I've got a predicament...

[jmh-itsjessnetworks]

Hi there!

My free year of hosting with 3cx is unfortunately coming to an end in a couple of months. This being said, I've decided to migrate my 3cx instance to an on-premises server. Here's where things get messy...

The last time I tried to self-host 3cx it was a nightmare. I couldn't access it via the FQDN or even at one point, the IP. Hosting with 3cx has been solid and great! This time, I am taking an early initiative to learn all I can about setting up 3cx locally on my network.

I currently have 21 Extensions and one SIP trunk with VoIP.ms. I also have a old PC that I no longer use that runs windows 10 pro which I plan on installing 3CX on. I am unsure how to properly setup the configuration for port forwarding etc.

This time, I want to ensure that I don't make any mistakes. Help is greatly appreciated.

 

[leejor]

I am unsure how to properly setup the configuration for port forwarding etc.

https://www.3cx.com/docs/manual/phone-system-installation-windows/

https://www.3cx.com/docs/manual/firewall-router-configuration/
https://www.3cx.com/docs/ports/

What type (make/model) router are you going to be using?

I don't think the the Windows version of 3CX V18 has yet been released.

 

[Evolute IT]

Hi there!

My free year of hosting with 3cx is unfortunately coming to an end in a couple of months. This being said, I've decided to migrate my 3cx instance to an on-premises server. Here's where things get messy...

The last time I tried to self-host 3cx it was a nightmare. I couldn't access it via the FQDN or even at one point, the IP. Hosting with 3cx has been solid and great! This time, I am taking an early initiative to learn all I can about setting up 3cx locally on my network.

I currently have 21 Extensions and one SIP trunk with VoIP.ms. I also have a old PC that I no longer use that runs windows 10 pro which I plan on installing 3CX on. I am unsure how to properly setup the configuration for port forwarding etc.

This time, I want to ensure that I don't make any mistakes. Help is greatly appreciated.

If you want someone to assist you, DM me!

 

[jmh-itsjessnetworks]

https://www.3cx.com/docs/manual/phone-system-installation-windows/

https://www.3cx.com/docs/manual/firewall-router-configuration/
https://www.3cx.com/docs/ports/

What type (make/model) router are you going to be using?

I don't think the the Windows version of 3CX V18 has yet been released.

I’m currently running a TP-Link Deco M4. Although im hoping to upgrade to something better soon.

 

[Lee Cramman]

I'm not trying to be rude but there's more than a hint of the consumer / Heath Robinson with your setup... I do hope it's not 'business critical'.

Your previous problems point to issues around firewall / port forwarding / DNS. 99% of IP telephony is networking and without a solid understanding of how IP works you're going to hit problems so I would start there.

I know it's not what you asked for but have you considered spinning up a VM with GCE (or other provider) to host 3CX and using your spare Windows 10 PC as an SBC instead of a PBX? It would greatly simplify your networking setup. They usually give away a years worth of free hosting or you might even be able to get away with one of their 'always free' instances (although this would be outside of the recommended spec for 3CX).

 

[DSXVOICE]

I'm not trying to be rude but there's more than a hint of the consumer / Heath Robinson with your setup... I do hope it's not 'business critical'.

Your previous problems point to issues around firewall / port forwarding / DNS. 99% of IP telephony is networking and without a solid understanding of how IP works you're going to hit problems so I would start there.

I know it's not what you asked for but have you considered spinning up a VM with GCE (or other provider) to host 3CX and using your spare Windows 10 PC as an SBC instead of a PBX? It would greatly simplify your networking setup. They usually give away a years worth of free hosting or you might even be able to get away with one of their 'always free' instances (although this would be outside of the recommended spec for 3CX).

Lee's advice is solid. The only circumstance where onsite hosting might make sense is where the site has a multi-trunk BGP-managed internet connection. Data centers have multiple routes designed to contend with carrier outages. When your phone system relies on a single internet connection, there will be many reasons why your phone isn't ringing