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This document details the beta version of the Vodia PBX that connects to the OpenAI realtime API, enabling users to interact with a chatbot via telephone. The backend JavaScript code facilitates the connection, handling audio input and output, and the WebSocket connection to the OpenAI API. The setup requires a Vodia PBX version 69.5.3 or higher, an API key, and a license with an IVR node. The demo can be accessed by editing the ivrnode.js template and creating an IVR node in the tenant. The system supports various VoIP devices and offers good voice quality. Future improvements include voice activity detection and the ability to take actions based on OpenAI responses.

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In the late 1980s, prank calls were a common form of entertainment but often caused confusion, similar to today’s call forwarding glitches. Recently, a client migrating to a new PBX system experienced disruptions when users mistyped numbers for call forwarding. While user errors are common, there's a bigger concern: calls being misdirected to emergency numbers or costly lines, especially since many VoIP phones lack security features. Solutions include restricting call forwarding to internal numbers, blocking access or allowing only specific, pre-approved numbers. Ultimately, balancing control over settings is essential to prevent glitches while keeping systems user-friendly.

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Integrating Prometheus with Vodia PBX enables effective monitoring of your phone system’s performance. Start by creating an API account on Vodia PBX to grant access to Prometheus, followed by the installation of Prometheus on DigitalOcean. Update the prometheus.yml file to include your PBX as a target by configuring the DNS, username, and password. Explore the Vodia API for available system stats, such as CPU usage and memory. Finally, create custom stat panels in Prometheus to visualize and track these key performance metrics in real time.

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We are excited to announce Vodia PBX version 69.3, designed to enhance stability in challenging environments with improved logging and packet burst resilience. Key updates include automatic audio file conversion, handling for 130 Australian numbers, expanded Avaya support, enhanced Call Detail Records with SIP packets and RTP statistics, and cloud storage for call recordings. Additionally, we've added support for new devices from Fanvil and Grandstream, improved redirection settings, registration refresh for devices, hotline dialing, and more detailed system performance statistics available through Prometheus.

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Business communication has evolved from manual switchboards and traditional shared lines to modern solutions like ring groups, which distribute incoming calls to multiple extensions simultaneously, ensuring no call goes unanswered. This enhances call handling, customer experience and resource utilization. To set up a ring group, identify group members, configure settings, adjust behaviors, and conduct test calls. Vodia Networks offers advanced cloud phone systems that streamline business communication with features like automatic call distribution and voicemail.

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At Vodia, we recognize the inherent challenges facing enterprise VoIP, particularly in maintaining high-quality audio connections amidst factors like jitter, network latency, and packet loss. These issues disrupt the seamless communication experience essential for business operations. To address these challenges, we've developed innovative solutions within our PBX, such as recording decrypted RTP packets and offering flexible options for data privacy. Our commitment lies in resolving these obstacles efficiently, ensuring businesses can rely on uninterrupted communication without compromising on security or performance.

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Vodia has introduced new handcrafted ringtones for Vodia PBX systems which are available for download. You can also upload custom audio files for ringback tones or general use. To upload, click "Add," provide a description, select options and upload a mono, 8kHz .wav file. For ring patterns, the system can generate variations or leave your file unchanged. After uploading, you can test the file by playing it back. Additional ringtones are available for download, including options like Chirp 1 through Chirp 8.

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In the realm of network optimization, disabling the Application Layer Gateway (ALG), a critical component in network routers responsible for translating network traffic for specific applications, takes center stage. Focusing on the ZXHN H167A router model, this blog post sheds light on the importance of turning off ALG for VoIP connectivity. By deactivating ALG, you can enhance the performance of your VoIP system, ensuring it operates smoothly without any interference from the router.

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Vodia has been a pioneer in AI technology since its inception, and while AI, including ChatGPT, is currently in the spotlight, our AI-powered auto-attendant has been a cornerstone of cloud phone systems for decades. We continue to lead in providing innovative AI-driven features and functionalities, collaborating with startups in the APAC region, and supporting Managed Service Providers to build strong, cost-effective businesses around our cutting-edge phone system.

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Vodia gives users the ability to dial other tenants within the system using full NANPA numbers, extensions or extension alias numbers. To access this feature, a multi-tenant license is essential; it empowers you to establish multiple tenants within the system, each resolving to its designated domain. This functionality streamlines communication and fosters an interconnected network within the Vodia Phone System, ensuring efficient and flexible calling across tenants.

