Installation Guide

Testing Ethernet Switches

Consider testing each port of your Ethernet switches using a computer to verify proper operation before installing IP phones.

Testing LAN Cables

Consider using a LAN patch cord testing device to verify proper continuity of all LAN wiring.

Avoid damage to your analog phone ports

If you purchased PBXtra with any analog phone ports (FXS ports) for connecting analog phone stations, be careful not to damage them by connecting analog phone lines to them by mistake.

WARNING

You can permanently damage your analog phone station ports if you connect an analog phone line to them. If the phone line rings when it’s wired to an analog phone station port (rather than an analog line port) the 200VAC ring voltage will damage the circuitry in the module. The product warranty will not cover this damage. Carefully review the labeling on each port before connecting any phone lines to your system. See section 3.6 for details.

Use DHCP reservation if static IP is not possible

If static IP address assignment is not an option on your network, be sure that your PBXtra is given a DHCP reservation in your DHCP server so that it’s always given the same IP address. For more information please visit Avoiding IP Address Conflicts

Reliable phone service during Internet outages

You can use your existing DNS server address as a secondary DNS server. However, the PBXtra must be the primary.

Note that the built-in high performance DNS service that comes with PBXtra can easily handle DNS service for networks with hundreds of devices on them. Under normal circumstances using it as your primary DNS service will not adversely impact your phone system performance at all.

Set time zone settings in your IP phones.

Each IP phone has it’s own time zone setting. If your phones are not displaying time in the correct time zone, please use the instructions provided in this help document: How To Set a Time Zone on Your Phones and Server

Vacant phone line ports will cause problems

If you have analog phone line ports that you leave vacant with no line connected, this may cause you problems when you try to dial out while all other lines are busy. You will hear your own voice echo back to you, and your call will not connect. If this happens, and you have purchased support, contact Fonality Support to have your vacant ports deactivated.

Echo on analog phone lines

If you hear echo when using analog phone lines, don’t worry. This is normal when installing a new IP PBX. The echo cancellation inside the server may need to be calibrated in order to eliminate the echo. Here are two help documents that will help you start this process:

    * Echo

If you need additional assistance, please contact Fonality Support  and we will happily help you sort this out.

Check firewall logs

If you have difficulty configuring remote telecommuters, check the log in your firewall for clues about what’s preventing the communication. Also consider using a Linksys BEFSR81 router at both locations and configuring DMZ settings on both ends. Also consider configuration of QoS as described in this help document: How do I use QoS on my network?

Before you begin

When you first begin using the PBXtra Admin Panel, we ask that you confirm your contact information. Once you log in, click the “Options” tab, and then click “customer”. Please make any needed corrections or additions. It’s important that we maintain a current email address so we can reach you in the event of product upgrades or required maintenance.

Learning how to use the call menu

Use help mode in the Admin panel

The Admin Panel has a large orange question mark near the bottom right of the screen. If you click it, you will be entered into help mode where you can find detailed instructions about every item in the call menu.

Use contextual question marks

Each individual item in the call menu also has a small green question mark over it. You can hover your mouse pointer over this question mark to get details about what each item is.

Avoiding pitfalls with the Scheduler

If you plan to have scheduled greetings in your call menu, read this document first. If you try to set up after hours-schedules instead of business-hours schedules you will get unexpected results. For more info, see: Building-Schedules

Using Blast Groups

Blast groups allow you to ring multiple phones at once. If you plan to use a blast group, read this help document first: Using Blast Groups

Using the Conference Bridge Feature

If you would like to use the conference bridge in the PBXtra server, see this help document: How to use the Conference Bridge feature

Using Advanced features of Call Center Edition

If you have the Call Center Edition version of PBXtra , you can learn about how to use the advanced features by looking in the ACD tab of the Admin Panel, and by reviewing this help document: How to use Call Queues

Locating Phone Manuals

If you are looking for a manual from your IP phone’s manufacturer, you can search our KB for your phone’s manufacturer or model number.

Note that the Swissvoice manual makes reference to a Conference feature. Many versions of the Swissvoice phones do NOT support 3-Way conferencing. If you need conferencing, we recommend that you use a Polycom phone.

Post Installation Support

If you have questions about your installation, you may contact the Fonality installation team by visiting www.fonality.com /support and entering your PBXtra admin Username and Password, your full name, and email address. The “Request Type” should be ‘Support’, the “Category” should be ‘Installation’, and the “Symptom” should be what ever best matched your issue. Please be as detailed as possible in the body of your request. If you purchased a support contract with your PBXtra system you may contact the Fonality support team for assistance with your PBXtra system. Our scope of service is outlined in our terms and conditions, and is published on our web site.
In the Support Contract section, our response times are also published, along with a list of supported and unsupported items. It also includes details about how to contact Fonality for support and our hours of availability.

Fonality's PBXtra Web site:

www.fonality.com