Asterisk and Introduction to

Cloud Telephony

Revolutionizing Communication for Businesses

What is Asterisk?
 Definition: Asterisk is an open-source framework for building communications
applications.
 It acts as a telephony engine that enables voice, video, and messaging functionalities.
 It is Linux-based PBX software solution developed in 1999 by Mark Spencer, Digium.
 It is used for building real-time communications applications.
 Asterisk follows a monolithic architecture, where all the core components are tightly
integrated within a single application.
 Asterisk is used to establish and control telephone calls between
telecommunication endpoints such as customary telephone sets ->
destinations on the public switched telephone network (PSTN) ->
devices or services on voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) networks.
 Another Communication application are FreeSWITCH, 3CX, RingCentral
Asterisk Architecture

 Core Components:
• Channel Drivers: Interface between Asterisk and telephony hardware.
• Applications: Features such as voicemail, IVR, call forwarding, etc.
• Dial Plan: Script that dictates how calls should be routed.
• Modules: Extend functionality (e.g., SIP, IAX, etc.).

 How Asterisk Works:

• Asterisk routes calls, manages media (audio/video), and integrates with databases
and APIs.
Call Flow diagram
Key Features of Asterisk:

 Flexibility & Customization: Tailored solutions for specific business needs.

• Supports VoIP (Voice over IP), PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network), and mobile networks.
• Highly customizable and flexible.

 Scalability: Can support a few lines or thousands of users.

 Cost-Effective: Open-source, reducing licensing costs.

 Multiple Protocol Support: SIP, IAX, H.323, etc.

 High Availability: Failover and redundancy features.

What is a PBX Phone System & Its Working

PBX (Private Branch Exchange)

 PBX phone systems, specially hosted PBX give businesses their own mini-
switchboards and the ability to make free internal calls.
 Modern PBX systems look more like computer servers and automatically
direct callers to the correct extension.
 With a PBX phone system, everyone in the company can have their own desk
phones but still share physical phone lines.
 Some modern PBX systems also let you manage voicemail, transfer calls, use
IVR menus, and line up callers in a queue when phone lines are busy.
Types of PBX Phone System :

 Legacy/ Traditional PBX :

• It is the grand old structure (having multiple phone lines) dividing into multiple extensions.
• The phone service comes from the telephone company, but the PBX hardware manages those
phone lines.
• It accepts incoming calls and routes them to individual extensions, assigns lines to team members
making outgoing calls, and handles internal calls between desk phones.
• Businesses in the old days used this technology to carry out communication activities.
Types of PBX Phone System :

 IP PBX : Internet protocol private branch exchange

• It is a system that enables you to make and receive phone calls using your internet
connection.
• The VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service replaces your existing telephony service (You
still have a PBX hardware device)
• VoIP is a popular alternative to PBX because it costs less than large bundles of telephone
lines and frees users from their desk phones.
• VoIP works from any internet-connected device and lets you add other communication
channels, such as SMS text messaging, videoconferencing, and instant messaging. It also
offers additional features, such as call recording, call center analytics, and CRM integrations.
• If you already have a PBX system but also want the benefits of VoIP, IP PBX lets you combine
the two using a process called SIP (session initiation protocol) trunking.
• SIP trunks replace traditional phone lines so you can connect your business phone system to
the internet.
Types of PBX Phone System :

 Hosted PBX :
• It is a type of virtual PBX (also known as Cloud PBX), where PBX service is provided
using existing broadband service.
• There’s no physical machine installed in this setup.
• The team can access hosted PBX from anywhere using any internet-connected device,
including an internet browser, a mobile app, or a desk “softphone.”.
• In the hosted PBX, no telephone lines are involved and entire communication takes
place using SIP trunks technology.
What is Cloud Telephony?

 Definition: Cloud telephony refers to the use of cloud-based solutions for managing voice
communication services, such as call routing, voicemail, IVR, and conferencing, without
requiring on-premise hardware. It’s also known as a VoIP-based hosted PBX solution.
• It is a type of Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS). UCaaS is a unified
communications model, meaning it brings various communication systems and collaboration
tools together.
• It streamlines your business communications and grows with your business

 Key Benefits:
• No need for expensive hardware.
• Scalable and flexible infrastructure.
• Accessible from anywhere with internet access.
How Cloud Telephony/ Hosted PBX Works ?

 Voice Over IP (VoIP): Voice is transmitted as digital data over the internet.

 Cloud-Based PBX: A virtual PBX system hosted in the cloud, providing call management
and routing services.

 SaaS Models: Companies subscribe to cloud telephony services, which are managed by
third-party providers. (For Ex: Nextiva, Exotel, CloudConnect, Knowlarity..etc.)

 Integration: Can integrate with CRM systems, email, chat, and other communication
tools.
How Cloud Telephony/ Hosted PBX Works ?
 Cloud telephony works through a VoIP service provider (For Ex: Google Voice, Nextiva, TeleCMI).
When you dial the phone number you want to call, your service provider handles the routing. It
converts analog voice signals into data packets and transmits them over your internet connection.
That’s how it connects your phone to the person you’re calling.
 On your end, you would replace individual phone extensions with a VoIP desk phone. Rather than
connecting to a landline, you plug your phones into your existing network. You can also use a
softphone or an app installed on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. In both cases, you’re calling
from a modern, easy-to-use interface and establish a call in a split second.
 Because cloud telephony runs in the cloud, you can manage your business phone system through an
online dashboard for full control over phone numbers, call forwarding, adding new users, and more.
Benefits of Cloud Telephony

 Cost Savings: No need for on-premises hardware and reduced

maintenance costs.
 Scalability: Easily scale up or down depending on your business
needs.
 Mobility: Employees can access the system remotely from any
location.
 Flexibility: Support for various communication channels—voice,
SMS, email, and more.
 Advanced Features: Includes automated call routing, AI-powered
call assistants, analytics, and call recording.
Asterisk in Cloud Telephony

 Why Asterisk in Cloud?