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A few months ago, we adopted "passkeys" technology at Vodia. Our challenge with second-factor authentication was finding reliable options for end users and since SMS and USB keys were limited, email was left as the only feasible choice. Yet, email confirmation for phone system access is inconvenient and not always available. It’s only about logging into your phone system, not Fort Knox.

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We designed the Vodia phone system, the industry’s most feature-rich, on a lawful groundwork and list of requirements, both in the EU and in the USA, for processing personal data.

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This comprehensive guide outlines the setup of a secure Transport Layer Security (TLS) connection between Vodia and Telnyx, emphasizing the crucial aspects of data confidentiality and integrity. By following the steps provided, users can establish a secure SIP trunk connection. This TLS connection guarantees encrypted and secure communication, enhancing data protection and privacy for your business.

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The wallboard displays the current day’s information; at midnight, everything is reset to zero and another day begins. There are a few key metrics for each queue shown on the wallboard: the numbers are updated in real time, for example, and when a call comes in the number of waiting callers is automatically updated.

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The Vodia PBX offers a wide array of call center codes that can streamline your operations and enhance your team's productivity. In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you through the various call center codes provided by Vodia; these codes enable you to harness the full potential of this robust communication tool. Whether you're looking to improve call handling, set up call forwarding, or you're looking to enhance your call center's performance, this guide will empower you with the knowledge and expertise needed to make the most of the Vodia PBX's call center codes.

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Give Your Company the Best in Cloud Communications by Leveraging Smart Communications Services on Generative AI with the Vodia Phone System

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An Automatic Call Distributor (ACD) is a telephony system or software application used in call centers and contact centers to efficiently route and manage incoming calls. The primary purpose of an ACD is to distribute incoming calls to the most appropriate and available agents or employees, ensuring that callers are connected to the right person or department to address their needs effectively. Find out how you can send an SMS from your Vodia ACD agent group.

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Instead of installing an executable, use the browser! Because browsers have their own sandbox model for each web page, this gives you far better security. In addition to controlling the file system access, browsers also control microphones and cameras; when in use, they make sure the user can see what is being accessed and when. The browser also comes with an additional “feature”: when you close the tab, you are naturally on “do-not-disturb.” This is especially important for people working from home.

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The Vodia PBX gives businesses a powerful cloud phone system that's easy to deploy and manage, and it's now available on AWS Marketplace. This system caters to businesses of all sizes, providing a user-friendly web interface for management from anywhere. The deployment process is straightforward, allowing businesses to scale their phone solutions as needed. The Vodia PBX ensures reliability and flexibility while being cost-effective, making it an ideal choice for organizations seeking efficient communication solutions. With its robust features and support, the Vodia PBX enhances business connectivity and operational efficiency.

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This guide outlines configuring Poly Edge B20 phones with the Vodia Phone System. Ensure your Vodia PBX is version 69.0.3 or higher, reset the Polycom phone to factory defaults, bind its MAC address to the PBX and set up auto provisioning. The process also involves obtaining the phone's IP address and logging in to the web interface. After rebooting, the phone seamlessly integrates with the Vodia PBX for efficient communication.

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White-labeling is a way manufacturers support well-known brands, simplifying both market access and customer recognition. It is used in many industries, including the telecom industry. While it’s easy to brand web pages and emails (including the Vodia PBX frontend and backend), white-labeling hardware and apps is a different topic.

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SMS is cool when you can send SMS and MMS messages directly to customers from your user portal. To configure your Skyetel SMS, log in to your Skyetel portal and navigate to the 3 cog wheels in the right-hand corner (shown below). This will bring you to the API section.

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The Vodia call queue number feature allows businesses to efficiently add DID numbers to call queue accounts. Each DID can be assigned a label that displays on the agent's phone, helping them identify which service or department the caller needs. Additionally, an audio prompt can be set up to inform the agent how to greet the caller, ensuring the right approach for different businesses. This feature streamlines call management, particularly for companies handling multiple departments or brands under a single PBX system. It enhances professionalism and response accuracy for customer interactions.

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snom phones are highly customizable and work seamlessly with the Vodia phone system, making deployment simple. In certain cases, however, like configuring the internal directory on a line key, special settings may be needed. To achieve this, Vodia's snom mode allows users to define and provision settings for snom phones. For example, by using the keyevent F_ADR_BOOK, you can assign a line key for the internal directory. After saving, Vodia will automatically push the new configuration to the phone, eliminating the need for manual reboots.

