Setting up a VX Talkshow System (General)

Scope

This guide is intended to provide only a high-level overview of the general steps involved in setting up a VX Enterprise or Prime + Voice over IP talkshow system and associated equipment.

Any information provided here regarding "Asterisk" or "FreePBX" servers refers only to Telos-commissioned FreePBX (Asterisk) servers used with Telos Alliance telephony products. While these are third-party servers and software, we are able to provide limited pointers and advice (like this article) under normal support.

We are also happy to provide advanced, dedicated support and training on a VX and FreePBX system through various paid TelosCare Service Level Agreement options, or a la carte via our Dedicated Remote and Onsite Support service. Please use the Contact Us link above for more information on these options. We can guide you through this entire process.

Choose and Configure an AoIP Switch

We have standardized on Cisco switches because their reliability, feature sets and performance are some of the best we've found. They also offer a wide range of switches at all price points to meet individual users' needs. We have created a number of configuration guides for the Cisco switches we have tested and approved.

That is not to say that other switches will not work; however, we are unable to assist you with the setup or troubleshooting of other switches if you encounter problems. We suggest that you use an approved switch unless you are confident in switch configuration or have an IT department that is fully comfortable taking on this responsibility.

For more general information on the switch features that Livewire leverages, please see our document that will help you evaluate switches for Livewire.

Configure the VX

Once your network is ready, you can connect your VX and configure SIP settings, Shows, Studios, and other important items. This process is covered comprehensively in the VX User Manual and in some other places on our knowledge base website:

Configure Ancillary Equipment

The VX may be used with xNodes, Axia consoles, or other AES67-compatible equipment for audio transport.

Control of the system is accomplished with VSets, "drop-in" console controllers, Axia console phone modules, and/or call screening software.

Configure and Connect to a PBX

The VX talkshow system is not a PBX itself and is thus designed to connect via extension registration (not trunking) to a Private Branch Exchange (PBX) of some kind. This PBX may be:

  • an existing VoIP business phone system
  • an existing VoIP hosted phone system "in the cloud"
  • a new VoIP Asterisk system recommended and commissioned by a Telos Alliance support engineer

If a new Asterisk system is commissioned by the Telos Alliance through our Dedicated Onsite Support service, we will configure the Asterisk PBX and can help in a number of areas:

  • determine and configure IP addresses for various interfaces
  • set up static routes
  • determine if any NAT or firewall changes are needed
  • determine VoIP interoperability requirements and set up connectivity to providers, which may be any combination of the following:
    • SIP trunk to local provider, delivered:
      • on a dedicated, high QOS circuit
      • "over the top" of an existing internet circuit
    • SIP trunk to existing business phone system
    • PRI to existing legacy business phone system
    • POTS circuits from local provider
    • PRI circuits from local provider
  • complete circuit activation ("turn up") and testing with providers or other vendors
  • configure inbound and outbound routes
  • script custom choke behavior as needed for public-facing DIDs
  • write other custom call handling scripts as needed
  • coordinate provider-level circuit failover behavior
  • configure backup Asterisk server and test failover
  • assist during DID port/cutover to on-air use

Conclusion

As one can see, while the VX is the heart of your talk show system, it leverages a number of other pieces of equipment to operate. We recognize that this modern VoIP talkshow system is not a "one box" solution, unlike many previous Telos hybrids. While the modularity and interoperability of the system bring many advantages, we understand that it may seem intimidating to even the most seasoned engineers and technology managers at first glance. Telos Support is happy to assist you with any questions you may have.

More dedicated design, configuration, and coordination help is available via various paid TelosCare Service Level Agreement options, or our Dedicated Remote and Onsite Support services, which many engineers choose to use on their VX system installations.

Please use the Contact Us link above for more information on any of these options.

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