Adivce for setting up new Asterisk server with 8 lines

Asterisk Asterisk General
1

Hi,
Im new to Asterisk, but know my way around linux and servers.

Im trying to switch over my office from a regular PBX system to an asterisk based one.

Currently we have 8 land lines and are using a standard PBX system. We are using regular 8 line phones.

Which service provider is a good inexpensive one that will allow me to pay for one line and have up to 8 incoming or outgoing calls consecutively from different extensions? Also, they should preferably have good documentation on how to configure asterisk with their service.

Also, would it be best for me to purchase new SIP phones for Asterisk or should I just buy a card that will allow me to use my current phone with Asterisk. If I should get new phones, what are good inexpensive ones.

I know that this is allot of questions, I just need some guidence

2

a good service provider is difficult when you don’t include where your office is located, you can better buy some new voip phones they have better support for all the functions and better audio quality.
phone i like to use are
spa 941/942 these are from lynksys/cisco
or the phones from snom they are also cheap but very good quality.

3

Thank you,

I am located in Central New Jersey. I would like to port over an existing number.

Thanks

[quote=“sander4000”]a good service provider is difficult when you don’t include where your office is located, you can better buy some new voip phones they have better support for all the functions and better audio quality.
phone i like to use are
spa 941/942 these are from lynksys/cisco
or the phones from snom they are also cheap but very good quality.[/quote]

4

You dont need VoIP lines to do it. You can buy hardware from Digium or other people that will allow you to use your current lines in the new system.

5

True, however if he already has a t1 or like sustained bandwidth coming into the office; why not take advantage of the often cheaper rate plans of a sip or iax provider? Chances are you’ll save about 70% on your phone bill. Check it out. I wont give any suggestions accept to google SIP and IAX providers in the tri state area. But do keep 2 FXO for emergencies.

6

That is true but also I would suggest making sure you have QOS on your switches then.