NethVoice Administrator Manual

What is NethVoice?

NethVoice is a comprehensive, unified communications platform built on open-source technologies. It integrates voice, video, and mobile capabilities into a single, powerful PBX system that organizations of any size can deploy and manage.

Unlike traditional proprietary PBX systems, NethVoice combines the flexibility of FreePBX/Asterisk with modern web-based interfaces, WebRTC technology, and advanced provisioning capabilities to deliver enterprise-grade communications.

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This documentation covers the complete installation, configuration, and management of NethVoice on NethServer 8. Whether you're deploying your first system or managing multiple instances, you'll find comprehensive guides for every aspect of NethVoice.

Quick Navigation

Get started quickly by jumping to the most important sections:

• Installation Guide - Complete setup instructions from NethServer prerequisites to NethVoice deployment
• Configuration - CTI, extensions, and user administration
• Phone Provisioning - Automated phone device management and provisioning
• Advanced Resources - System configuration and advanced topics

Core Components

NethVoice is built on seven main open-source components:

Component	Purpose	Link
FreePBX	Web-based GUI for Asterisk management and call routing	freepbx.org
Asterisk	VoIP server and core telecommunications engine	asterisk.org
NethVoice CTI Server	APIs and WebSocket events for switchboard operations	GitHub
NethVoice CTI Client	Web application for call management and operator stations	GitHub
NethVoice Report	CDR and queue analytics and reporting	GitHub
Janus	WebRTC gateway for video and web communications	janus.conf.meetecho.com
Tancredi	Intelligent phone provisioning engine	GitHub

Additional services include MariaDB for data storage and Let's Encrypt for SSL certificate automation.

Key Features Overview

Communication & Routing

• FreePBX & Asterisk Integration: Web-based GUI for managing complete telephony services
• Inbound/Outbound Routing: Visual call flow editor with customizable route priorities
• Trunk Management: Configure physical gateways and VoIP trunks (SIP, PJSIP)
• User and Extension Management: Associate users with extensions with granular control
• Click-to-Call: Initiate calls from web or desktop clients with NethLink integration

Device Management & Provisioning

• Automated Phone Provisioning: Tancredi provisioning engine for supported phone models
• Supported Devices: Compatibility with NethPhone, Fanvil, Yealink, Snom, Gigaset, Grandstream, Patton and more
• Multiple Provisioning Methods: RPS, DHCP, and manual provisioning URLs
• Device Association: Link up multiple devices per user (web phone, mobile app, physical phones)
• Firmware Management: Upload and distribute firmware updates to phones
• Gateway Provisioning: Automated and manual configuration for supported gateways
• Provisioning Parameters: Configure soft keys, line keys, expansion keys, screen/ringtone settings, LDAP phonebook

User Management & Permissions

• Group and Profile Management: Create user groups with granular permission profiles
• Permissions System: Fine-grained control over telephony features, address book, CDR, customer cards, presence, queues
• Operator Stations: Configure dedicated switchboard operator environments
• User Domains: Support for LDAP or Active Directory integration for centralized user management

Communication Tools & Interfaces

• CTI Server and Client: APIs and web applications for switchboard operations
• WebRTC Support: Integration with Janus for video and web communications
• Dashboard: Real-time overview of users, devices, trunks, and system status
• Reporting System: Call Detail Records (CDR) and queue analytics

Advanced Features

• Multi-instance Support: Install multiple NethVoice instances on the same NethServer node
• Applications Framework: Create and manage customer cards, address book sources, and parameterized URLs
• External Address Book Integration: Import contacts from MySQL, CSV, or custom scripts
• Parameterized URLs: Trigger custom URLs on call events with dynamic parameters
• Let's Encrypt Integration: Automated SSL certificate management

Getting Started

Prerequisites

Before deploying NethVoice, ensure you have:

• ✅ System Resources: Minimum 2 vCPU, 2GB RAM, 40GB storage per instance
• ✅ Network Requirements: Static IP, DNS configured, internet connectivity
• ✅ NethServer 8: Fully installed and configured (see Installation Guide)
• ✅ User Domain: Created for users and authentication (see User Domains in NethServer Installation)
• ✅ NethVoice Proxy: Installed and configured with proper FQDN and DNS records (required for any NethVoice deployment)

