Licence key on multiple 3CX install

[Ludovic]

Hi there,

I want to upgrade my 3CX to a newer version (from 14 to 15).

I did a backup (including the licence) and I want to perform a test : create a new VM for the new installation and then restore the backup here.

So I"ll have the V14 still running with my new version of 3CX, I wonder what will happen for the licence (because I'll have the same licence on both install) and how the SIP Provider will work ?

Cheers!

 

[JohnS_3CX]

Hi Ludovic,

Firstly, you should be aware that you need V15.5.15502.6 to be able to activate and your key must include active maintenance before you can proceed (you can check this in the customer portal).

Once the above is confirmed, you will be able to use your backup to restore it on 15.5 SP6. Your setup should continue to work with the old V14 meanwhile, since your own FQDN and DNS will still resolve to the old PBX. It might be best to run V15.5 isolated though to avoid any possible issues (give it internet access, but isolate it from your LAN). Remember to disable your trunks in 15.5 so that your external lines will still run in V14 uninterrupted.

Note: It's not a good idea to use your key on two servers at the same time, they might get blacklisted and cause you to lose your activation. You can create a free account and get an evaluation key if you wish to evaluate the PBX and run it separately with its own 3CX-hosted FQDN.

 

[Ludovic]

Hi JohnS, thank's for the reply.

since your own FQDN and DNS will still resolve to the old PBX

I forgot to say that both of my VMs are installed on the cloud (from 2 differents hosts, so two differents FQDN and DNS), and they are currently working at the same time.

My goal is to change the host provider for each customers using 3CX we have.

I'm looking for the shortest interruption possible during the transition phase, so that why I'm testing with a new VM including the backup of my V14.

 

[JohnS_3CX]

Hi Ludovic,

There's a few factors to consider here. Some of those are:

• how will the phones be provisioned again once you move to a new host and the IP changes
• what network setup you will use i.e is there a VPN between phones and server Is there a SBC? Do you use STUN?
• do your keys allow you to go to V15.5SP6
• do you have access to the firewalls on both ends to open/modify the necessary ports

The easiest way to do this is to backup the existing system and restore it on the cloud VM and once done restore your backup. Make sure that your on premise installation is turned off to avoid licencing and DNS issues.

Your configuration will be transferred but you will need to re-provision the remote phones.
If you have a spare trunk and PBX you can afford to take offline for a while, use that one for testing and build your checklist.

Also check to see if your phones are in the supported devices and if they have any limitations that might affect you when moving to a different setup.

https://www.3cx.com/sip-phones/