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If you're thinking about moving your phone system to the cloud, now is the perfect time, especially since the FCC's retirement of POTS lines goes into effect in August 2022. Cloud systems offer incredible features legacy systems don't, and Vodia is the ideal solution for businesses of any size. With up to 80 percent potential cost savings and enhanced collaboration for remote teams, Vodia’s cloud PBX offers everything from call queues to CRM integration. By using features like extension numbering, ring groups, and advanced call queues, businesses can create efficient, user-friendly phone experiences. Find out how to get your phone registered today.

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Skyetel is an exceptional SIP trunk provider that integrates effectively with the Vodia PBX, making it easy to manage multi-tenant billing and maintain accurate call records for each customer. By using the Skyetel trunk template, organizations can set up their SIP trunks with ease and ensure tenant names match across both platforms for accurate billing. This synchronization allows the Vodia PBX to forward tenant information, such as the "X-Tenant" header in SIP invites, to Skyetel, facilitating precise customer billing based on their unique tenant domain. This streamlined process enhances operational efficiency and simplifies billing management, making it an ideal solution for businesses utilizing the Vodia multi-tenant system. For more details on the setup process, you can check the guide here.

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For conferences, the Vodia cloud PBX enables users to plan in advance for scheduled conferences or to pull together at a moment’s notice for ad hoc conferences – recording on-the-go and scheduled conferences are both available. Let’s look at the functionality and behavior the PBX provides users.

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The Vodia Auto Attendant dispatches calls to the right destination without the need for human intervention. Callers can use extension numbers and extension names to find a particular account. There are several ways to redirect incoming calls, based on time of call, and to present different announcements.

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The Vodia Desktop App for Windows 10 is a powerful softphone solution tailored for seamless communication and collaboration in today’s fast-paced business environments. With an intuitive interface, users can easily make and receive calls, manage voicemail and access advanced features like call transfer and conference calling — all from their desktop. This application integrates effortlessly with the Vodia PBX, providing users with robust functionalities such as presence status, messaging and the ability to access company directories. The Vodia Desktop App not only enhances productivity but also supports a flexible working environment by allowing users to stay connected from any location.

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AT&T IP Flexible Reach is a SIP trunking service that provides integrated access for both IP and TDM PBX environments. It consolidates voice and data services, simplifying operations and potentially reducing costs. When paired with the Vodia IOP PBX, this integration allows seamless management of SIP trunks, including features like fax over email or connecting traditional fax devices with an FXS adapter. To configure, you’ll need the IP Flex service with "SIP handoff" for direct SIP call routing. With Vodia's SIP trunk template, setting up AT&T Flexible Reach is streamlined, matching DID numbers to extensions or hunt groups by default, making it ideal for businesses seeking reliability and ease of use.

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If you’re already using Digital Ocean to deploy your Vodia PBX, this will be a game changer for future installations. The ease and speed with which you can accomplish this will now be cut significantly by this new configuration. If you however do not use Digital Ocean with your Vodia set-up, it’s remarkably simple to set up, and we encourage you to try it. In three simple steps, you can go from absolute zero to VoIP hero and have your own Vodia system completely up and running. Just set your instance options, deploy, and configure!

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In an attempt to stay true to our tagline – Where VoIP is Easy – Vodia has created two new browser extensions: One for Chrome and one for Mozilla Firefox. These extensions allow you to now click-to-dial right from the browser window, without having to copy and paste the number into your browser client, or even manually entering the number on the desk phone. Simply highlight the number you want to call, right click, and then choose where you want the call to go through (browser or deskphone). Of course, you’ll need to input your Vodia credentials into the extension popup before you can make a call, but once that is done, you are off to the races!

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Vodia Networks has developed a new device, Vodia IO, for simple telephony of the future. This broadband router, equipped with innovative VoIP features, is based on the latest router platform from Intel and offers small business owners everything they need for their daily business communication. Vodia IO enables connection to DSL as well as the fibre optic network and offers Gigabit Ethernet, integrated Gigabit WLAN, a powerful telephone system plus a built-in DECT base station as well as analogue telephone connections. The analogue terminals allow connection to POS devices, door intercoms or fax machines.

