A PBX installation that is planned well goes live in a weekend; one that is rushed causes weeks of one-way audio, missed calls and unhappy users. This checklist covers what to prepare and check when installing an IP PBX or replacing an EPABX, based on how BitVoice installs Voxdial IP PBX.
1. Survey and plan
- Count extensions by department and location, including cabins, security and store rooms.
- Decide which old analog phones stay on gateways and which become IP phones.
- List every phone number and where its calls should go.
- Map who may call local, mobile, STD and international numbers.
- Decide what needs recording, paging or an IVR.
2. Network readiness
- Static IP for the PBX. Voxdial’s network settings support manual (static) addressing, and a countdown reverts changes automatically unless you confirm them, so a mistake will not lock you out.
- Power over Ethernet switches or power adapters for IP phones.
- Voice VLAN or quality of service on the network, if your IT team uses them.
- Firewall: open the SIP signalling and media (RTP) port ranges the PBX uses.
- External address: set the public address and local networks correctly. A wrong external address or blocked RTP ports is the most common cause of one-way audio.
3. Lines
- Add SIP trunks, PRI or analog lines and confirm each shows online on the status page.
- Map each incoming number exactly as the operator presents it.
- Set outbound routes with failover between trunks. See PRI to SIP migration.
4. Extensions and phones
- Create extensions with display names, voicemail and destinations for unanswered calls.
- Scan the network and auto-provision IP phones.
- Map gateway ports to extensions.
- Check the deployment map: every device green (registered).
5. Call flows
- Time groups for office hours and holidays.
- IVR menus, announcements and prompts. See IVR call flow design.
- Ring groups and follow me with a fall-through on every one.
- Voicemail to email.
6. Control and security
- Class of service per extension.
- Route PINs for costly calls; block international after hours.
- Strong extension and voicemail passwords; change default gateway passwords.
- Admin user groups with only the permissions each role needs.
- A certificate for secure web access and provisioning.
See PBX security and toll fraud.
7. Recording, reports and backups
- Switch on recording where needed and set who can listen.
- Schedule backups to an off-site location with retention.
- Run a first backup before go-live.
8. Test before go-live
| Test | Pass when |
|---|---|
| Internal calls | Every extension can call and be called |
| Incoming calls | Each number reaches the right place, in and after hours |
| Outgoing calls | Each class of service can dial only what it should |
| Audio | Clear in both directions, including remote users |
| Failover | Calls continue when the main trunk is disconnected |
| Voicemail | Messages arrive by email |
| Paging | Announcements reach every zone |
9. Train and hand over
- A one-page guide per desk: transfer, pickup, voicemail and feature codes.
- Reception and admin training on the web console.
- Documentation of numbers, routes and passwords, stored securely.
BitVoice installs Voxdial IP PBX across India with site survey, installation, training and 24X7 support. Book a site survey.
FAQs
How long does a PBX installation take?
It depends on the number of extensions and sites. With planning and a ready network, a typical office can be switched over in a day or a weekend.
What causes one-way audio after installing a PBX?
Usually a wrong external address setting or media (RTP) ports blocked on the firewall.
Do I need new cabling for an IP PBX?
Usually not. IP phones use the existing computer network, and analog phones can stay on their old wiring through a gateway.
What should I test before going live?
Internal, incoming and outgoing calls, audio in both directions, trunk failover, voicemail delivery, call restrictions and paging.
