How to Enable VNC on your FreePBX (Asterisk) Server

Scope

Enabling VNC remote access on your FreePBX (Asterisk) server using the xWindow desktop environment.

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.

The screenshots and menu structure described in this article reflect CentOS 6. Earlier or later versions may not look identical, although the general concepts still apply.

Procedure

This assumes you have access to the desktop environment of your server. If not, please follow the instructions on this page to access the desktop first.

  1. Go to System > Preferences > Remote Desktop.
  2. Check Allow other users to control your desktop.
    Uncheck You must confirm each access to this machine.
    Check Require user to enter this password.
    Type telos722 into this field.
    As you begin to type this password, you may be presented with a prompt to set a keychain password as well. Set this keychain password to telos7225, then click OK. When you return to the Remote Desktop settings page, be sure to backspace the field fully before attempting to reenter the Remote Desktop password telos722 into the field.
    VNC passwords can only be up to 8 characters, so telos722 is not a typo.
    Click Close.

Conclusion

You have enabled VNC on your FreePBX (Asterisk) server. It can now be accessed by connecting to any network interface on your server using password telos722.

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If you have further questions on this topic or have ideas about how we can improve this document, please contact us.

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