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There are many benefits to telecommuting. Telecommuting allows a worker greater freedom regarding his or her work hours and work location. It gives the employee more flexibility to balance work and personal obligations. Often, working from home can make you more productive, because you do not have the distractions of office space. There are also many benefits to employers. Allowing workers to telecommute often makes them more productive, which benefits the company. With virtual communication traffic on the rise, Vodia is positioned to pump out the best and most efficient PBX software in the cloud.

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The Vodia Phone app is a free add-on that enables users to connect to their Vodia PBX accounts, providing an intuitive interface for managing contacts and call history. Utilizing WebRTC technology, the app allows VoIP calls over WiFi or 3G without additional costs, ensuring high audio quality for mobile communications. Key features include multi-call support, call transfer, DTMF sending and user presence indicators. It's important to note that while the app enhances mobile VoIP capabilities, it's not a substitute for emergency calls like 911, and users should ensure proper access to emergency services on their mobile devices. For enhanced security, a valid SSL certificate is recommended for both the PBX and the app.

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Vodia PBX enables selective call screening, allowing only specific callers, like a boss’s spouse, to bypass screening, while others are redirected. Internal permissions control who can directly reach certain extensions, while external SPAM filtering uses either an address book or external detection. White-listed callers receive low SPAM scores to pass through, while unknown or high-risk numbers are redirected for screening or asked to leave a message, ensuring essential contacts connect directly.

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Vodia Networks utilizes Stripe as its payment processor for billing on its hosted PBX services, enabling both postpay and prepaid billing options for customers. This integration allows for seamless electronic transfers between a customer’s bank and Vodia, simplifying the payment process for users. By setting up various billing plans and assigning them to domains, administrators can effectively manage customer payments while ensuring sensitive payment information, such as credit card details, are securely handled through Stripe's infrastructure. This approach not only enhances billing efficiency but also strengthens data security and compliance with payment regulations.

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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.

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Vodia Networks is excited to announce full compatibility between the Cisco 8800 Series IP Phones and Vodia PBX. This integration offers SMBs a secure, high-quality, and full-featured VoIP solution, enabling businesses of all sizes to enhance their communication capabilities. Vodia PBX resellers can now offer Cisco’s industry-leading phones as part of their UCaaS packages, providing customers with more options and added value in the competitive PBX market. For a step-by-step guide on provisioning a Cisco 3PPC with Vodia PBX, watch our tutorial video.

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Vodia PBX now allows users to schedule reports beyond daily intervals, supporting weekly, monthly, and quarterly options. Reports can be combined, such as “0:00/week 0:00/month,” to send both weekly and monthly reports at midnight. However, caution is needed when scheduling quarterly reports on busy systems due to performance concerns. The web interface now offers period selection for reports, such as the current or previous day, week, or month. While this simplifies report generation, large systems should be mindful of potential slowdowns when accessing large amounts of data. The "Try" button continues to generate daily reports.

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This article explains how to configure a SIP trunk with VoIP.ms on Vodia PBX, starting with ensuring that your system is properly set up with NAT, firewall checks, and correct SIP settings. After configuring your VoIP.ms account, including setting the device type and dialing mode, you'll gather necessary details like the username, password, DID numbers, and registrar server. In Vodia PBX, create a new SIP trunk and input the VoIP.ms settings such as registrar, username, and password. You'll then configure how incoming calls are routed, either based on the Request-URI or directing them to a specific account. Once completed, save the settings, and the trunk will register automatically, with the dial plan generated for you.

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This guide provides a comprehensive overview of configuring the Vodia phone system with Telnyx phone service using Registration. It begins with setting up a Telnyx account, including purchasing a phone number and creating a connection with secure credentials. Once the connection is established, the guide walks you through provisioning your number and assigning it to the created connection. The outbound profile setup enables outbound calling through Telnyx, and Vodia PBX integration is simplified with automatic dial plans. Additionally, routing incoming calls to specific extensions or external URLs is covered, along with managing multiple DIDs through Vodia’s DID management.

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Vodia PBX offers seamless integration with Zoho CRM, enabling businesses to efficiently manage call data. This integration allows for the automatic logging of both inbound and outbound calls in Zoho CRM, providing essential information like call start time, duration, contact names, and associated accounts. Agents receive convenient pop-up notifications for incoming calls and call completion, giving them the flexibility to enter call details in real-time or at a later point. For comprehensive guidance on this integration, businesses can access the full documentation provided by Vodia.

