PABX FUNDAMENTALS

Course Description

This course provides a practical and in-depth foundation on Private Branch exchange
(PBX) or a Private Automatic Branch exchange (PABX - which is out of fashion since
all modern day PBXs are automatic), is a phone switch serving a business or
organization and is usually located on the organization's premises.

The PBX provides phone services including internal calling, and access to the public
switched telephone network. It allows a small number of outside lines to be shared
among all of the people of the organization. Advanced PBX phone switches sometimes
provide auto-attendant, voice-mail, and ACD (automatic call distribution) services for
the organization.

Students will learn

 Private Automatic branch Exchange (PABX, EPBX, IPBX)

 Key Telephone System (KTS)
 Learn about integration of PBX with ACD, CTI
 Understand PBX Systems and Technology
 Understand major innovations, including the shift from analog to digital
transmission and switching, the introduction of stored program-controlled PBX
systems,
 IPBX systems
 VoIP technology and equipment.

Objectives:
This course is designed to provide a general overview for strategic or telecom
managers, Call Center designers, consultants, communications professionals, network
professionals, VoIP implementers, Network integrators, marketing and sales
professional, IT professionals, and others who plan on using, evaluating or working
with PBX products, gain a better understanding of each option.

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 Course Outline
Chapter one
Definition PABX
Importance of PABX
Analog PABX (stand alone or in a network)
PABX Networking
Advantages
Chapter two
Hybrid PABX
Description of a hybrid system
Networking and protocols
Functioning of the hybrid system
Chapter three
Computer Telephony Integration (CTI)
First party
Third party
Chapter four
IPBX
Introduction
Definitions
Evolution from PABX
Advantages and disadvantages
IPBX networking
Open sources (Asterisk, 3Cx…)
VoIP

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CHAPTER ONE: Traditional PABX

Introduction
What is PABX?
PABX (private Automatic Branch exchange) is a telephone system within
an enterprise that switches calls between enterprise users on local lines while allowing
all users to share a certain number of external phone lines. PABX is commonly used
by medium to large businesses with 50 employees or more.
PABX systems connect the internal telephones of independent organizations to the
PSTN, or Public Switched Telephone Network, via trunk lines. A company that uses a
PBX will need fewer outside lines than extensions, because these extensions won’t all
be used at once. Extensions are any ‘end point’ used at the branch, like telephones,
modems and fax machines.

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Importance of PABX
The main purpose of a PBX is to save the cost of requiring a line for each user to the
main telephone company (CAMTEL, ORANGE, MTN…).
The PABX is owned and operated by the enterprise rather than the telephone company
(which may be a supplier or service provider, however). Private branch exchanges
used analog technology originally. Today, PBXs use digital technology (digital signals
are converted to analog for outside calls on the local loop using plain old telephone
service (POTS ).
Advantages
- It uses your LAN;
- Lower operational costs over time;
- Flexible manipulation and configuration;
- Easier to configure and install;
- Secured.

A PABX include:

 Telephone trunk (multiple phone) lines that terminate at the PBX

 A computer with memory that manages the switching of the calls within the PBX
and in and out of it

 The network of lines within the PBX

 A console or switchboard for a human operator (optional)

PABX Networking

- Stand-alone network: Here, the PABX function like the main serve where all the
analog telephones are directly connected to it;
- Homogenous system: Here, you can use the same product from the same
company to build a network;
- Heterogeneous system: Here, products from different companies can be
connected by respecting QSIG protocol. QSIG is an ISDN based signaling
protocol for signaling between private branch exchanges (PBXs) in a private
integrated services network (PSTN). It makes use of the connection-level Q.931
protocol and the application-level ROSE protocol. ISDN "proper" functions as
the physical link layer.
NB: the choice of a PABX most take into consideration;
. The type of services needed;
. The need of the company;
. The capacity of the network;
. The cost.