Deployment Steps

1. Review System Requirements - Ensure your infrastructure meets requirements
2. Install NethServer 8 - Deploy the base infrastructure platform
3. Create User Domain - Set up LDAP for users and authentication
4. Install & Configure NethVoice Proxy - Deploy the external VoIP gateway (REQUIRED before NethVoice)
5. Deploy NethVoice - Install NethVoice module(s) on top of the proxy
6. Configure Your System:
   • Provision Phones - Deploy and configure telephone devices
   • Manage Extensions - Create extensions and assign to users
7. Advanced Configuration - Configure trunks, gateways, routing, and advanced features

Key Documentation Sections

Section	Purpose	Learn About
Installation	System setup and deployment	NethServer, NethVoice installation, prerequisites
Provisioning	Phone device management	Supported devices, provisioning methods, configuration
Administrator Manual	System administration	Users, extensions, trunks, gateways, routing
User Manual	End-user features	CTI client, NethCTI, NethLink, calling features

Multi-Instance Deployments

You can install multiple NethVoice instances on the same NethServer 8 node from the Software Center. Each instance requires separate configuration and runs independently. This is useful for multi-tenant deployments or separate business units.

Prerequisites

The NethVoice module requires that the NethVoice proxy be already installed, configured, and running on the system.

Why? NethVoice Proxy:

• Manages all external VoIP traffic from the internet
• Handles SIP/RTP traffic routing and delegation
• Enables external access even with a single NethVoice instance
• Routes traffic between multiple NethVoice installations on the same node

If you haven't set up the proxy yet, refer to the NethVoice Proxy documentation before installing NethVoice.

Subscription

NethVoice requires a NethServer subscription to unlock its full capabilities.

NethServer Subscription

For detailed information about subscription plans, registration, and management, refer to the NethServer Subscription documentation.

Supported Subscription Plan

Only the Enterprise subscription is supported in NethVoice. The Enterprise plan provides:

• Scheduled security and feature updates
• Remote support access
• Cluster monitoring and alerting
• Access to all NethVoice modules and features

Contact info@nethesis.it for Enterprise subscription details.

Limitations Without Subscription

If you deploy NethVoice without an active subscription, the following restrictions apply:

• Maximum 8 extensions — Limited to 8 user extensions in the system
• No phone provisioning — Tancredi provisioning engine is unavailable; phones can be provisioned only via DHCP so it will work only if the phones and the PBX are in the same local network (no cloud provisioning)
• No mobile app access — The NethVoice mobile application is not available
• Community support only — No access to remote support or priority assistance

To unlock these features and scale beyond 8 extensions, activate an Enterprise subscription.

Support & Additional Resources

• Official Documentation: Full technical reference and advanced configuration guides
• Community Support: Join the NethVoice community for questions and discussions
• Professional Services: Reach out to Nethesis for enterprise deployments and support
• Provisioning Guide: Detailed information on supported phones and gateways in the Provisioning section

About Nethesis

Nethesis is the company behind NethVoice development. It's a leading Italian producer of open-source business solutions for SMBs (small and medium-sized businesses). Founded on the principle that open-source software is the ideal foundation for secure, innovative, and cost-effective enterprise systems, Nethesis delivers modular, user-friendly, and reliable ICT solutions with support and services entirely in Italian.

With over thousands active installations and a network of hundreds partners across Italy and abroad, Nethesis is committed to:

• Open Source Innovation: Building on proven, transparent, community-driven technologies that ensure security and flexibility
• User-Centric Design: Simplifying complex technologies with intuitive web interfaces for experts and non-experts alike
• Local Support: Providing technical and commercial support, with development and infrastructure based in Italy
• Long-term Partnerships: Prioritizing relationships over transactions, working closely with partners, customers, and the community

Nethesis Product Suite

Nethesis offers a comprehensive suite of modular, independent ICT solutions that address the core needs of modern businesses:

• NethVoice — Open and versatile VoIP PBX for unified communications. Integrate voice, video, mobile, and business systems with features like web phone, mobile app, call center capabilities, and intelligent phone provisioning. It runs on NethServer.

• NethService — Collaboration suite for your private cloud. Centralize email, calendars, contacts, documents, and chat with built-in Active Directory and corporate cloud services. It runs on NethServer.

• NethSecurity — Enterprise firewall for SMBs. Protect your network and ensure fast, safe access to cloud services with threat intelligence, quality of service, VPN, and cloud filtering. UTM firewall based on OpenWRT.

• NethSpot — Public WiFi hotspot management. Improve guest experience with proximity marketing, social login, centralized WiFi management, and bandwidth controls.

All solutions are deployment-agnostic: install on certified appliances, virtual machines, private clouds, or compatible hardware. For more information, visit www.nethesis.it or contact marketing@nethesis.it.