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The method detailed in the post explains how to efficiently run multiple PBX instances on a single server with multiple CPU cores. By following the steps described, businesses can significantly reduce hosting costs while maintaining excellent server performance. The approach involves installing the first PBX instance, copying necessary files for additional instances, assigning separate IP addresses, and setting up startup scripts for each instance's control. The post also discusses fine-tuning for optimal performance and mentions alternative approaches such as containerization and virtualization in similar setups.

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In Vodia Networks' upcoming version 60 build, a new feature allows users to log in with their Google accounts seamlessly. This is made possible through a JavaScript library from Google, providing a secure and convenient login experience. The process involves obtaining a token from Google, and users can benefit from features like two-factor authentication. Setting up this feature requires configuring the domain on the Google API site and integrating a Client ID into the PBX web interface. Scheduled for release in version 60.2, this enhancement simplifies user logins.

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In Vodia PBX version 60.3, users can now customize call pickup LED behavior by adding "no" to the pattern syntax, preventing the LED from blinking. This feature is useful in scenarios where specific permissions are required, such as limiting call pickup on a manager's phone to selected extensions. The enhancement ensures flexibility without sacrificing backward compatibility, providing a more user-friendly experience.

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Addressing a challenge with LDAP, VoIP phones lack the ability to write new contacts to the address book. For users of snom phones, a solution involves utilizing the snom button mode, specifically the "keyevent" mode with the F_ADR_BOOK parameter. This configuration enables users to add phone numbers directly from the phone keyboard, bypassing the need for PBX login and web interface use. This versatile approach can also be applied to other functions and is similarly available for Grandstream, HTek, and Yealink phones.

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The simple filter on our PBX for the domain name was that we were throwing the baby out with the bathwater. It was simply not possible to define exceptions. That made it practically impossible to use the feature in a real deployment. If the system administrator white-listed IP addresses, traffic from there would still be ignored if the domain name did not match. Adding that back in to the filter solves many of the trunk related problems, as admins can just add the IP addresses for the trunks.

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Thus the move with MongoDB. Although it is latest technology (and maybe just because of that), writing natively into the database was actually relatively simple. MongoDB can deal with very large amounts of data, so the PBX does not have to bother with it. Down the road we might be even able to use the DB for reading as well, e.g. when the user is using the call history from the web interface.

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Once we have the PCAP, finding a problem is becoming almost a pleasure. Because the files are small, and everything is in the same place. It becomes easy to find jitter problems, missing RTP packets and so on. Last week I saw how another external tool took the PCAP idea to the next level. Using an Ethernet switch with port mirroring, all the traffic that hits the PBX also hits the monitoring server, which also sorts the traffic by calls and then puts them into different files. There were nice logs of SIP packets, RTP analysis and other things you want to know about a call.

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Usually every domain needs their own telephone number or numbers that link the world of VoIP with the good old telecom industry. This is done using SIP trunks. While it is possible to share a SIP trunk with several domains, most hosted providers prefer one trunk per domain. But how does the SIP trunk provider know which trunk is being addressed when there is a call coming in?

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Installing the Vodia PBX on a Microsoft Azure server provides an easy solution for businesses looking for a cloud-based PBX. The installation process is similar to that on any Windows operating system, but there are key steps to ensure smooth operation. First, make sure to open necessary ports, including HTTP (80), HTTPS (443), TFTP (69), NTP (123), and LDAP (2345 for StartTLS, 2346 for TLS). Additionally, for audio traffic, virtual networks require specific endpoints with both public and private ports. The RTP range (e.g., 49900-50000 for 25 calls) must be configured based on how many calls you need. Each call uses 4 ports, so adjust accordingly for your system's requirements.

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Failover capabilities are essential for ensuring uninterrupted service in PBX installations, especially with the growing use of high-bandwidth wireless connections like 4G. Traditionally, PBX systems use LAN-based IP addresses, but dynamically switching to a public IP address during failover has posed challenges. To address this, a new feature has been introduced where the PBX periodically probes a specified URL to detect its public IP address and adjusts the routing table accordingly. This feature simplifies the process, eliminating the need for complex scripts and allowing systems to automatically switch to the correct IP during failover, ensuring continuous operation. The feature will be available in version 5.2.5.

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In version 5.2.3, we improved the email client to better handle multi-tenant environments. Previously, email problems could affect all domains if one email server went down, causing delays in outgoing messages. We redesigned the client to be multi-tenant while preserving the reliability of the previous setup. However, issues arose with the TLS context when multiple emails were sent in quick succession. This required a patch to resolve the problem. If you upgraded to 5.2.3 before June 28, we recommend repeating the upgrade to ensure the latest email fixes are applied for faster, more reliable email performance.

