Basic FreePBX (Asterisk) Operations

Updated 4 months ago by Shaun Dolan

Scope

Here are some basic operations of your Asterisk (FreePBX) server.

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.

Shutdown

If removing power is required, your FreePBX server should always be shutdown gracefully using the following method:

  1. Open a terminal window.
  2. At the command prompt type:  shutdown -h now
  3. The server will halt and power off. The power LED on the front of the unit will do dark when the shutdown is finished.

Restarting

Your FreePBX (Asterisk) server is regarded as highly stable. In our experience, restarting the server is almost never beneficial when attempting to resolve an issue. It is best to find the root problem, which is rarely the FreePBX server or software itself.

If you do need to restart the FreePBX server, use the following method:

  1. Open a terminal window.
  2. At the command prompt type:  shutdown -r now
  3. The server will restart. This will take 5-7 minutes.

Boot up

To start the server while it is powered down, press the power button on the front of the server. It may be behind a door.

Once fully booted (5-7 minutes), you will be presented with a login prompt.

The server will function completely (process calls) even if you do not log in with the below steps. The server does not require any manual intervention for normal operation once booted.

Accessing the desktop

  1. If you are being presented with a login prompt, enter the username and password provided after comissioning.
  2. Enter command startx. The desktop will load.

Using TeamViewer

During comissioning, if allowed by the customer, a Telos engineer will typically set up TeamViewer unattended operation. If the server is rebooted, this TeamViewer access may not be possible until the following steps are taken. Follow these steps to reallow a Telos support engineer access to your server for remote assistance.

  1. Follow the Accessing the Desktop steps above if desktop is not currently displayed.
  2. Using the menu bar at the top of the screen, navigate to Applications > Internet. Click TeamViewer.
  3. If you are presented with a windows telling you the Teamviewer daemon is not started, press OK and go to step a. Otherwise, go to step 4.
    1. Open a terminal window.
    2. Type command teamviewer --daemon start (note there are two dashes, and the spelling of daemon).
    3. Press enter. You should be presented with the message teamviewerd start/running. If you receive an error, check the spelling and case of the above command.
    4. Repeat step 2.
  4. Send the displayed ID and password to the Telos support engineer.

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