To set up the Vodia PBX on Google Cloud, start by creating a VM instance in Google Cloud's Compute Engine - choose a region, zone and a compatible operating system, like Debian. Once the instance is running, configure firewall rules to allow essential ports, such as 80, 443 and SIP-specific ports (5060/5061) to enable communication. Use SSH to install the Vodia PBX by downloading and executing the installation script. After installation, configure the Vodia PBX login, then adjust IP routing settings to recognize the Google Cloud NAT by specifying internal and external IPs. This setup helps you effectively run the Vodia PBX in a cloud environment with secure, remote access and full functionality.
In this blog, we will cover the basic steps for setting up the Vodia PBX with Google Cloud. If you don’t have a google account, you can sign up at https://cloud.google.com/ and get $300 to spend on Google Cloud Platform over the next 12 months!
Once you have access to your Google Cloud, navigate to (Compute Engine) to create a VM.
Click on create
Setting up your VM
Name Your instance (lower case) no spaces
Choose your region and zone
Machine configuration (choose General-Purpose)
Building your instance
Choose your operating system (for this tutorial we are using Debian). You can use Windows or any other Linux flavor.
Service Account (Choose Compute Engine default service account)
Access Scope (Choose Allow default access)
Firewall Setting (Choose Allow HTTP traffic and Allow HTTPS Traffic)
When done, click create.
Running instance
Now that the VM is running, Google has provided us with internal IP and external IP addresses. These IP addresses will be assigned to the Vodia PBX to determine the audio packets.
Edit the firewall
Next, we are going to set up the firewall on Google Cloud.
Click on your instance as shown below.
Next, scroll down to (Network details) and click on (View details)
In the right-hand panel, choose (Firewall rule).
Create Firewall Rules
Click on (default-allow-internal)
Change the IP source address from to 10.128.0.0/9 to 0.0.0.0/0 and save.
This will take care of the following ports:
80 (TCP)
443 (TCP
5060 (UDP)
5061 (TCP)
RTP Ports 49152- 64512
LDAP Ports 2345-2346
Installing the Vodia PBX Phone System
To install the Vodia PBX, we need to log in with SSH. To do this, click on the SSH drop down and choose (open in the browser window).
Allow login only from listed address ( is optional)
Save the password in a safe place
Behind NAT
Since Google Cloud is behind NAT, we need to program the Vodia PBX to use the external IP address of the VM. The (IP Routing list) in the Vodia PBX is used to override the operating system IP routing table (this setting will be consulted by the system before consulting/using the operating system).
To check your internal/external IP address, click on the three-line icon and scroll down to (Compute Engine).
In this example, my internal IP is 10.150.0.2 and my external IP is 35.236.234.40
OpenAI’s Realtime API brings low-latency, multimodal voice capabilities to developers, and Vodia PBX is already harnessing its power. By enhancing IVR with backend JavaScript, Vodia enables real-time AI-driven call interactions, eliminating the need for patterns or webhooks. This integration has a significant impact on healthcare, enabling patients to book or cancel appointments, refill prescriptions, request records, and more, all without speaking to staff, and in multiple languages. This reduces wait times and frees up medical staff to focus on in-person care. With full Microsoft Teams support, the Vodia PBX and OpenAI Realtime API integration streamlines healthcare workflows, boosting efficiency and improving patient outcomes through intelligent, voice-powered automation.
As hotels prepare for the upcoming travel season, many are rethinking their communication systems to better meet modern guest expectations. Vodia CEO Dr. Christian Stredicke explains how VoIP, AI, and app-based control are key to delivering smarter, more personalized service. Guests now expect mobile-first experiences—whether for check-in, room controls, or contacting hotel staff. Vodia’s customizable communication solutions help hotels automate tasks, streamline operations, and boost guest comfort while reducing costs. With robust security and seamless integration into existing hotel management systems, Vodia enables hotels to move beyond outdated hardware and deliver the connected, high-quality experience today’s travelers demand.
At Seatrade’s 40th anniversary, Vodia and Lufthansa Industry Solutions showcased the Vodia Maritime Communication Server and the new CruisR World App—purpose-built for next-generation cruise ships and cost-effective retrofits. Key themes at the event included AI-powered language translation, breakthrough satellite connectivity, UC platforms, and advanced emergency protocols. These innovations enable cruise lines to streamline operations, personalize guest experiences, and meet growing expectations for safety and connectivity. As the cruise industry evolves, Vodia’s solutions position communication teams to lead with smarter, more human-centric technology at sea.
.svg)
