Multicast Paging for the Hosted PBX
Hosted PBX offers many advantages over local systems but, when it comes to paging phones in a LAN, multicast remains the most efficient solution. Unfortunately, multicast often doesn't work in hosted PBX environments or in large corporate networks. One workaround is using a unicast stream converted into multicast through a device in the LAN, often with iptables. Another option is to use snom phones or the PA1, which can convert the audio stream into multicast. Alternatively, a local Vodia mini PBX can be set up to register with the hosted PBX, sending calls to a multicast paging group. This method offers more flexibility and useful features like call recording, making it an ideal solution for handling large volumes of paging.