• Open-source nature allows for highly customizable cloud-based solutions.
• Cost-effective and robust, enabling businesses to scale their cloud telephony
needs.
• Can integrate with cloud communication platforms and services.

 Use Cases:
• Cloud-based call centers using Asterisk as the telephony engine.
• Hybrid solutions that combine Asterisk with hosted cloud platforms.
Hosted PBX vs. On-premise PBX
 A hosted PBX system is cloud-based, meaning the PBX software and
hardware are located off-site at a data center.
 An on-premise or traditional PBX is located on a company’s physical
premises and maintained on-site.
S.No. On-Premises PBX Hosted PBX

1. Higher upfront costs for hardware purchase No major upfront costs

2. Limited built-in features Provider manages infrastructure

3. Harder to scale Easy to scale

4. Enables some remote work Enables remote teams/mobility

5. You manage the infrastructure Training and support included

Why IP PBX for your Business
Communication ?
Features Traditional PBX IP PBX

Connectivity Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS), Wireless, use internet for business
built on copper wires communication

Cost Lesser cost on set up & maintenance,

Higher cost on product and save telecom bills upto 80%

maintenance
Advanced features with call recording,
Features & Scalability Limited features, scalability requires easily scalable

additional hardware
Flexibitlity Limited for customisation
Flexible to customise as business

requires
Integration possibilities is Integration & Mobility Can integrate with soft phone, make &
receive call from anywhere
limited
 Key
Features
Web Based
Receptionis Voice Logger
t Console

Smartphone
IVR Solution
with Wifi client

Distributed
office set up Video Conference

Voicemail to Email Video Calling

Insightful reports Audio Conference

Web Based Receptionist Console
View the detail information about PBX activities in real time via a web application.

• Make calls

• Answer calls

• Process call

• Conference, transfer & redial

• Multiple directories

• Call transfer

• Call listening

• Monitoring and record calls

• Click-to-call

• Review call history logs

SMART PHONE WITH WiFi CLIENT

Connect smart phone through SIP extension Turn your Smartphone into your
within Wi-Fi range to receive calls while roaming PBX extension with SoftPhone
around the premise / nearby location.

• Forward PBX Calls to your smartphone

• Get voice mail for any missed call
• Call
recording
• Video Calling
• Call log
• Call history
Record all your incoming & outgoing calls
with inbuilt VoiceLogger
Voice Logger Interoperable with any PBX system
Multi-format recording files – WAV, GSM

Search and download files based on date, time, source, destination and duration

Web-based configuration management and reporting

Download voice files remotely via web browser

 Distributed Office Set-up

• Connect your office locations/ branches for seamless communication.

• Eliminates site-to-site calling costs
• Centralised management system
Other Call Features
• Call Barge-in and Listening • Paging system
• Blacklists
• DISA ( Direct inward System Access ) • Blind transfer
• Call Pick-up • Auto call back
• Call Waiting • Call follow me
• Call parking / hold • Call queuing
• Call forward on busy • Call recording
• Call forward on no answer • Conference bridging
• Call Duration Control • Dial-in conference
• Direct Inward Dialling • Parallel ring
• Music on hold
• Roaming extensions
• Ring group
• Remote call pickup
• DND ( Do Not Disturb )
• Remote office support
• Fax support
• Voice mail
CRM & ERP Integrations
 IP PBX can seamlessly integrate with any 3rd party applications for smooth business operations
and enhance team efficiency.
Deployment Options

PREMISE SOLUTION

CLOUD SOLUTION

HYBRID SOLUTION

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
IP PBX – The Solution for every Industry
Real-time Dashboards
Call Detail Reports
Unthinkable Integration with ERP
Fill Details and take Followup.
IP PBX Mobile App View (ZOIPER
APP)
Conclusion :

 IP PBX for Business Communication

• Cost-Effective: Reduces operational expenses by combining voice and data networks, enabling
free calls over the internet.
• Scalable & Flexible: Easily adapts to business growth, allowing additional extensions and remote
access without significant infrastructure changes.
• Advanced Features: Includes voicemail-to-email, call forwarding, call recording, conferencing,
and integration with other communication tools, enhancing productivity.
• Enhanced Communication: Supports unified communication, enabling employees to stay
connected remotely and ensuring business continuity.
• Security: Requires robust security measures to protect against cyber threats, including
encryption, firewalls, and secure protocols.

IP PBX offers businesses a powerful, scalable, and cost-effective

solution to enhance communication, improve productivity, and meet the needs of
modern, flexible work environments.
Web References

 https://www.nextiva.com/blog/what-is-hosted-pbx.html
 https://aircall.io/blog/use-case/what-is-pbx/
 https://www.nextiva.com/blog/what-is-cloud-telephony.html
 Thank
You.