https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/ Guides, tutorials and industry news on SIP trunking, Asterisk, FreePBX, softphones and business VoIP from IPComms. en-us Thu, 17 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/freepbx-install-guide/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/freepbx-install-guide/Wed, 18 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000Install FreePBX 17 on Debian 12 using the official sng_freepbx_debian_install script. Complete setup from dependencies to SIP trunk config. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/freepbx-sip-trunk-setup/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/freepbx-sip-trunk-setup/Thu, 08 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000Step-by-step FreePBX SIP trunk configuration — PJSIP trunks, IP authentication, inbound/outbound routes. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/free-did-numbers/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/free-did-numbers/Thu, 22 May 2025 12:00:00 +0000IPComms no longer offers free DID numbers. See what Google Voice, TextNow and TextFree really give you, and what a SIP-ready number for $1.50/month adds. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/free-porting-bulk-numbers/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/free-porting-bulk-numbers/Fri, 23 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000Moving 100+ phone numbers to IPComms: volume discounts on the $5 per-number port fee, one project owner, parallel port orders and a zero-downtime cutover. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/best-sip-softphone-windows/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/best-sip-softphone-windows/Sun, 14 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +0000We tested the best Windows SIP softphones: MicroSIP, Linphone, Zoiper and Bria. Compare codecs, cost and features, plus step-by-step setup. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/best-sip-trunk-providers/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/best-sip-trunk-providers/Mon, 09 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +000010 best SIP trunk providers for US businesses in 2026: per-minute rates, channel fees, contracts, support and PBX fit compared, with picks by use case. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/free-sip-trunk-testing/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/free-sip-trunk-testing/Wed, 03 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000Test a SIP trunk before you commit: no trunk fees, $0 per channel, no card required. Verify audio, DTMF and codecs, then pay $0.009/min. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/free-softphone-download/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/free-softphone-download/Tue, 08 Jul 2025 12:00:00 +0000Best SIP softphones of 2026, tested: Zoiper, Linphone, MicroSIP, Groundwire and more. Free downloads by platform, encryption, push, setup on any SIP trunk. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/lumen-sip-trunking-alternative/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/lumen-sip-trunking-alternative/Sat, 05 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000Lumen stopped selling SIP trunking and Voice Complete on Aug 1, 2026. What changes at contract end, how to port numbers. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/sip-softphone-android/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/sip-softphone-android/Fri, 03 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0000The best Android SIP apps compared: push notifications, battery drain, codecs and TLS. Includes step-by-step trunk setup for each app. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/sip-trunking-pricing-guide/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/sip-trunking-pricing-guide/Mon, 09 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000What SIP trunking really costs in 2026: per-channel vs per-minute models, typical rates, hidden fees, and real monthly bills for a 10-line office. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/voip-911-e911-guide/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/voip-911-e911-guide/Sat, 19 Jul 2025 12:00:00 +0000VoIP can call 911 only when E911 is configured. How VoIP 911 works, Kari's Law and RAY BAUM's Act rules, Asterisk/FreePBX/3CX setup, and how to test it. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/asterisk-call-queues/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/asterisk-call-queues/Mon, 05 May 2025 12:00:00 +0000Complete Asterisk queues.conf guide — ring strategies, periodic announcements, hold-time updates, and queue member config with working examples for 2026. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/sip-trunk-capacity-planning/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/sip-trunk-capacity-planning/Sat, 17 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000How many SIP trunks do you need? Concurrent-call sizing with Erlang B tables, bandwidth math, and $0 channel-limit pricing from IPComms. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/sip-trunk-failover/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/sip-trunk-failover/Thu, 15 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000Build SIP trunk failover and redundancy: DNS SRV, multi-provider routing, Asterisk redundancy, geo-redundant PoPs, and disaster recovery patterns. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/sip-trunking-call-centers/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/sip-trunking-call-centers/Mon, 09 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000SIP trunking for call centers: capacity planning, PBX integration, PRI cost savings, toll-free inbound, and STIR/SHAKEN compliance for 2026. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/asterisk-dialplan-tutorial/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/asterisk-dialplan-tutorial/Wed, 18 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000Asterisk dialplan tutorial: extensions.conf syntax, pattern matching, variables, functions, and call routing examples for SIP trunks. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/freepbx-outbound-routes/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/freepbx-outbound-routes/Wed, 18 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000Configure FreePBX outbound routes and dial patterns for SIP trunking: US, international, and 911 emergency call routing with working examples. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/sipnetic-softphone-guide/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/sipnetic-softphone-guide/Tue, 19 Aug 2025 12:00:00 +0000Sipnetic Softphone for Android: SIP account config, push notifications, TLS/SRTP encryption, codecs, and battery tuning. Free Groundwire alternative. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/toll-free-sip-trunking/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/toll-free-sip-trunking/Mon, 09 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000Toll-free SIP trunking guide: how 800/888 numbers work over SIP, origination vs termination, vanity setup, porting, and per-minute pricing. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/asterisk-firewall-sip-ports/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/asterisk-firewall-sip-ports/Wed, 18 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000Configure iptables, UFW & cloud security groups for Asterisk SIP trunks. Full SIP port list (5060, 10000-20000). https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/asterisk-pjsip-configuration/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/asterisk-pjsip-configuration/Wed, 19 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000Asterisk PJSIP tutorial — endpoints, AOR, transports, pjsip reload, WebRTC & DTLS. Working pjsip.conf examples for Asterisk 18, 20, and 21+. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/asterisk-pjsip-trunk-setup/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/asterisk-pjsip-trunk-setup/Wed, 15 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0000Set up an Asterisk PJSIP SIP trunk with working pjsip.conf examples — NAT traversal (external_media_address, local_net). https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/pbx-security-guide/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/pbx-security-guide/Tue, 08 Apr 2025 12:00:00 +0000PBX hacking explained: how attackers break in, profit from toll fraud, and 11 proven ways to detect, block, and secure Asterisk. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/sip-trunking-vs-pri/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/sip-trunking-vs-pri/Fri, 27 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000SIP trunking vs PRI comparison. See why businesses are replacing PRI lines with SIP trunks — 40-60% cost savings, instant scalability. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/teams-direct-routing-guide/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/teams-direct-routing-guide/Fri, 27 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000Complete guide to Microsoft Teams Direct Routing with IPComms SIP trunking. Setup steps, SBC configuration, pricing comparison vs Microsoft Calling Plans. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/what-is-sip-trunking/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/what-is-sip-trunking/Fri, 27 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000Learn what SIP trunking is, how it works, and why businesses are replacing traditional phone lines with SIP trunks. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/sip-tls-srtp-guide/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/sip-tls-srtp-guide/Thu, 19 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000Learn how SIP TLS and SRTP encrypt voice calls. Covers HIPAA/PCI-DSS compliance, Asterisk PJSIP configuration, and step-by-step testing. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/freepbx-troubleshooting-guide/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/freepbx-troubleshooting-guide/Wed, 11 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000Fix FreePBX registration failures and one-way audio — step-by-step NAT, firewall, SIP & RTP solutions. Free SIP trunks from IPComms, only pay for usage. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/vanity-toll-free-numbers/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/vanity-toll-free-numbers/Fri, 09 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000How to get a vanity toll-free number for your business in 2026. Search for available 800, 888, 877 numbers, pricing from $2/mo, setup guide. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/asterisk-ivr-auto-attendant/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/asterisk-ivr-auto-attendant/Wed, 21 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000Complete guide to asterisk IVR setup including auto attendant configuration, menu systems, business hours routing, and SIP trunk integration. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/sip-trunking-benefits/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/sip-trunking-benefits/Wed, 21 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000Discover the top benefits of SIP trunking over PRI and POTS. Cost savings, scalability, HD voice, disaster recovery, and more. Complete comparison guide. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/asterisk-voicemail-setup/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/asterisk-voicemail-setup/Mon, 19 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000Complete guide to Asterisk voicemail configuration with SIP trunking. Set up voicemail to email, MWI, custom greetings. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/3cx-sip-trunk-setup/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/3cx-sip-trunk-setup/Mon, 12 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000Step-by-step guide to configuring a SIP trunk in 3CX. Set up IP authentication, outbound rules, inbound routing. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/free-softphones-sip/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/free-softphones-sip/Sat, 03 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000Free SIP client apps tested with Asterisk and FreePBX. Linphone, MicroSIP, and Zoiper compared with config examples for Linux, Windows. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/asterisk-security-hardening/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/asterisk-security-hardening/Sat, 20 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000Essential security hardening for Asterisk PBX systems. Prevent toll fraud, brute force attacks, and unauthorized access with these proven configuration. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/what-is-asterisk/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/what-is-asterisk/Fri, 05 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000Learn what Asterisk PBX is and how it works. Complete guide to open source VoIP, FreePBX comparison, features, hardware requirements, and getting started. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/toll-free-porting-guide/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/toll-free-porting-guide/Thu, 27 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000Complete guide to porting toll-free numbers (800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844) to a SIP trunk. RespOrg transfers, timelines. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/voip-phone-buying-guide/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/voip-phone-buying-guide/Sat, 22 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000Complete VoIP phone buying guide. Compare Yealink, Polycom, Cisco and Grandstream desk phones by features, price and SIP compatibility. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/local-phone-numbers-asterisk/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/local-phone-numbers-asterisk/Tue, 18 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000How to get local phone numbers (DIDs) for your Asterisk PBX. Choose area codes, configure inbound routing, and set up multiple numbers on a single SIP. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/port-phone-number-sip-trunk/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/port-phone-number-sip-trunk/Wed, 05 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000Step-by-step guide to porting your existing phone number to a SIP trunk provider. Learn about LOAs, porting timelines, and how to avoid common mistakes. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/best-sip-trunk-provider-asterisk/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/best-sip-trunk-provider-asterisk/Tue, 28 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0000Compare top SIP trunk providers for Asterisk and FreePBX in 2026: per-minute rates, channel fees, PJSIP support and how to trial each one. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/fusionpbx-setup-guide/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/fusionpbx-setup-guide/Tue, 14 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0000Complete FusionPBX SIP trunk configuration guide. Connect IPComms to FreeSWITCH-based FusionPBX with step-by-step gateway, dialplan, and route setup. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/3cx-sip-trunk-configuration/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/3cx-sip-trunk-configuration/Fri, 03 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0000Step-by-step guide to configuring a SIP trunk in 3CX Phone System with IPComms. Set up inbound/outbound routes, codec settings, and test your connection. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/voip-network-requirements/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/voip-network-requirements/Sun, 28 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +0000Learn the network requirements for quality VoIP calls. Covers bandwidth calculations, QoS configuration, jitter and latency targets. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/one-way-audio-fix/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/one-way-audio-fix/Wed, 03 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +0000Fix one-way audio in VoIP calls. Learn causes (NAT, firewall, SIP ALG) and solutions for Asterisk, FreePBX, and SIP softphones. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/unlimited-sip-trunk/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/unlimited-sip-trunk/Thu, 28 Aug 2025 12:00:00 +0000Compare unlimited vs metered SIP trunking plans. Learn about hidden costs, fair use policies, and when each pricing model makes sense for your business. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/sip-trunk-security-best-practices/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/sip-trunk-security-best-practices/Thu, 14 Aug 2025 12:00:00 +0000Learn essential SIP trunk security best practices including encryption, access control, monitoring, and fraud prevention to protect your enterprise VoIP. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/sip-trunking-small-business/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/sip-trunking-small-business/Fri, 11 Jul 2025 12:00:00 +0000Learn why small businesses are switching to SIP trunking. Compare costs with traditional phone lines, explore features. https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/voicemail-asterisk-setup/https://www.ipcomms.net/blog/voicemail-asterisk-setup/Sun, 22 Jun 2025 12:00:00 +0000Complete guide to setting up voicemail on Asterisk PBX. Configure voicemail.conf, enable email notifications, set up visual voicemail.