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The concept of the "Internet of Things" (IoT) can often be clouded by vague terms, and the promise of IPv6 enabling the Internet of Everything seemed like a great solution at first. While the idea of assigning every object its own IP address sounds compelling, the reality is that simpler and more practical solutions are often more effective. In terms of IoT, telephone numbers, especially in the form of extensions, offer a well-understood, universal addressing system that could be used to control devices like shutters, lights, or doors, all through a PBX. Ultimately, a mix of different technologies will likely coexist, enabling seamless interaction across various devices and systems.

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For two years, a vulnerability in certain OpenSSL versions allowed attackers to intercept encrypted traffic, potentially exposing sensitive information like private server keys. This vulnerability, known as Heartbleed, caused a global security crisis. Despite OpenSSL’s open-source nature allowing scrutiny, the bug remained undetected, and there were rumors suggesting some may have exploited it rather than reporting it. Early on, Vodia focused on security, opting for a custom TLS implementation to avoid issues like OpenSSL's memory fragmentation. This decision not only helped sidestep vulnerabilities like Heartbleed but also shielded the PBX from widespread exploits, as attackers lack access to the source code.

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In 5.2.2, we’re addressing a common challenge for SIP phones in LANs that need an outbound proxy based on their location. To provide the required quality of service, devices like Edgewater VoIP routers or even simpler routers route SIP traffic separately from other office data. To offer more flexibility, we’ve introduced a pattern-based list for specifying outbound proxies. This allows you to define specific IP addresses, ports, and transport types for different networks. For example, if a tenant has two offices with different network setups, the domain setting allows administrators to configure outbound proxies for each office using patterns like "1.2.3.4/32/10.0.0.2" or "10.43.0.0/24/edge43.company.com:5061/tls".

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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 large corporate networks. One workaround is using a unicast stream that is then converted into multicast through a device in the LAN, often using 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.

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In version 5.2.0, ACD statistics have been reworked to provide more detailed insights at the user level, making it easier for agents to track their performance. Users who are part of an ACD can access a link to the wallboard, which now updates in real-time through websockets, ensuring immediate visibility of incoming calls. The wallboard shows call statistics, including total and average call durations, hold time, idle time, and per-agent performance. It also displays the history of recent calls. The web-based wallboard is platform-independent, accessible from any device, and supports remote access, making it ideal for home offices and mobile agents.

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Version 5.2.0 introduces a valuable improvement for extensions with multiple alias numbers. Now, when an inbound call is received, the PBX will send the called alias number to the registered device. If the number isn't on the alias list, the primary extension name is used. This change enhances the PBX’s role beyond being just a PBX to also serve as a trunk engine. It’s particularly beneficial for SIP trunking providers, who can leverage features like PCAP recording, RTCP-XR for SLA monitoring, and the ability to manage both IPv4 and IPv6 interfaces. Additionally, with improved CDR reporting, billing becomes easier, and the PBX scales efficiently with virtualization support.

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When the first version of pbxnsip introduced RTP encryption, it was a pioneering feature, but it didn’t generate the expected marketing success. Back then, customers were just happy if they could hear each other over VoIP. Over time, we refined our SRTP implementation to address challenges like the rollover counter, optimized transcoding, and avoided one-way audio issues. With growing awareness of security, encryption is now a critical focus, yet many providers still don’t encrypt voice traffic. To bridge this gap, we’ve added the ability to write decrypted PCAP files, making troubleshooting encrypted voice easier, and this feature is available in version 5.1.3.

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In 2014, the hosted PBX industry gained more clarity on key technologies, with virtualization becoming crucial. It allows several servers to run on the same hardware, making the process faster and more efficient, and offering robust failover mechanisms to maintain service even during hardware failures. Unlike traditional services, PBX systems require real-time response times measured in milliseconds, which means virtual machines must have exclusive CPU control. Vodia’s multi-tenant solution enables the efficient use of resources, offering a scalable hosted PBX service with minimal disruption, while keeping deployment costs low and allowing rapid expansion.

