February 8th, 2010
New to Switchvox version 4.5, Phone Feature Packs give you the ability to easily setup your Polycom IP phones to work seamlessly with your Switchvox PBX. They also deliver many of the Switchvox Applications right to your handset, such as recording a call, browsing your voicemail, picking up parked calls, and more! We’ve received several inquiries from customers asking about which phones are compatible with the Phone feature packs… So which phones will, and will not work?
Below is a list of supported Polycom phones:
The new Applications view on a Polycom phone. The color display of an IP670 is not much different than the b/w display of an IP650 using Phone Feature Packs.
- SoundPoint IP 320
- SoundPoint IP 330
- SoundPoint IP 321
- SoundPoint IP 331
- SoundPoint IP 335
- SoundPoint IP 430
- SoundPoint IP 450
- SoundPoint IP 501
- SoundPoint IP 550
- SoundPoint IP 560
- SoundPoint IP 650
- SoundPoint IP 670
- SoundStation IP 6000
- SoundStation IP 7000
The SoundPont IP 301, 600, 601, and 4000 are partially supported: all of the Phone Setup functions are supported but some of the features such as Profiles and Applications are not available. The SoundPoint IP 300 and 500 are not supported at all. Switchvox Phone Feature Packs provision telephones with Polycom firmware version: 3.2.2.xxxx.
**Certain snom phones are also supported by Phone Feature Packs. Stay tuned for a list of compatible snom devices.**
Posted in Polycom, Snom, Soundpoint IP, Switchvox, digium | No Comments »
February 1st, 2010
Security is always a concern when installing any new devices on a network, and Switchvox certainly is no exception. We frequently get asked about what steps Digium has taken to ensure security on their Switchvox SMB appliances. Chromis Technology addresses four main concerns that our customers ask us about: 1) access to the web interface, 2) access to the manufacturer console and asterisk core, 3) SIP authentication security, and 4) RTP session security.
Following are descriptions of Switchvox security relating to each concern:
1. Switchvox uses the web standard Secure Socket Layer (SSL) to access the web configuration interface. SSL is the same technology that banks use to conduct online banking. Switchvox allows for the creation of multiple administrators, each with different service level access to the administration web interface. Thus administrators may create different administrators so that powerful controls are limited according to the requirements for specific administrators. Users also may be granted or denied access to the user web interface. Users also use SSL to access their individual settings and must use a password to log in.
2. Switchvox runs using the secure operating system Linux. The server is locked down by default so that only PBX and web interface functions are permitted. The administrator may optionally enable or disable remote console access so that the manufacturer can access the server for advanced diagnostics or repair. The protocol used is Secure SHell (SSH), a high-security system for console access to servers. SSH is disabled by default and the manufacturer (Digium) only has access to the backend if an administrator chooses to grant a technician access. This will then allow a Digium support engineer to access the asterisk core.
3. Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is the VoIP protocol that Switchvox uses to connect to telephones. SIP uses a password in a method that is analogous to the way that an email account uses a password to access an email server. Switchvox automatically configures Polycom and snom telephones with secure SIP passwords. This ensures that if a SIP device attempts to connect to Switchvox it will be prevented access unless it has the correct secure SIP password for that individual extension it is trying to register. This password is hidden and cannot be discovered. If a user or administrator forgets their password, they must reset with a new pasword. Switchvox employs complicated, secure passwords for SIP devices and informs the administrator if he or she attempts to create an insecure password.
4. Real Time Transfer (RTP) is the VoIP protocol that Switchvox uses to transport the audio calls between telephones and the server. RTP by itself does not prevent someone from collecting the data from the Switchvox network and listening to pieces of a call. Enhancements to RTP in the future will allow the audio data to be encrypted so that the data captured will not be audible. It is difficult to intercept RTP traffic and requires direct access to the telephone system network. However, until Digium incorporates a secure RTP technology, Chromis recommends that administrators not allow public access to the Local Area Network if they can help it. In other words, standard security procedures such as firewalls, building access control to network equipment, WiFi passwords, etc. should be employed for your network. If VoIP calls are placed over public Internet they may optionally be made through a VPN connection to secure the conversation.
