Open Source PBX
What is an Open Source PBX
An open source PBX is a PBX with an underlying operating system and PBX software that is generally available to the public (for free). With an open source PBX you have full access to and control over the source code as well as insight into how the system works.
You can make your own PBX by assembling the various hardware components of an open source PBX, installing your favorite operating system (like Linux) and an open source PBX software (like Asterisk by Digium, the most popular open source PBX software).
Because the operating system and PBX software is free, the cost of an open source PBX is very low since you only need to pay for the hardware and expertise to assemble, set-up and configure.
The components of an Open Source PBX
Since most open source PBX systems do not come as packaged solutions you should know what components make up an open source PBX.
A basic IP PBX is comprised of the following:
- Hardware – The foundational hardware of an open source PBX can take the form of a PC tower, rack-mountable server or an appliance. This hardware contains a motherboard, power supply and a hard drive. Most people look at this hardware as “the” PBX because it is tangible, but the physical hardware is actually dumb – it is the next two components that deliver the features and benefits you will read about later on.
- Operating System – The operating system (which could be Microsoft Windows or a distribution of Linux) is a piece of software that manages the hardware resources and provides a platform by which these resources can be used.
- PBX Software – The PBX software used by an open source PBX can be built in a number of different programming languages. Regardless of the programming language, the PBX software is responsible for providing the call control functionality and connectivity management of the open source PBX. It is also the “administrative” interface that you will use to install and maintain the open source PBX.
- Connectivity Cards – The final basic component of an open source PBX is the connectivity hardware for connecting the open source PBX to your LAN/WAN (through an Ethernet NIC) and or to the PSTN through an analog/digital PCI card like ones sold by Digium.
When all of these individual components are combined and properly configured (whether this is done by you, the manufacturer or a VAR) they will provide you with a full featured PBX that will power your business communications for years to come.