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In the latest PBX version, a warning sign has been added to the general settings page for domains to help manage international number formats. The system handles two primary number formats: the NANPA region (USA and Canada) with its predictable 10-digit format and the rest of the world, where numbers can start with a country code, area code, or local number. To ensure proper routing, users can enter numbers starting with a plus sign (+), indicating a global format. It's crucial that the PBX knows the country code to route calls accurately. The update also highlights the issue with the outdated practice of dialing a “9” to seize a line, which is no longer necessary in today’s digital and multi-trunk environments.

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After years of absence, the G.726 codec has been reintroduced in version 5.1.3 of the PBX. This codec offers favorable characteristics, including a low data rate of around 56 kbit/s, which is ideal for bandwidth-limited environments. Its lower CPU overhead makes it particularly useful for PBX systems, which handle multiple calls simultaneously. While not ideal for music on hold due to its simple compression, G.726 performs better than more compressed codecs like G.729. Widely supported by devices like snom, Yealink, Linksys, and Grandstream, the PBX now dynamically handles the codec, improving compatibility and performance.

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IPv6 was designed to eliminate the need for network address translation (NAT) that became necessary with IPv4 due to the limited number of IP addresses. While IPv6 provides an abundance of addresses, NAT is still being considered by some firewall manufacturers as a necessary feature. For SIP clients, NAT behind IPv6 should work fine, as connection-oriented SIP packets like TCP or TLS handle responses naturally. The main issue with NAT and IPv6 arises when servers inside a network need to be accessed. The solution is simple: configure firewalls to forward packets to the PBX server, maintaining the security of internal devices while enabling remote connectivity.

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Troubleshooting a PBX can be challenging, but the goal is to minimize issues through smart design, like providing NAT traversal solutions for SIP endpoints. When issues arise, it’s essential to have the right tools, such as SIP registration reporting, which notifies administrators of registration issues caused by firewalls or unstable internet connections. Additional tools help with provisioning problems by logging generated files and their history. For call-related issues, the PBX now captures call PCAPs based on trunks or extensions, making it easier to isolate specific problems. TLS and SRTP encryption are also addressed by decoding traffic before sending it to the PCAP subsystem, ensuring accurate timestamps for troubleshooting.

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Recording phone calls is essential for compliance, particularly in industries like brokerage, where proof of phone agreements is required. In the snom ONE PBX, recordings are categorized into automatic and manual types. While manual recordings are handled like voicemail messages, automatic recordings, often generated in bulk in busy call centers, present a challenge for archiving and access. The solution is organizing them in a file system by domain and date for easy retrieval and storage on remote services. The 5.1.3 release introduces HTML5 audio playback for seamless in-browser listening, allowing restricted access to specific recordings without altering file system permissions, though IE users face limitations due to unsupported WAV formats.

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Network Address Translation (NAT) was a workaround for the limited IPv4 addresses, and SIP was designed to be NAT-unfriendly to encourage IPv6 adoption. However, as IPv6 remains far from mainstream, NAT is still a challenge. The Vodia PBX addresses this with a "mini-session border controller," which detects non-routable IPs and ignores SIP routing information. This solution works well with endpoints but faces issues with gateways behind NAT. The upcoming version 5.1.3 introduces a trunk flag to prevent the PBX from updating the SIP route, allowing for better communication. This also simplifies gateway registration, offering a more stable NAT workaround until IPv6 becomes common.

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Vodia PBX offers a Windows-based CSTA browser notification tool that simplifies call handling for web-based CRM users. This lightweight program runs in the taskbar, listens for incoming calls, and opens a web page at a programmable location. To prevent excessive pop-ups, users can configure when the browser opens—such as for ACD or hunt group calls—or manually trigger it via a notification balloon. The tool has been improved to handle connection losses and network changes, ensuring reliable operation. It works with Vodia PBX and other CSTA-compatible systems, with a free trial available for those without a CSTA license.

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Vodia PBX has supported email notifications since the beginning, helping administrators and users stay informed about important events. In version 5.1.1, text messaging (SMS) was introduced, initially for administrators, to enhance real-time notifications. The PBX uses HTTP-based messaging, which is simpler to set up and troubleshoot compared to SMPP. Multi-tenant environments benefit from domain-level configuration, allowing customers to manage their own SMS services. The system also includes retry mechanisms to improve reliability. Once stable, this feature will be extended to user events, further improving communication efficiency within the PBX.