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Manufacturers Companies:

Lucent Technologies, PANASONIC, ALCATEL, ERRICSON, Northern Telecom

(NORTEL), NEC, Fujitsu, Hitachi are among the larger manufacturers of PABXs.

Condition to install a PABX and Important Safety Instructions

Avoid installing in the following places. (Doing so may result in malfunction, noise, or
discoloration) to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and injury to persons.
 Read and understand all instructions manual very well;
 Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product;
 Do not install in direct sunlight, hot, cold, or humid places;
 Do not install in places in which shocks or vibrations are frequent or strong;
 Do not install in dusty places, or places where water or oil may come into contact
with the unit;
 Do not install in near radio broadcast antennas (including short wave);
 Operate only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label.

Examples of analog PABX

 Panasonic KX-T30810 EASA-PHONE
 Panasonic KX-TA308
 PANASONIC TDA 100/200
 ERRICSON D8000
 ALCATEL OMNI Pcx Enterprice
 ALCATEL OMNI Pcx Office
 AASTRA TECHNOLOGY ASCOTEL 2025, 2045…
 NEC, Fujitsu, Hitachi, AVAYA.

All the employees within the office premises can communicate using 3-digit or 4-digit
number programmed in PABX without any charge.
The numbering system is decided within the enterprise.

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CHAPTER TWO: EPABX (Hybrid system)
Introduction
The hybrid PBX system can function as an analog system or when the required cards
are integrated, can function as an IP system. To operate here as an IPBX, we require
protocols
The hybrid system can work as stand-alone or as a heterogeneous network

How Are Analog And Digital Phone Systems Different?

Functioning of the hybrid system

EPABX/PBX is connected to PSTN (Public switched Telephone network) via trunk
lines; hence all can use one external voice line in time shared basis. PSTN is
connected with MSC (Mobile switching Centre) of cellular networks such as
GSM/CDMA/UMTS. By this mobile cell phone user can connect to any telephone set
in the office premises using extension number.
Similar to voice line EPABX/PBX can be used for Data applications. As shown in figure
Data port of PBX is connected to LAN where so many PCs are connected and are
using same external internet connection line from ISP via Modem/router. The same
facility of PBX can be extended for WLAN users too.

For more than one PABX to function in a network, QSIG protocol most be implemented.
What is QSIG?
QSIG is an ISDN based signaling protocol for signaling between private branch
exchanges (PBXs) in a private integrated services network

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Hybrid PABX specifications
The following typical specifications need to be considered while purchasing EPABX
system from manufacturers or any installation service providers.
• It should support voice over IP to provide voice communication over IP network
• It should support IP extensions, IP trunk in addition to PCM/TDM capacity.
• It should have the following interfaces supported by the system:
- Analog Public Network (P&T lines) ,
- ISDN Public Network (BRI /PRI/E1R2/T1) ,
- Private Network of E&M ,
- LD Trunk as well Lease Line ,
- Optical ,

• Loop Start DP and DTMF Signaling with Pulse detection

• It should provide CLIP feature in all the extensions & analog trunks
• It should support DECT handset as well as WiFi handsets
• It should have VAD (voice activity detection) and AGC (automatic gain control).
• It should support voice mail
• It should support multi party conference
• It should support secure conversations i.e. should support s RTP, SIPs with TLS
(Transport Layer security) protocols
 Analog Trunk Gateway allows the IP PBX to connect to the PSTN or PBX.
 Digital Trunk Gateway supports both digital T1/E1 connectivity to the PSTN or
transcoding and conferencing.
 Converged Voice Gateway allows you to connect standard POTS phones with IP
or any H.323-compliant telephony devices.
 IP Phone is the end customer device replacing the traditional telephone set.

