Evolution PBX Network Guide

Overview

This guide provides an overview of the network scope and requirements necessary to successfully configure and deploy Evolution PBX on your data network.

Evolution PBX Network Scope Definitions

Intuitive Technology provides support for Evolution PBX, iView software, and hardware purchased from Intuitive Technology. Intuitive Technology does not provide free configuration or support of WAN, LAN or networking equipment unless otherwise contracted. Diagnosing or repairing problems related to your WAN or LAN is limited to excluding Intuitive Technology software as the cause and providing best-effort diagnostics and consultation. Standard Evolution PBX Support Agreements do not include modifications or support of WAN or LAN equipment unless otherwise contracted.

Intuitive Technology support for network hardware including routers, firewalls, and switches is limited to best-effort configuration guidance and information.

Professional Services or other paid services may be required for network support or configuration. For additional information about Professional Services or Consultation Services beyond the scope of a support contract, please contact our sales staff @ [email protected] or call 602-249-5750 to request a quote.

Port Forwarding / Firewall Rules

Your router or firewall may require port forwarding to work with VoIP providers or remote VoIP telephones. The following table shows ports that may be important to your service:

Port	Protocol	Service	Description
21	TCP	FTP	File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is the preferred method for phone provisioning.
22	TCP	SSH	Secure Shell (SSH) is used for remote diagnostics and system administration. Forwarding this port from the Internet to the PBX is optional but may be required for support and configuration requests.
69	UDP	TFTP	Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) is an optional method for phone provisioning.
80	TCP	HTTP	Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is required for web access and the Evolution administration interface. The Enterprise edition of Evolution requires this port for configuration/communication between nodes.
123	UDP	NTP	Network Time Protocol (NTP) allows remote phones to pull time from the PBX server.
3306	TCP	MySQL	The Enterprise edition of Evolution requires this port for voicemail and CDR storage between nodes.
5038	TCP	AMI	Asterisk Manager Interface (AMI) is used to manage nodes in the Enterprise edition of Evolution.
5222	TCP	XMPP	XMPP/Jabber service is used for chat within iView
5060	UDP	SIP	Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is required for call signaling and registration information of remote phones and VoIP trunks.
10000-20000	UDP	RTP	Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP) carries the audio portion of a call from a VoIP phone or trunk to the PBX.
58080	TCP	iView	The interactive operator panel iView requires these ports for remote workstations.

Local Area Network

Your Local Area Network (LAN) is the physical data network present in your office environment. The LAN typically consists of one or more Ethernet switches and copper twisted-pair cabling. Evolution and supported telephones require Ethernet switches (not hubs) and Category 5e or better twisted-pair cabling. You will need a switch with enough ports available to plug in the Evolution PBX server and all of the telephones that you plan to use in your office. You will likely need at least two or more ports for other purposes as well. For example, an Evolution system with ten Polycom telephones will require at least eleven Ethernet ports plus ports for whatever other devices you wish to connect to your network.

Note: Some network hardware/equipment devices are 'multi-function'. For example, your Internet router may actually be a modem, router, and switch combined in a single device. Most residential and small business devices include at least a router and switch but often also include a DSL or cable modem, firewall, and or a wireless access point. Please be aware of the multi-function device concept when reading this document.

Advanced Ethernet switches may offer additional benefits such as Power over Ethernet (PoE) and/or Quality of Service (QoS). Power over Ethernet provides a convenient method of supplying power to telephones that support PoE capabilities. VoIP telephones normally require an AC power adapter, PoE allows for simplified telephone installation by providing power and Ethernet connectivity over the same cable. In some cases PoE reduces the cost of each telephone as a result of not requiring an AC power adapter. Quality of Service is a method of prioritizing bandwidth on a network. It functions by tracking various types of traffic and ensuring that designated traffic is guaranteed throughput in contrast to standard or low priority traffic. QoS can help voice traffic on your LAN by ensuring it is prioritized. There are different types of QoS that can be configured for both your LAN and your Wide Area Network (WAN).

Wide Area Network

Your Wide Area Network (WAN) is generally the network from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) into your premises and the associated devices on the ISP's network. Your WAN may subjectively include private or virtual networking, such as a VPN to multiple geographical locations or offices. Quite a few types of internet access technologies exist, each of which may have a positive or negative impact on VoIP capabilities. Typical Internet access technologies include DSL, cable, or a T1. DSL and cable internet service are frequently oversubscribed, which means that you are effectively sharing some amount of bandwidth with other local ISP customers. This "sharing" increases the potential for VoIP quality issues. T1 Internet access is typically a dedicated, guaranteed bandwidth to a single subscriber. As a result, your odds of experiencing VoIP quality issues due to local ISP traffic is reduced or mitigated. Overall the quality of your internet connection is going to have an impact on the quality of your VoIP connectivity. Some ISPs even offer Quality of Service features to help improve quality.