SBC Windows installation

[ESP_Paul]

We have a new installation in the planning phase and although we have used SBCs many times before, we have always either installed this as a virtual machine on a server on site, or had a stand alone device to run it (Pi for example). The documentation states

Ensure the 3CX SBC host machine has a static LAN IP, port 5060 (TCP and UDP) open, no active users and is not acting as a server for DNS, DHCP, SQL or any other network-based service(s).

The scenario we are looking at would require us to install the SBC on to a windows PC that has very light use - mainly it is used to printing documents from a database hosted off site (it does not even have office installed on it) and it will be connecting less than 10 phones. What is the reason for "No active users"? Could call quality be impacted by high CPU/RAM use on a normal PC?

 

[leejor]

If you want to try doing something that is not recommended, then you have to accept any consequences that may occur, this may very well include call degradation......or, it may not. The warning is there for a reason. The PC you are installing it on, may not be affected, by using it for printing documents. But be prepared, with a backup plan (another PC), if it does not go well.

 

[cobaltit]

I would imagine you are familiar with this disclaimer, it's pretty standard for any software. They list their requirements, thus defining what is supported, and anything outside of that is not. Will it work, probably. If you have problems, the first thing support will do (short of an obvious or known bug) will tell you to create a compliant environment. This is not new or unique to 3CX.

 

[HRMNY]

What about buying a refurnished Dell Optiplex from eBay? They usually come with a Windows 10 license, and can be bought for under $120.

 

[AWS2P]

Hi Paul,
why not a brand new PI if location has only 10 phones? almost you are 3CX supported and cost for a RPi is so small

 

[Saqqara]

Hi Paul,
why not a brand new PI if location has only 10 phones? almost you are 3CX supported and cost for a RPi is so small

just make sure it is Pi 3b+ and not ver 4

 

[AWS2P]

If it's not for an immediate use , you can wait until V16 SP6 is out and RPi 4 will be supported

 

[ESP_Paul]

Thanks for all the replies. I've got a few PIs for other customers but this one is a bit of a special case as the PC I've installed the SBC on is always turned on anyway AND the sites are quite remote so an additional 20 PIs plus the cost for us to install them would have been too much. Happy to report there have been no issues so far but will update if anything does go wrong!

 

[AWS2P]

I've installed the SBC on is always turned on anyway AND the sites are quite remote so an additional 20 PIs plus the cost for us to install them would have been too much.

I don't understand you need a SBC for one location or 20 ? if only one then cost for a Pi and full install take 15 minutes , this give you a too much price ?

 

[ESP_Paul]

20 locations, each one has between 5 - 10 extensions. The furthest site is a 12 hour round trip and the closest is a 2 hour round trip.

 

[leejor]

Other than your time, it costs nothing more to try STUN at a site, and continue to deploy, until you do run into issues. Most sites may not have any.

I would, however, be prepared, with an SBC or two, on hand, to put in place, if you can't resolve problems otherwise.

Keep in mind, that an SBC keeps all interoffice traffic local, so if there are a lot of interoffice calls, then they don't put a burden on the internet connection, if that is a concern.