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Traditional PBXs mainly routed calls between PSTN lines and extensions, with trunk-to-trunk calls being rare. Snom ONE followed this model, binding outbound calls to extensions. However, modern businesses with multiple offices and VPN-linked networks require low-latency local call routing. Version 5.1 introduces “inter-office trunks,” allowing calls to be routed directly between PBXs, reducing delays and ensuring local PSTN termination for emergency calls. Calls can now be routed based on dial plans without extension involvement, creating a private telephone network within organizations. This enhances flexibility and efficiency in global enterprise communications.

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Version 5.1 introduces a setting to disable RTCP-XR on trunks, not as a feature, but as a necessity. RTCP-XR provides detailed reports on call quality, including packet arrival times, jitter, and MOS scores, making it valuable for troubleshooting and service-level documentation. However, many service providers use equipment that rejects unknown SDP content, causing interoperability issues. Since most providers and devices don’t support RTCP-XR, the default setting now suppresses its advertisement, ensuring compatibility. If providers adopt it in the future, it can be selectively enabled. This change ensures smoother integration while maintaining call quality diagnostics where possible.

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Previous versions allowed calls from one trunk to be routed through another for cost-effective call termination, commonly used by international offices. Now, the new inter-office trunk feature enhances this by assigning a dial plan directly to the trunk, offering greater flexibility in caller ID presentation. This allows businesses to optimize call routing without linking to specific extensions. While prepaid accounts aren’t supported, the feature enables broader applications, such as acting as a session border controller, handling LAN-WAN traffic, and translating calls between IPv4 and IPv6. Available from version 5.0.10i, this expands the PBX’s role in networked environments

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Traditional PBX phones featured buttons with LED indicators for various functions, often labeled manually. In the SIP world, vendor-specific implementations and limited standards, like the "dialog" standard for BLF, dictate functionality. While BLF allows LED control, actual button behavior relies on provisioning. Vodia PBX extends button provisioning beyond snom to Polycom and Yealink phones, simplifying setup while maintaining functionality. For Polycom, this even enables park orbits, allowing users to park and retrieve calls easily. Though not identical to legacy PBX experiences, these enhancements significantly improve usability and streamline operations for modern VoIP systems.

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TAPI (Telephony Application Programming Interface) has been a staple in connecting user programs with telephony hardware, evolving from physical devices to virtual software solutions. Widely adopted by the PBX industry, snom ONE also provides a TAPI service provider (TSP), with the latest version offering enhanced functionality. The new TSP supports both incoming and outgoing calls, including automatic call clearing even before the phone is picked up. It also includes a reconnection feature for lost connections, addressing internet reliability issues. Available for both 32 and 64-bit systems, users should ensure they install the correct version for their operating system.

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With snom ONE expanding into the cloud, the need for multiple administrators became evident. The new system now includes three distinct roles: the "super administrator," who retains full control over the PBX; the "system administrator," who shares many privileges but cannot alter super administrator accounts; and the "domain administrator," who manages specific domains without impacting account licenses. This new structure eliminates the need for sacrificing accounts for administrative purposes and clarifies roles. Additionally, the "login as" option has been removed, making it clear which role each user holds within the system.

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The auto attendant is a valuable feature that has replaced switchboard operators in many businesses, particularly where cost efficiency and technological advances are key. In version 5.0.4, this feature has been enhanced to offer a more streamlined user experience. The "start" trigger now automatically initiates dial-by-name mode, allowing callers to search for names immediately without selecting options. The new release also includes direct destination options and the ability to disconnect calls after a set period of inactivity, particularly useful for analog lines. Additionally, the system can now include a user’s cell phone in the dial-by-name mode without the caller being aware.

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The upgrade process for snom ONE mini and SoHo devices has been clarified. When purchasing a version 5 license, users can now use the device’s MAC address as a promotion code for a 50% discount on bundles like ten, twenty, or premium five, ten, or twenty. The generated license is specific to that MAC address and can only be used once. Additionally, the new premium five license is designed for production use, offering more calls and accounts compared to the free edition, which is only for demonstrations. This helps streamline the upgrade process and offers more flexibility for users.

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In PBX terms, presence typically indicates if someone is on the phone or unavailable. With snom ONE version 5.0.2, we’ve enhanced presence functionality by adding the ability for the PBX to show when a user is on the phone, even if they are using an external device like a mobile phone. This is achieved through an HTTP request to the PBX from the mobile service provider, updating the presence status without needing complex SIP configurations. The system can track call duration and reset the status after a call ends. Additionally, the PBX can relay presence updates to connected platforms like Microsoft Lync.