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Network topology
1- Stand Alone topology

2- Multi network topology

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Differences between analog and digital telephone systems
First, let’s look at the basic differences between analog and digital telephone systems.
Analog systems have supported businesses for decades. Built on standard copper wire
and POTS (plain old telephone service) phones, they are reliable, boast good voice
quality, and have the basic features you might find in a typical home phone such as
hold, mute, redial, and speed dial. They may also be able to transfer calls between
extensions. But their features end there. Because of their simplicity and limited
potential for expansion, they are relatively inexpensive to purchase. However, analog
systems, because they use less-modular hardware can be expensive to support,
configure, and upgrade. For example, changing the location of an extension requires
rewiring a punchboard by a professional. Buying analog is cheaper in the short-term,
but will lock you in to a closed system that requires adapters to integrate with common
applications such as VoIP and customer relationship management (CRM) systems.
Digital telephone systems are more modern. Digital PBXs are designed with a
proprietary bus structure for adding features and capabilities. Boards are added to the
cabinets for analog, digital, or IP phones. Features such as music on hold, VoIP
integration, and alarm systems can be supported with modular add-on boards.
Can You Integrate Analog and Digital PABX?
There are many established ways to integrate analog and digital devices. An analog
fax or alarm system, for example, can connect to a digital system via an analog
gateway. Analog phone systems can connect to VoIP trunks via multi-port ATA
adapters. Selecting the right adapter can be a challenge, as the number and types of
ports are dependent on the requirements of your VoIP provider and a professional will
likely be needed to install it.

Ultimately, the telephone system you choose should reflect your organization’s vision
and unique needs. If you have very simple needs that a home phone system could
support and anticipate your needs remaining unchanged, then an analog system may
be right for you. If you want a system that will grow and evolve with your business, then
go digital.

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CHAPTER THREE: Computer Telephony Integration (CTI)
Introduction:
The definition of computer telephony integration (CTI) is a term that can be used to
describe any technology that enables computers to interact with telephones. This
technology is primarily used in call centers and is often used to describe desktop
interactions that improve human agents' productivity.

CTI has helped contact centers to gain a competitive advantage by enabling them to
take a more data-driven approach while interacting with the customers. Call centers
have witnessed significant reductions in costs, decreased call handle time, enhanced
production and more control of the outbound operation.

In the past, many organizations have shied away from implementing CTI based
applications, as they had a reputation for being unwieldy in the extreme and the degree
of difficulty in implementing those applications effectively, was only matched by the
high cost associated with their purchase.

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However, CTI is definitely now available off-the-shelf for most CRMs. The feature
levels will vary, but you should check out what is readily implementable for your CRM
(Customer relationship management) is a term that refers to practices, strategies and
technologies that companies use to manage and analyze customer).

So, what are the benefits of CTI features?

 Save time for every call.

 Improve service quality
 Enterprise – Client communication platform
 Technical assistance to client

Save time on every call.

It could be that the callers CRM records are automatically popped to the agent event
before they answer the call. Or the handy transfer buttons in CRM for a smooth transfer
to another agent or department. Or not having to manually log every call in CRM. Or
simply saving finger-trouble when making outbound calls.

Save money on every call

The screen-pop and easy transfers offered by CTI will result in shorter Average
Handling Time. So, since agents will get through calls quicker, that will yield an
immediate cost saving. Furthermore, since the hold times on your expensive toll-free
numbers will be shorter, there is a cash saving there too. shorter hold time on your
expensive toll-free numbers

CTI standards:
CTI works with defined standards. These standards enables CTI applications to work
with a wide range of telephone devices. Well known CTI standards in the industry
are CSTA (Computer-supported telecommunications applications),
JTAPI, TSAPI (Telephony Server Application Programming Interface) and TAPI
(Telephony Application Programming Interface): JTAPI, the Java Telephony API is
promoted by Sun; TSAPI, originally promoted by the AT&T (later Lucent then Avaya)
and Novell; Microsoft pushed their own initiative also, and thus TAPI was born, with
support mostly from Windows applications

First-party call control

Operates as if there is a direct connection between the user's computer and the phone
set. Examples are a modem or a phone plugged directly into the computer. Typically,
only the computer associated with the phone can control it by sending commands
directly to the phone and thus this type of connection is suitable for desktop
applications only. The computer can generally control all the functions of the phone at
the computer user's discretion.