So we want to know, what are your concerns with Switchvox VoIP security? Drop us a line in the comments section or email us at the address in the header above. We love hearing from you and I’m sure you have your own opinions on what I’ve left out…
Tags: Asterisk, digium, Polycom, Security, Snom, Switchvox, Switchvox SMB, VoIP, VoIP Security
Posted in Asterisk, Polycom, Switchvox, chromis, digium | 1 Comment »
January 20th, 2010
Switchvox SMB 4.5 (Release number 21669) has been announced today by Digium at IT Expo East in Miami. The new version is available for immediate download. Go to ‘Machine Admin > Upgrades‘ to upgrade your SMB server.
The new version contains the following enhancements:
Phone Feature Packs – In this release, ‘Phone Provisioning Tokens’ are updated to ‘Phone Feature Packs.’ You must reboot each of your Configured phones if you want to take advantage of the new features:
- Phone Setup
Now you can set an Alternate Host and up to 3 extensions on each phone, and set several new administration options across all phones. (See ‘System Setup > Phone Setup‘)
- Distinctive Ringtones: Administration
Admins can upload system-wide ringtones for use by Configured Polycom phones. Also, two new IVR actions let admins set and remove a ‘hint’ so that extension-owners can set a distinctive ring based on a caller’s IVR selections. (See ‘PBX Features > Distinctive Ringtones‘ and ‘PBX Features > IVR Editor‘)
- Distinctive Ringtones for Extensions (Polycom Only)
Extensions can use system-wide ringtones, or upload their own. They can also create ‘Ring Rules’ that cause their phone to ring differently based on the caller or call-type. (See ‘Settings > Phone Features‘)
- Phone Features (Polycom Only)
Extension-owners can show Extension Profiles on their phone, set the number of line keys that the extension uses, and interact with PBX applications right on the handset. (See ‘Settings > Phone Features‘)
- Phone Features (Polycom and snom)
Extension-owners can customize line labels, auto-answer Switchboard-initiated calls, and disable the missed calls notification. (See ‘Settings > Phone Features‘)
Extension Profiles with Pictures – Phone-type extensions now include a picture, title, and location. This can be edited by the extension-owner (with permission). Profiles are shown in a new Switchboard Panel, and on Polycom phones that have a Phone Feature Pack. (See ‘Extensions > Manage Extensions‘ or ‘Settings > Modify Account‘)
Language Support – The ‘admin’ user, sub-admin users, and extension-owners can each select a language for the PBX’s User Interface. Related sound packs are available. (See ‘Machine Admin > Manage Admins‘ or ‘Settings > Modify Account‘)
PBX Monitoring – A set of SNMP OIDs is now published to monitor the PBX server, phone status, current calls, VOIP providers, and more. (See ‘Machine Admin > Network Settings‘)
Updated Polycom firmware – Most models: SIP 3.2.2 and bootrom 4.2.1 – Discontinued phones (301,501,600,601,4000) do not receive new firmware
Updated snom firmware – 3xx phones: 7.3.30, 820 phone: 8.2.11, 870 phone: 8.3.6
Video Calling - As a result of changes that Polycom, Inc. has made to their VVX 1500 phone, video calling is now available on that phone.
Stay tuned to Chromis.com for a detailed review once we’ve tested this new version on our demo server.
Tags: Asterisk, Auto provision, digium, IT Expo, pbx, Polycom, Snom, Switchvox, Switchvox SMB, Voice over IP, VoIP, VVX 1500
Posted in IT Expo, Polycom, Snom, Switchvox, digium | No Comments »
January 14th, 2010
Chromis Technology has partnered with Polycom and Jabra to offer a FREE Polycom EHS cable with every GN 9330E headset purchased. Buy one for everyone in the office, get a FREE EHS cable with each headset! There is no limit to how many you can get, and no rebate forms to fill out, it’s really that simple! This is a $30.00 value! The more you buy, the more you save! This promotion is valid from January 5th to March 31, 2010. Click here to buy from the iChromis.com store or call 602.357.8070 to speak with a Chromis sales representative.
