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VoiceBox Appliances

VoiceBox appliances are pre-configured hardware devices with NethVoice and NethVoice Proxy already installed and ready to deploy. They combine proven open-source PBX software with reliable enterprise-grade hardware, providing a complete out-of-the-box solution for organizations.

Overview​

VoiceBox appliances include:

  • Pre-installed applications: NethVoice Proxy and NethVoice
  • NethServer 8 base platform: Professional infrastructure management
  • Rack-mountable design: Optional accessory for standard infrastructure integration
  • Quick deployment: Ready to use after basic network configuration

Physical specifications:

  • Form factor: Designed for standard data center deployments
  • Rack mounting: Optional accessory available for standard rack installation
  • Display & keyboard: Supported for local configuration if SSH is unavailable
info

Different VoiceBox models are available through NethShop. Please refer to NethShop for current models and specifications.

Default configuration​

Network Interfaces​

  • Port 1 (Primary): Default management and data interface
  • Default IP: 192.168.1.1/24
  • Multiple network interfaces for flexibility and redundancy

Default Access​

ParameterValue
Default IP Address192.168.1.1/24
Admin URLhttps://192.168.1.1/cluster-admin
Usernameroot
PasswordNethesis,1234
SSH Port22
Change Default Credentials

Change the default password immediately after first login. This is a security requirement.

Initial Network Configuration​

Step 1: Connect the Appliance​

  1. Connect the appliance to your network using Port 1 (primary interface)
  2. Ensure the device has internet access and can resolve DNS names
  3. The appliance will be reachable at default IP: 192.168.1.1

Step 2: Configure Network Settings​

Access the appliance using one of these methods:

Connect via SSH on port 22 and use the nmtui utility:

ssh root@192.168.1.1
nmtui

Configure:

  • IP address and gateway
  • DNS servers
  • Node name (FQDN - must be DNS-resolvable)

Method B: Direct Console​

If SSH is unavailable:

  1. Connect a monitor and keyboard to the appliance
  2. Log in with default credentials
  3. Use nmtui to configure network settings
  4. After configuration, the appliance will be accessible via SSH and web interface

Step 3: Apply Network Changes​

After modifying network settings with nmtui, restart the NetworkManager service:

systemctl restart NetworkManager
Critical Network Requirements

The appliance must be:

  • Correctly configured on your network
  • Able to access the internet
  • Able to resolve DNS names

These are prerequisites for certificate generation, clustering, and all NethVoice functions.

First Steps​

After successful network configuration, follow these steps to bring the appliance into production:

1. Set Node Name​

Ensure the appliance hostname is properly set and resolvable via DNS. This is critical for:

  • Certificate generation
  • Clustering
  • NethVoice Proxy and NethVoice virtual hosts
  • Overall system functionality

2. Register NS8 Instance​

Register the NethServer 8 instance in the service center:

  • Access the web interface: https://[appliance-ip]/cluster-admin
  • Navigate to Settings → Subscription
  • Complete the registration process
User Database

The appliance comes pre-configured with an internal LDAP user database. To use an existing user database instead, see User Domains Configuration in NethServer.

3. Enable Let's Encrypt Certificates​

Activate automatic HTTPS certificates:

  • In the admin interface, go to Certificates
  • Enable Let's Encrypt for automatic certificate provisioning
  • Ensure DNS is correctly configured

4. Configure NethVoice and the Proxy​

Follow NethVoice Configuration to complete the setup.

5. Configure Backup​

Set up automated backup strategy:

  • Configure backup destination (local, remote, or cloud)
  • Set backup frequency and retention policies
  • Test backup and restore procedures

Reinstallation / Reset​

If you need to reinstall NethVoice on a VoiceBox appliance (from previous versions), a bootable ISO image based on Rocky Linux is available for download.

Data Loss Warning

The ISO installation will completely erase all data on the appliance. Ensure you have backed up any critical configuration before proceeding.

  1. Download ISO Image

  2. Create Bootable USB

    • Write the ISO image to a USB flash drive
    • On Linux: dd if=nethvoice-8.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M
    • On macOS: diskutil unmountDisk /dev/diskX && sudo dd if=nethvoice-8.iso of=/dev/rdiskX bs=4M
    • On Windows: Use Etcher, Rufus, or similar tool

  3. Boot from USB

    • Insert the USB drive into the VoiceBox
    • Power on or restart the appliance
    • Boot from USB (check BIOS/UEFI settings if needed)

  4. Automatic Installation

    • Select NethServer 8 (Rocky Linux) entry, if the entry is not available, access the BIOS/UEFI boot menu to select an alternative boot device
    • The installation process is completely automatic
    • No user intervention required
    • The system will power off when installation is complete

  5. After Installation

    • Power on the appliance
    • Make sure the appliance can still access Internet
    • The appliance restarts and installs NethServer along with NethVoice

Troubleshooting​

Cannot Access Web Interface​

Problem: Unable to reach https://192.168.1.1/cluster-admin

Solutions:

  1. Verify the appliance is powered on and connected to the network
  2. Confirm your network can reach 192.168.1.1 (may need to configure your PC in the same subnet temporarily)
  3. Check network cable connection to Port 1
  4. Verify firewall rules allow HTTPS (port 443)
  5. Try SSH access: ssh root@192.168.1.1 to verify network connectivity

SSH Access Unavailable​

Problem: Cannot connect via SSH to configure network

Solutions:

  1. Connect monitor and keyboard directly to the appliance
  2. Use nmtui from the local console to configure network settings
  3. After configuration, restart NetworkManager: systemctl restart NetworkManager
  4. Try SSH access from your client

DNS Resolution Issues​

Problem: Appliance cannot resolve DNS names

Solutions:

  1. Connect via SSH or console
  2. Use nmtui to verify DNS servers are configured
  3. Test DNS from the appliance: nslookup google.com
  4. Ensure DNS servers are external (not configured as 192.168.1.1)
  5. Verify firewall allows DNS traffic (port 53 UDP/TCP)

Certificate Generation Fails​

Problem: Let's Encrypt certificate activation fails

Likely causes:

  • DNS is not correctly configured or not resolving the FQDN
  • Firewall is blocking outbound HTTPS (port 443) to Let's Encrypt services
  • Node name is not resolvable via DNS

Solutions:

  1. Verify DNS is working: nslookup [appliance-fqdn]
  2. Ensure node name is set correctly and resolvable
  3. Check outbound internet connectivity
  4. Review system logs for certificate errors

Support​

For technical support and issues:

NethVoice 8.0