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First party architecture

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Third-party call control
Interactions between arbitrary numbers of computers and telephones are made
through and coordinated by a dedicated telephony server. Consequently, the server
governs which information and functions are available to a user. The user's computer
generally connects to the telephony server over the local network.

Third party architecture

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Third-party CTI is a particular kind of system architecture for computer-controlled
telephony (Computer Telephony Integration - CTI).

Third-party CTI differs from first-party CTI in terms of the underlying system
architecture.

With the help of first-party CTI or third-party CTI, it is possible to merge classic
telephony with modern information technology. This results in a wide range of new
functions and significant improvements in communication efficiency. By way of
example, phone calls can be started directly by clicking on an address in a mail
application, and additional information about a caller can be faded in on the screen.

Difference between Third-party CTI and first-party CTI architecture

Unlike first-party CTI, where the phone is directly linked to the computer, third-party
CTI does not require any connection of this kind. In the case of first-party CTI, there is
a direct physical connection between the phone and the computer.

In the case of third-party CTI, the computer and phones communicate via a third
component, the so-called CTI server. The server is installed at a central point in the
network and linked to the telephone system via a compatible interface. For third party
architecture, incoming and outgoing calls are signaled via this interface.

Although using a CTI server is more complex than establishing a physical link between
the phone and the computer in the case of first-party CTI, it results in far more flexible
and efficient computer telephony integration.

For proper functioning of the system and convenient use of the functions available, the
network must operate efficiently without errors or delays. Bandwidth or data losses and
data congestion can influence and disrupt the use of all company telephone functions.

The advantage of a first-party CTI solution, namely faster workstation installation and
configuration, is not appropriate in the case of large systems with a high number of
telephone workstations. Therefore, third-party CTI is particularly suitable for large
telephone workstations, high-performance systems.

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CHAPTER FOUR: IPBX

Introduction

What is a PBX Phone System?

PBX stands for Private Branch Exchange, which is a private telephone network used
within a company or organization. The users of the PBX phone system can
communicate within their company or organization and the outside world, using
different communication channels like Voice over IP, ISDN or analog. A PBX also
allows you to have more phones than physical phone lines (PTSN) and allows free
calls between users. It also provides features like transfers, voicemail, call recording,
interactive voice Response menus (IVRs) and ACD call queues.

PBX phone systems are available as Hosted or Virtual solutions (sometimes also
called Centrix), and as inhouse solutions to be used on your own hardware.
PBX phone systems are usually much more flexible than proprietary systems, as they
are using open standards and interfaces. Modern PBX phone systems are based on
standard hardware, which is cheaper and can easier be replaced than a closed system.

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What is an IP PBX

IP Telephone Systems in Simple Terms

Some might remember the old days of internet telephony. The technology was new
and fascinating and never worked the way it should. Since then, phone technology has
matured and IP-telephony (IP being short for Internet protocol) has been on its
impressive road to success. Many countries have waved the old ISDN standard
goodbye and exchanged it for the cheaper and far more flexible VoIP (or Voice over
IP). While the protocol ensures steady and cheap phone calls, it is also used for the
transmission of other media, like TV and internet.

Evolution from analog PABX

Switching to an IP PBX offers many benefits

With an IP phone system all your internal telephony is routed through the existing LAN
(local computer network). This way a separate network for telephony is not required.
Even though the internal telephony is routed through the LAN, it is also possible to
connect your IP-PBX via gateways to the PSTN. Of course, VoIP (Voice over IP,
telephony via the internet) is also possible.