Equipped with new DECT 6.0 technology, this stylish, ultra light headset delivers exceptional sound up to 330 feet from your phone. Plus, it’s Wi-Fi friendly and secure, letting you talk without interference. With Up to 9 hours of talk time and 43 hours of standby time ensures your GN 9330E is always ready for action. The Noise-canceling microphone transmits your voice clearly, even in the noisiest environments. Two wearing styles let you choose from over-the-head or over-the-ear to suit your particular preference.
Polycom Electronic Hook Switch (EHS) enables remote operation of compatible Jabra wireless headsets with Polycom SoundPoint IP phones. The EHS adapter allows you to hear ring tones, answer and end calls, adjust the volume or even mute the call from the controls integrated into the headset. All quite convenient, when you are 300 ft. or more away from your desk.
The following Polycom Soundpoint IP telephones have been tested and support Electronic Hook Switch: 320/321/330/331 (These phones require a 2.5mm to RJ-9 adapter), 335, 430, 450, 550, 560, 650 and 670 desktop phones. Check the Jabra-Polycom compatibility matrix to make sure your phone and headset are compatible with each other.
Click here for detailed instructions on how to setup your Polycom phone with your Jabra headset.
Tags: EHS, Electronic Hook Switch, GN Netcom, Headset, How to, Jabra, Polycom, telephone
Posted in Headsets, Jabra, Polycom | No Comments »
November 2nd, 2009
Polycom introduced another phone to round out their entry-level line up this past weekend: The SoundPoint IP 335. I’ve been beta testing this phone for the past 6 weeks and have put it through the paces. And now that it’s been formally introduced, I can tell you my thoughts. (Spoiler Alert: This phone is spot on… They took the IP330/331, and made it right.)
The IP 335 contains all the features of the Polycom SoundPoint IP family that we’ve come to know and love: Polycom quality and looks, Integrated Power over Ethernet (PoE) support, interoperability with leading IP PBX (i.e. Switchvox) and Softswitch platforms, etc, all in an easy to configure package. But wait there’s more…
The IP 335 looks identical to the IP 330/331 but there are some very distinct differences. The first very noticeable difference is the high-resolution backlit display. It’s still not very big (102 x 33 pixels) but for the price (est. $199 MSRP) it’s respectable. The back lighting makes for a display that is much easier to read.
The second thing you’ll notice is the headset port. I have always had a huge hangup about the 2.5mm jacks that come on the IP 320/321/330/331. It really annoyed me that I could outfit an organization with IP450’s, 550’s, and 650’s and if we paired them with a headset, we would have to sell a completely different headset for the low end phones. IT managers hated it as well. Problem solved with the IP 335, it comes with a dedicated RJ-9 headset port with Electronic Hook Switch (EHS) support. To accommodate the smaller form factor the headset and EHS connections are made towards the top of the chassis as seen in the image below.
A rear view look at the connections of the Polycom SoundPoint IP 335.
And lastly, Polycom has made the barrier of entry into the HD Voice arena very low. At the $199 estimated MSRP, there is very little reason not to future proof your telephones on the low end with the IP 335’s support of the G.722 wideband codec commonly known as High Definition Voice.
To really beta test a new piece of hardware like this, I knew I needed to go all the way, so I temporarily retired my IP 650 and replaced it with the IP 335. At first I was a little nervous to lose all my “buttons”. But that quickly subsided once I really started making and receiving calls on the smaller phone. I have a Jabra GN9350e with EHS which I also used to connect to the IP 335. It worked like a gem. EHS connectivity was Polycom/Jabra flawless. HD Voice calls were crisp and clear on our Switchvox server. The only thing I missed was my real time buddy status that I get with my IP 650. But bottom line here is this: I could use this phone everyday. And with a low price tag, a lot of people will do just that.
