[Asterisk-Users] * Newbie installation advice

[Jon Brandon]

On Mon, 3 May 2004, Steven Critchfield wrote:

> On Mon, 2004-05-03 at 01:06, Jon Brandon wrote:
> > Hello,
> > 
> > I'm about to install asterisk as the PBX at a location that my company has 
> > just moved into and I would like to get some comments and advice on the 
> > installation. I am new to * and don't want to make any big mistakes so I 
> > would love to hear whatever anyone has to say.
> 
> Your first mistake _may_ be the rush to learn. Good experiences normally
> require you to have a time to get used to the application and PSTN
> problems before you attempt to go through a roll out. 

Yes... I have thought about this a lot. I do have experience with 
traditional PBX's, Tadiran and Panasonic to be specific, so that would be 
the safe route. * however is very exciting and there seems to be lots of 
help available.

 > > > Here is what I have so far
> > Server:  
> >   * 2.8Ghz P4 - 1G ram 
> >   * T400P Tormenta II  (is this as good as the wildcard?)
> > Chanel Bank: 
> >   * Adit 600 3FXS, 1FXO
> >   * We will start with 6 PSTN lines
> 
> If you are going to start with 6 lines, you should decide how soon you
> might upgrade. You then should look into the cost difference to get
> either channelized T1 or PRI. You will be much happier with a T1 than
> analog lines. Specifically look at how many people here fight with echo,
> a T1 makes the risks of echo lower. It also becomes cheaper as the
> number of lines go up than analog lines. At some point in your growth,
> if you continue with analog lines, the telco will drop a similar Adit
> right next to yours to break the T1 they bring in out to the analog
> lines you order.
> 
Okay this is a great suggestion. Echo is not something I have not had to 
deal with before. Is this a problem that would steer a person away from 
this type of PBX.

> > Phones: 
> >   * Aastra PowerTouch 480 (Management, Customer Service etc)
> >   * Aastra Meridian 8004 (break room, warehouse floor etc)
> >   * Reception? Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated as I 
> > have no idea what type of phone to give reception. Reception typically has 
> > a multi-line phone to answer incoming calls.
> 
> Multiline isn't necessary. For that matter, a receptionist isn't overly
> necessary. You can help direct callers to a extension pretty easy with a
> menu system you script. Then you just need to designate a couple of
> people/phones that are used in the case the caller refuses to follow the
> menu or doesn't find the person they are looking for.

Excellent :) this is exactly why I asked.
Thanks Steven

> 
> 

-- 
Jon J. Brandon		jon at monsoonretail.com	http://www.monsoonretail.com