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Since IP telephony is mostly using the open SIP standard, an IP phone system gives
you a lot more freedom in your choice of phones. Basically any SIP compatible phone
(VoIP phone) will work with an IP PBX. Furthermore, an IP PBX doesn’t limit the growth
of a company. Since VoIP phones don’t have to be connected physically to the phone
system, it doesn’t require a free port in the phone system like it used to be with
traditional phone systems. IP phones can not only be connected via the LAN but also
via the internet, using for example a VPN connection. Because of this, multiple
locations and offices can easily be connected.

There is a huge variety of VoIP providers on the internet which provide SIP trunking
(telephony services) for cheaper call rates than traditional telephony providers. Internal
calls via an IP phone system are free general.

Practical advantages of IP telephony

Interconnecting teams and mobile working is one of the huge advantages of IP phone
systems. No matter if team members are on the road, are located in a different country
or work from home, they can connect via IP desk phone, smart phone or laptop to the
PBX in the office. This way all calls within the company are free and clients will not
realize if en employee is in the office or somewhere else around the world. The same
also applies for conferences, these can be hosted directly on the own IP PBX with as
many participants as required. This safes traveling time and money.

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How to Understand IP PBX
The IP PBX (Internet Protocol Private Branch eXchange) is an integral part of the VoIP
(Voice over Internet Protocol) network. The IP PBX, simply stated, is a device built to
include the IP (Internet Protocol). It is important to understand the features of telephony
networks before understanding IP PBX. Here are some guidelines to understand IP
PBX.
Instructions

1. Step 1

Differentiate between IP PBX and IP-enabled PBX. While IP PBX includes a

provision for an IP, the IP-enabled PBX adds functionality of IP into its existing
product as an additional feature. The IP PBX comes with a distinctive software and
operating system, whereas IP-enabled PBX requires add-on software and
hardware.

2. Step 2

Understand the role of PBX in telephony network. The PBX is a switching system
that is part of the network meant to connect internal telephone extensions and
PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network). Those organizations depending on
VoIP for majority of their voice conversations usually use an extended form of PBX
which is the IP PBX or Internet Protocol Private Branch eXchange.

3. Step 3

Learn how vendors program the PBX with a variety of user applications, such as
call forwarding, call conferencing, call hold and other complex call-center specific
applications. This makes PBX very versatile and pivotal in the telephony network.
IP PBX performs all the above mentioned functions of a traditional PBX and many
more. The key difference is that in the case of IP PBX, voice transmissions are not
sent via normal phone lines but sent in the form of voice packets over a data
network (Internet) instead of a closed circuit-switched network.

4. Step 4

Know how IP PBX eliminates these additional charges, giving their users a great
flexibility in handling such changes due to its open protocol architecture.

5. Step 5

Remember that the IP PBX can reside behind the traditional PBX, which effectively
means that calls continue to be routed via the existing PBX.

6. Step 6

Explore how IP PBX technology evolved by peeping into the past and learning
about companies such as Altigen, Dash, NetPhone, NBX (Networked Branch

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 Exchange) and so on that provided several innovations in IP-based products and
services.

7. Step 7

Understand that IP PBX designs can also be set up as a single server, network or
group servers to enhance its technical capabilities.

8. Step 8

Determine the cost-effectiveness of IP PBX over analog or digital PBXs, as the

voice packets travel over LAN or WAN instead of the traditional copper wires.
Additionally, it eliminates the need to use expensive telephony cards as software
applications can connect to IP PBX easily over the network. It is also easy to
configure and install as well as being low-maintenance.
IP-enabled PBX definition - telecom
A PBX that couples VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) onto a conventional PBX based
on time division multiplexing (TDM). The intelligent IP phones can take the form of
either hardphones or softphones that connect either over a switched Ethernet LAN.
The LAN-attached data terminals interconnect as usual. The IP phones connect to the
PBX through an Ethernet port on a line card that includes an IP gateway that resolves
the interface issues between the TDM bus and the switched Ethernet LAN that
supports VoIP. Calls between the LAN-attached IP phones are conducted on a peer-
to-peer basis using their LAN addresses, and are confined to the LAN. Calls between
TDM phones also are on a peer-to-peer basis through the TDM switching matrix. Calls
between a LAN-attached IP phone and a PBX-attached TDM phone go through the
gateway, where protocol issues are resolved, including address translation between
PBX extension numbers and Ethernet LAN addresses.

