Not sure where to start so maybe a little background about my skill set and our needs.
I am comfortable building linux boxes and working within the Linux environment and with networking, but am absolutely new to Asterisk and not sure how to go about setting one up to handle our needs. I’m pretty comfortable with the thought of building an asterisk server connecting it to a single POT and then using the server to distribute the signal where it needs to be.
But what we need is something a little more advanced and I’m not sure what I need or even where to get it.
We are a growing company that currently is in need of being able to communicate, simultaneously, on between 2-5 calls plus have the ability to fax. Hopefully, in the not to distant future, we will have to expand to up to 20 phones, all being able to take calls simultaneously.
Calls will more than likely be routed to an operator who will then transfer the calls to the appopriate person, but may need to have the ability to call certain people directly. All calls need to be recorded (dealing with health care).
So I know we need:
- An Asterisk server
- 5 sip phones (?)
- NIC and Router to connect server and phones
- A card to convert to regular phone line for FAX
and this is where I really get lost.
5. A way to connect to the outside world…
It seems that I could start with 6 analog lines from the local phone company (5 voice/1 fax) but that seems a little cumbersome and might be difficult to expand. What do I need to be asking and from whom?
Thanks for the input.