01 / SIP
VoIP and SIP phones
Connect compatible desk phones and softphones to a properly configured PBX.
Community telecommunications
ConnectLink
Community PBX
A community project for people interested in VoIP, SIP phones, self-hosted telephone systems, and the technology that connects them.
Practical telephony. Shared knowledge. Community support.
PBX INFRASTRUCTURE
Call ProcessingExtensions and call handling
READY
SIP EndpointsDesk phones and softphones
CONFIG
Network ServicesLocal network and connectivity
ONLINE*
*Illustrative display only — not a live server monitor.
What we're interested in
Built around real-world telephony
Explore the components that go into a PBX environment. Available features depend on your software, device models, firmware, and configuration.
02 / EXTENSIONS
Extension management
Organize extensions for people, departments, offices, and individual devices.
03 / CALL FLOW
Call routing
Learn about inbound and outbound routes, ring groups, transfers, and forwarding.
04 / VOICEMAIL
Calling features
Explore voicemail, conferences, call queues, and other features your PBX supports.
05 / HARDWARE
Phone compatibility
Compare SIP phones, Cisco devices, analog adapters, and paging equipment.
06 / SELF-HOSTED
Your own infrastructure
Learn how servers, networking, configuration, and security fit together.
About the project
Learn how phone systems work.
ConnectLink Community PBX is for people who want to understand the systems behind everyday phone calls. That might mean configuring a SIP phone, setting up extensions, testing paging equipment, or learning how a self-hosted PBX fits into a network.
The goal is to share practical information, compare equipment, troubleshoot issues, and make telecommunications easier to explore for newcomers and experienced administrators alike.
Community-led, hands-on learning.
Bring your questions, share what you've tested, and help others get their setups working.
Getting started
Three steps to a basic setup
The exact process varies by platform, but most PBX projects start with the same fundamentals.
STEP 01
Prepare your PBX
Choose suitable hardware or a virtual server, install your PBX software, and secure the system.
STEP 02
Configure your phones
Create extensions and register compatible SIP phones or softphones on your network.
STEP 03
Set up call handling
Configure routes, voicemail, ring groups, and the features your environment needs.
Hardware and integrations
Use the equipment that fits your setup.
Device support depends on model, firmware, protocol, and configuration. Not every phone or adapter works with every PBX.
Browse resourcesSIP
SIP desk phonesCompatible IP telephonesIP
Cisco phonesModel and firmware dependentAPP
SoftphonesDesktop and mobile clientsATA
Analog adaptersConnect supported analog devicesFXO
Analog telephone linesSupported gateways and cardsPA
Paging equipmentSpeakers and paging adaptersSIP
SIP trunkingCompatible VoIP providersAPI
IntegrationsSupported software connectionsDocumentation
Resources for your next step
These are the main topics for the community's guides and troubleshooting resources. Add links to individual guides as they become available.
Getting startedPlanning a first PBX setup
InstallationServer and software setup
SIP phone setupRegistration and configuration
Extensions and routesUsers and call handling
Hardware compatibilityModels, firmware, and adapters
Paging and announcementsPaging options and setup
TroubleshootingCommon checks and diagnostics
Frequently asked questionsAnswers to common questions
Connect with the community
Working on a phone system?
Join the Discord to discuss SIP phones, PBX configurations, hardware, paging, troubleshooting, and ideas for future community resources.
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
What is ConnectLink Community PBX?
It's a community-oriented project focused on PBX systems, VoIP, SIP phones, and telecommunications learning.
What does PBX mean?
PBX stands for Private Branch Exchange. It manages calls between internal extensions and, when configured, external telephone networks.
Can I use Cisco IP phones?
Some Cisco phones work with SIP-based PBX systems when they have compatible SIP firmware and are configured correctly. Support varies by model.
Can I host my own PBX?
Many PBX platforms can run on suitable physical or virtual servers. Requirements depend on the software and size of the deployment.
Is ConnectLink an official FreePBX or Asterisk product?
No. ConnectLink is independent. Third-party names and trademarks belong to their respective owners.
Where can I get help?
Join the ConnectLink Discord using any of the invitation links on this page.
Contact
Have a question?
The best way to reach the community right now is through Discord. The form alongside this message is a visual demo and does not send messages.
Contact us on Discord ↗