What do FXS and FXO mean?

FXS and FXO are the interfaces for analog telephony also called POTS (Plain Old
Telephone Service). FXS (Foreign Exchange Station) means the wall jack or the
interface to the telephone system which FXO devices can be connected to. Using these
interfaces, a call can be established. The port provides the necessary electricity as well
as the dial tone and the call signal. FXO (Foreign Exchange Office) is the port that
receives the analog line on the telephone or fax machine. It establishes the connection
to the analog line (FXS). FXS devices connected to phone system are referred to as
endpoints (e.g. a phone).

Analog phone plugs are always pairs and appear as male or female plugs. If no phone
system is used the telephone (FXO) is directly connected to the FXS port. The port is
provided by the telephone company.

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If the phone system is used, the analog lines provided by the telephone company, are
connected to the phone system. The phones on the other hand are connected to the
phone system. Many traditional phone systems provide both, FXS and FXO ports.
Many IP phone systems require additional gateways to provide FXS or FXO ports.

A phone call coming in via an analog line is initiated like this: Pick up the phone of the
FXO device. The FXS port on the corresponding sides recognizes that the call should
be established and expects the number, encoded as DTMF signals.

An incoming call works like this: The FXS port provides the necessary electricity. The
phone starts ringing. By picking up the phone, the call is established.

FXS and FXS in phone systems

When purchasing a phone system, it needs to be considered home many and analog
ports are required eventually. If you want to connect an analog fax machine to the
phone system, you will need at least one FXS port. If you want to use analog telephone
lines with your phone system, you need one FXO port per line.

VoIP

VoIP and Telephony based on IP, are finally bringing voice into your network, just like
all the other applications that you have been using for years, such as email, databases,
and instant messaging. PBX manufacturers have moved into IP communications and
are now using protocols that can communicate and integrate with other existing
applications. These PBXs are referred to as IP-PBXs, because they use IP (Internet
Protocol) for their signaling. Additionally, Asterisk based IP-PBXs are becoming more
available from smaller upstarts, changing forever the traditional proprietary PBX
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manufacturers stronghold on the business PBX market. In fact, Asterisk has started
its eleventh year as an open source PBX software and has captured the dominate
position of PBX software.

It has proved itself to be efficient, cost effective and stable, and something that the
industry giants are having to compete with. That having been said, more companies
are exploring an IP solution for their next PBX Business Phone System. And why not,
with prices lower, features greater and choices more abundant it should be the way to
go.

How does VoIP work?

 When you speak at the handset or a mike or a microphone, your voice

generates electrical signals inside the gadget. These are analog signals
i.e. the voltage level can take up any value within a range.
 The analog signal is converted to a digital signal using an algorithm
implemented by the device you are using. It can be a stand-alone VoIP
phone or a softphone running on your PC. If you are using an analog
phone, you will need a Telephony Adapter (TA) for this purpose. The
digitized voice is arranged in packets (i.e. collection of bytes) and sent
over the IP network.
 The data is channeled through gateways and servers to the destination.
If the called number is on the PSTN, the server opens a connection to
the PSTN and routes your call there.
 While going to the PSTN or at the end device of a VoIP connection, the
voice is again brought back to its analog form so that it is perceptible to
a human ear.
 During the entire process a protocol like SIP or H.323 is used to control
the call (e.g. setting up connection, dialing, disconnecting etc.)
and RTP is used for reliable transmission of data packets and maintain
Quality of Service.