Here are the highlights of the Polycom SoundPoint IP 335:
- High-resolution backlit, graphical display
- Two-line entry-level phone
- Easy to configure and use
- Integrated Power over Ethernet (PoE) support
- Interoperability with leading IP PBX and Softswitch platforms
- HD Voice support
- XML microbrowser
- Backlit 102 x 33-pixel, grayscale graphical LCD
- Two port 10/100 Ethernet Switch
- Dedicated RJ-9 headset port
Tags: Polycom, Soundpoint, Switchvox, telephone, VoIP
Posted in HD Voice, Polycom, Product Review, Soundpoint IP | 2 Comments »
October 27th, 2009
Grand Canyon Resort Corp (GCR) is the company that oversees Grand Canyon West. Grand Canyon West comprises the Western part of the Grand Canyon in Arizona and is contained within the Hualapai Nation. GCR chose Chromis Technology to install Digium’s Turnkey Asterisk PBX, Switchvox SMB, to create a VoIP solution to connect to remote locations that do not have traditional telephone facilities.
Grand Canyon West is an amazing canyon land that is very close to Laughlin, NV; Kingman, AZ; and Flagstaff, AZ. It is also a reasonably short drive from Las Vegas, NV; Sedona, AZ; and Phoenix, AZ. GCR has multiple attractions in Grand Canyon West including the increasingly famous Skywalk that takes you 70 feet from the rim of the Canyon and suspends you 4,000 feet above the Canyon floor! (Click on any of the images below for the high resolution version in a new window.)
Grand Canyon West Skywalk.
GCR has one Digium AA350 server at their headquarters in Peach Springs, AZ and three AA60 servers at three remote locations. The AA350 has a TE122 card that connects to a local PRI circuit. A satellite connection to each of the remote locations connects each site back to headquarters via IAX trunks and provides a connection to the public telephone network. The G.729 compression codec is used for calls between the servers and G.722 (HD Voice) and G.711 is used for calls internal to each server. In addition to the Digium Switchvox servers, GCR chose Polycom SoundPoint IP telephones.
A big challenge for GCR was connecting those remote facilities. A recently installed a satellite data network from HughesNet is serving up data and voice services to the remote locations. As is common with Satellite data links, excessive latency can wreak havoc on VoIP and make it difficult to have a normal, duplex conversation. GCR appreciates this fact and primarily focuses on providing telephone service to the edge of the Grand Canyon where there is no terrestrial connection to the rest of the world.
View of the Guano Cafe at Guano Point.
Indeed, latency proved to be high, but was often as low as 600ms. Unfortunately the latency results still cause over-talking (when one caller talks before the other caller is finished). The greater problem with the satellite link is jitter, or variation in the delay. During one test the latency varied from 600ms to 1100ms. GCR installed accelerators from Expand Networks to improve the performance over the satellite links.
Soar through the canyon on a Helicopter tour and enjoy spectacular views.
A beautiful view of Grand Canyon West and the Colorado River below from Guano Point.
The latency and jitter fall just outside the range of acceptable, and the delivery of calls is certainly not what we’re used to back in civilization, but by using Digium’s VoIP technology, calls are now being made in and out of Grand Canyon West like they never have before. For more information on how Chromis Technology can help your business leap canyons, give us a call at 602.357.8070 or email us at info@chromisinc.com.
