VoIP Lab Setup

Hello Everyone!

In this blog you will learn how to setup a VoIP server in VMware, using the Trixbox 2.8.0.4 ISO image. Trixbox is one of the most popular Asterisk-based distributions. Trixbox CE includes CentOS Linux, MySQL, and all the tools needed to run a business quality phone system, with a GUI interface for easy configuration and operation. It allows the user to set up a voice over IP phone system and other necessary applications.

What is VoIP: Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), also called IP Telephony, is a method and set of technologies for the delivery of voice communication and multimedia sessions over an internet protocol network.

Let's get started! Download the Trixbox ISO image. Open VMware, click File, then New Virtual Machine, select "I will install the operating system later", then Next. Select the Linux guest operating system and an Ubuntu version, then Next, Next, Finish.

Open virtual machine settings, set CD/DVD to the Trixbox ISO file, and set the network adapter to Bridged connection, then Finish.

Start the guest operating system to boot Trixbox. Select the US keyboard type, select your time zone, and set the root password (entered twice).

Installation will take some time while dependencies install. After completion, log in with username root and the password set during installation.

After login, check the IP address, then open a browser in the VM and enter the IP address to reach the Trixbox interface.

Create user accounts by assigning extension numbers — switch to admin mode (top right corner), using the default credentials username: maint, password: password. Dismiss the registration popup.

In the admin interface, click PBX, then PBX Settings, then Extensions. Create an extension by selecting a Generic SIP Device and clicking Submit. Add a 7-8 digit extension number, a display name, and a secret (password), with dtmfmode set to default (rfc2833), then Submit.

Add a second extension the same way — one for the caller ("Secoceans") and one for the receiver ("Technology"). Apply configuration changes and continue with reload.

Download the Zoiper softphone application for making and receiving calls — one instance on the computer, one on a phone. Configure each with its extension number, server IP, and password (e.g. [email protected], password 123).

With both Zoiper accounts configured, place a call from one extension to the other — the receiving account gets an incoming call, and once answered, both sides are connected over the VoIP call.

This configures a VoIP server on the local network for voice calls, video calls, or chat over VoIP.

Thanks for Reading!