[Asterisk-Users] Questions from a total beginner

[Marrs Seven]

Hello,

I would like to setup an * system but have no experience with Linux and am just learning about VoIP.  My programming experience is pretty limited as well, so I may be getting in way over my head, but I am willing to take the time to figure out how to use *.  

I'd like to use * to create a PBX that initially would include myself and three or four individuals who are located in separate locations around the US.  After getting that to work, I'd also like to set up * at another location to provide a local PBX for a small office environment (just 3 or 4 extentions), that would be linked with the * server at my location.  It's my understanding that would enable communication via the net to and from my location and the city where the second * server would be located, thus eliminating any long distance charges for calls between the two locations.       

I have two PC's that I want to network together using Linksys 802.11g gear (WRT54G ap/router & a WMP54G PCI card in my * server).  My main machine is an XP.  The one I am planning to use for the * server has an AMD 500 processor; 64mb ram; and  30+ gb of hard drive available.  I've downloaded the RH9 iso files to install Linux on the proposed server. I also have one phone line coming into my home that I would connect to the * server with a Wildcard X100P.

Hopefully I've provided enough background info that my questions will make sense.

1) From what I've read, the hardware for my proposed * server is adequate.  Is that correct?  Should I put another stick of 64mb ram in the box?

2) Is there anything special I need to know about installing RH9 to work with * and what type of install is recommended?  Also, it's my understanding that I'll have to install some additional drivers to get RH9 to work with the WMP54G PCI card, and maybe the WRT54G also.  I'm confused on that issue so any clarification would be appreciated.

3) I'd like to set up a VoIP phone at my location, but don't know what brand to use, nor the factors to consider in making that selection, so suggestions would be great.

4) Do the individuals at the other locations only need to obtain a VoIP phone and the appropriate sound card in order to gain access * at my location?  Or is there some additional hardware/software required on their end of the connection?  I assume that using the same VoIP phone at each location would be the ideal and I believe that's something we can do, if recommended.

5) My * server will be operating behind NAT on the broadband router, but from what I've read, that can work, although SIP phones can have some difficulty with NAT.  Can the VoIP phone used eliminate any problems with NAT?

6) What are the pros and cons if we were to have the various locations (individuals and eventually the second * server) communicate over a VPN?

Thanks in advance for any and all assistance.

Roger
   
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://lists.digium.com/pipermail/asterisk-users/attachments/20031103/f5a934b7/attachment.htm