Tags: AA350, AA60, Asterisk, digium, HD Voice, IAX, pbx, Polycom, PRI, Satellite, SMB 4.0, Soundpoint, Switchvox, Switchvox 4.0, Switchvox SMB, telephone, Voice over IP, VoIP
Posted in Asterisk, HD Voice, Polycom, Switchvox, chromis, digium | 1 Comment »
October 26th, 2009
Our resident Digium Certified Asterisk Professional (dCAP), Jonathan Rusk, was asked about the certification process in the wake of Astricon. I thought his response was too detailed and too good not to publish as its own entry. So if you’ve ever wondered what the dCAP is all about, here you go:
“There are two parts to the dCAP: 1) practical, 2) written. The practical requires you to configure a fully functional but tiny PBX. You start with Linux and must compile and install Asterisk, etc. Then you configure two or three phones (my test included one Polycom, one X-lite SIP phone, and one analog phone connected to an FXS port on a TDM410). You must also configure trunking (SIP or DAHDI), a simple dialplan, and a simple menu (auto attendant). Overall the practical test was easy for someone with Asterisk experience but the limited time (90 minutes) proves to be the largest challenge. The best best approach is quick and dirty configuration. There was no Asterisk GUI for my test; all configuration was done using text files (extensions.conf, sip.conf, etc.).
The written test was about 114 multiple choice questions. The time limit is also 90 minutes which was more than enough for me. The challenge for the written test is the breadth of subject matter. For example, I don’t typically work with H.323 but there are H.323 questions on the test. The Asterisk Advanced class helps very much with the practical test and helps with some of the the written test but does not cover everything seen on the written test. If you know typical Asterisk PBX configuration and design, and you read the O’Reilly Asterisk book, then the written should be passable.
You need to pass the practical and written parts of the test with 70% or better and each part stands on each own. In other words you can potentially pass the practical with 100% but get a 69% on the written and thus not receive the dCAP certification. My understanding is that you can retake just the practical or written if you only pass one of them.”
So there you have it. Please feel free to reach out to Jonathan with any Asterisk related questions. He can be reached at:
jrusk@chromisinc.com
602.357.8071 – direct
Skype: ChromisJonathan
LinkedIn
Posted in Asterisk, Astricon, dCAP, digium | 1 Comment »
October 6th, 2009
Need a Digium-Certified Asterisk Professional (dCAP) in Phoenix? Call Chromis Technology and speak to the newest dCAP engineer:
Congratulations to our own Jonathan Rusk for passing the Digium dCAP test last week. The dCAP test consists of a 150 question written exam concerning Asterisk and Asterisk-related technology, and a hands-on practical lab exam in which you are asked to configure a PBX according to a given specification…
Please feel free to reach out to Jonathan with any Asterisk related questions. He can be reached at:
jrusk@chromisinc.com
602.357.8071 – direct
Skype: ChromisJonathan
LinkedIn
Tags: Asterisk, dCAP, digium
Posted in Asterisk, digium | 2 Comments »
October 5th, 2009
Jabra Go 6470 Bluetooth Headset
Last week I told you about Jabra giving you a sneak peek into the future… Well Cory Andrews over at VoIP Supply gives us the first look at the Jabra 6470, a multiuse headset for your mobile (cell), desk (such as Polycom) and softphone (such as eyeBeam). You can seamlessly switch among the three with an easy to use touch screen. Extended Bluetooth provides the user with a 300 ft wireless range and up to 6 hours of talk time. The price comes in around $320.
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The Jabra Pro 9470 DECT Headset
Also available mid-October is the Jabra Pro 9470. Again, this is a multiuse headset for your mobile (cell), desk (such as Polycom) and softphone (such as eyeBeam). However instead of using Bluetooth, this headset communicates to the base station via DECT technology. Again, a user can seamlessly switch among the three with an easy to use touch screen. Using DECT allows for a greater range (450 ft) and better battery life (10 hours of talk time). The Pro 9470 will be priced around $550.
Posted in Headsets, Jabra | 1 Comment »
October 1st, 2009
Celebrate 10 years of Asterisk at Astricon, October 13-15th in Glendale, AZ. Have you registered yet? If not here are some codes you can use to save some coin! Get a FREE Expo Pass (a $75 value) or 25% off any Registration (up to $173 value!)
Register at http://www.astricon.net/
Astricon – 2009 Free Expo Pass
Astricon – 2009 25% off any Registration
Hope to see you in Glendale!
Tags: Astricon
Posted in Astricon, digium | No Comments »