255.255.0.0 and the internal SIP phones have 192.168.x.x addresses. So the first part of the entry will be "192.168.0.0/255.255.0.0/192.168.1.2". This part will take care of the internal phones. Now, if the phone and PBX have to talk to remote phones and servers, then you have added another part to the "IP Routing List". Consider the public IP address is 123.124.125.126 (this the IP address provided/assigned by the internet service provider). You can check the public IP using http://whatismyip.com/), then you will have "0.0.0.0/0.0.0.0/123.124.125.126" as the other part of the entry.
Putting it all together, an entry of "192.168.0.0/255.255.0.0/192.168.1.2 0.0.0.0/0.0.0.0/123.124.125.126" will make the PBX serve both internal and remote phones.
In this example, the PBX would not look at the routing presented by the operating system.
In 2026, a modern phone system must go well beyond basic calling. Core requirements now include built-in AI for smarter call handling and transcription, real-time analytics dashboards for visibility and control, flexible auto attendants to route calls efficiently, seamless Microsoft Teams integration, and robust mobile apps that support hybrid and remote work. Clear separation between business and personal calls protects work-life balance, while reliable white-glove support ensures these capabilities work smoothly in real-world environments as communication needs evolve.
Legacy phone systems may still work, but they often come with hidden costs, limited scalability, and little support for hybrid work. Aging hardware, ongoing maintenance, and rigid infrastructure can quietly hold businesses back as they grow. Cloud-based VoIP systems remove these constraints by reducing telephony expenses, improving flexibility, and enabling teams to communicate seamlessly from anywhere. For many organizations, modernizing business telephony is no longer optional, it is a practical step toward efficiency and resilience.
A streamlined integration connects the Vodia PBX with the ElevenLabs Voice AI Platform using a lightweight IVR JavaScript script and native SIP REFER for call transfers. Audio and call control are handled entirely through standard SIP signaling, while all conversational logic, prompts, voice selection, and routing rules are configured in the ElevenLabs dashboard. This approach removes the need for webhooks or WebSocket connections and keeps the PBX side intentionally minimal, making the deployment clean and production-ready.
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