[Asterisk-Users] Questions from a total beginner

[Asterisk]

Hello Roger,
 
Did you get response from someone on this? I would like to hear what
others have to say about your postings since I am also interested in
similar system.
 
Ricky
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: asterisk-users-admin at lists.digium.com
[mailto:asterisk-users-admin at lists.digium.com] On Behalf Of Marrs Seven
Sent: Sunday, November 02, 2003 10:20 PM
To: asterisk-users at lists.digium.com
Subject: [Asterisk-Users] Questions from a total beginner
 
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
   
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