VoIP Trunks

Of course, until the whole world uses IP, most of your calls will still be to or from the
regular telephone network (PSTN) so you need a method to call to/from your IP
network. On a pure IP PBX, there are no analogue or ISDN trunk lines; the IP PBX has
no direct connection to the PSTN, just a connection to the Internet. You therefore need
to use a PSTN gateway - this is a server which interconnects your IP network with the
PSTN so that your outbound calls can be passed onto any regular phone number and
you can have a regular PSTN phone number which routes into your PBX. This service,
or provision is called a VoIP Trunk (or a 'SIP' trunk as SIP is the signaling protocol
used).

An IP-PBX is a PBX phone system that uses IP (Internet Protocol) data networks to
manage call switching, route calls and handle other messaging. IP-PBX technology

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includes advanced communication features, like voicemail to email, but also provides
scalability and the ability to connect to traditional PSTN (Public Switched Telephone
Service) lines, so there is no need to change carriers. An IP-PBX business phone
system consists of one or more IP-Phones, an IP-PBX server and an optional VoIP
gateway to connect to existing PSTN lines. The IP-PBX server functions in a similar
manner as a hosted VoIP proxy server, but resides in most cases on
premise: connecting SIP clients, being either soft phones or hardware-based IP-
Phones. The IP-PBX server establishes a directory of registered IP-Phones and their
corresponding SIP addresses and connects internal network (LAN) calls or routes
outgoing calls either to a VoIP gateway or a VoIP service provider.

Advantages and disadvantages

Some advantages of an on premise IP-PBX are:

 It uses your LAN- An IP-PBX business phone system will reside on your network
using your existing LAN. The PBX server is only a short distance away, so
signaling distance and time (latency) is very short and does not depend on
traveling over the Internet and other networks.

 Lower operational costs over time- In addition to taking advantage of lower cost
VoIP routing, purchasing your own IP-PBX lowers costs over time. When using
hosted VoIP the initial costs are most likely lower, but monthly subscription costs
are ongoing and higher over time when compared to an IP-PBX. A business
owned IP-PBX will usually result in lower averaged monthly operating costs
especially for systems with a higher number of users.

 Easier to configure and install than proprietary phone systems- Proprietary

phone systems can be cumbersome and difficult to navigate around their
software to configure and install. An IP-PBX system will be much more familiar
to computer savvy people, especially someone who has experience
with networks. This can be especially true for Asterisk based systems that have
a front-end GUI such as Free PBX.

 Simpler Management- The GUI of an IP-PBX will be much more user friendly
than traditional PBXs. This allows for easier changes and additions.

 Easy to move phones- Because phones are IP based, they are like PCs, move
them from one connection to another and they find home and connect right back
up to the PBX server. No longer are the days when a simple phone move needs
to have cross connects changed and a phone technician making a billable
service call.

 Unified Messaging- Having the ability of receiving and listening to your

messages from your Outlook inbox, along with PDFs of faxes increases
communication and productivity. Integration with work applications, such a
CRM packages can help business performance.

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  Branch offices- can be added to an existing system and connected through an
Internet connection. (Again lower cost, with the IP-phones being the major cost
of the hardware needed.)

 Remote Extensions- employees can plug in a compatible IP- Phone at home to

their Internet connection and be extension dialing.

 Cost savings by connecting to VoIP providers via SIP trunking- Using SIP
trunking with an in house IP-PBX can connect to lower cost VoIP providers;
reducing phone bills, especially long distance and International calls.

 More choices- Major companies that have built PBXs are now focused on IP
connectivity, but even better are all the upstart companies that are building
Asterisk IP-PBXs with lower prices and vendor neutral hardware.

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Websites:

https://gtb.net/why-gtb/blog/traditional-phone-systems-pbx-vs-voip-advantages-
disadvantages

https://computer.howstuffworks.com/ip-telephony.htm

http://www.siptutorial.net/voip/voip_phones.html#voip phone advantage

http://what-when-how.com/networking/computer-telephony-integration-networking/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer-supported_telecommunications_applications

https://www.3cx.fr or https://www.3cx.com

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