On Wed, 2007-03-28 at 23:13 -0700, Chriswlan2 wrote: > I'm not a programmer, have never touched a server, don't know linux, but > years ago I could slowly find my way around the DOS command line -with some > book help! I'm sure I'm heading for some looong hours! Lol... But all my > computer+Internet knowledge is self-taught, so there is hope.
You've got a long way to go. You need to get comfortable with the Linux
command line, editing files, installing programs, debugging skills, etc.
Some of what I'm going to suggest requires work like that.
> My immediate needs for the next year are only:
> =experimenting, no production requirement yet; just very low usage.
> =International fax to/from email, an immediate must. Not easy
> apparently...
It's easy with Hylafax. There is no GUI or TUI interface to manage
Hylafax though, it's configured by editing text files and managed using
the command-line. As installed there are only a few minor tweaks to get
it to send fax by email (one file) but then you need to configure
Sendmail to send email (another few files, and commands, and knowledge
of your network is needed).
Fax to mail is also pretty easy but I haven't done it in a while. The
most complicated part is setting up your email to send through the
Hylafax server.
If you want to use Hylafax with a Asterisk channel, you'll need
iaxmodem, and ye more instruction.
> =international DIDs and terminations, for a handful of intermittent users.
Requires a certain understanding of how VoIP works. Coupled with Trixbox
this alone can be setup via a GUI.
> =can't have a physical server here, so I'll need one somewhere where I'll
> never see it...
Lots of places do that including us. We also can provide the consulting
if needed.
> =need low traffic email server, BUT with fancy features like SSL encryption
> and ETRN.
There are howtos on configuring this, but email can quickly get
complicated because of one's specific requirements that a blending of
howtos is required. This often requires more advanced experience.
> In a year or so I could use more production-like quality, even if not at the
> corporate level of quality. I am also slowly moving into semi-retirement in
> a Central Pacific Developing country; where I'd want a "slaved" *box (for a
> micro call shop with A2Billing), connected via the local lo-grade internet
> to my North America main *server; their internet speed is ok for voip but
> not for GB transfers. I'll also start playing with e-commerce and
> etc...
Oops, should have read ahead.
> Now for the questions (those I can think of imagining!)
>
> 1=This list seems to be using the word "colo", while my 'net research takes
> me to VPSs: which would I need? Is there mostly 2 kinds of hosting: the
> consumer's grade with an inflexible package of apps, and then the ones where
> one can install anything and everything?
Colo originally meant putting your server in someone else's data centre.
Now it means rented servers or rented virtualized servers. You're
running in their data centre and can take advantage of their
infrastructure. This can be handy since they usually have lots of
bandwidth, backup power, security and multiple Internet connections at
the ready.
You quality of hands-on service will vary but I bet most will know how
to reboot your system and perform general sysadmin tasks. Don't expect
any to help with Asterisk configuration.
> 2=Can I start with the $6.95, one-size-fits-all deal at bluehost.com? VPSs
> seem to be more like $60 a month;
I don't know bluehost, but at $6.95 my guess is that all you get is a
web site.
For the type of colo that you want (i.e. to run Asterisk and Hylafax)
you need your own server or virtualized server. You will have to worry
about a virtualized server since Asterisk's computing needs are
different from a web server.
> 3=I really don't have a clue how one "remote controls" a server!!!! Am I
> supposed to ship a CD to the Data Center tech for them to install? There is
> no way I could ftp a Gig from the Pacific!!! How do I do back ups? Get 2
> cheap hosting deals and ftp, -direct-, fm one to the other?
> I don't even know if I can 100% control a server remotely over a not so fast
> internet link? Don't even know if I can order my server to fetch some new
> piece of software, direct, on its own?
I don't have much experience in this (I've always hosted my own) but the
general idea is that the cheap providers will prepare the system with
one of their stock images. If you want the niche providers may do
something custom like install a special image or accept your own server.
For backup only get your configuration files and data files. This can
reduce the data. There are also on-line backup services that won't touch
your South Pacific bandwidth.
> 4=If I crash my server OS, what do I do? Hop on a plane???
You call and have a local tech do the work. Ask ahead about hourly
rates, response time and skill sets. You probably won't be impressed.
> 5=When looking for a host server what details should I pay attention to? Is
> it ever possible to order particular hardware, like a fxo??? A second
> harddrive? What else? Is QoS an issue when * is the intended use? If I have
> a server with "shell" or "root" (pseudo root, etc, whatever the
> differences!?), am I allowed to remotely add ANY software I want to run?
> What about static IP?
> So: I have sole control over all of my server ports?
This will vary. You've identified the $6.95 account that allows nothing
of what you want. Forget "web hosting". To do this you need to buy or
rent a server and arrange special pricing for your phone line.
I expect that all hosting (web or colo) will provide static IPs, it's a
basic need.
You may want to see if there is someone providing hosted PBX services.
These exist but may be pricey. You probably could outsource all your
needs to them. Try posting on biz.
> 6=Would the nerd-vittle pre-packaged deal be a good way to start, getting
> something to work quickly? Then I can start experimenting/demolishing it!
> (ie learning...). And later can I download Asterisk and compile etc on the
> server itself, without ftp's from my own location?
The what? If you want to learn how it works by all means get a system
and play around. Use the free VMWare Server to run Trixbox on your
existing PC. You can even download a VMWare Trixbox image already
installed and ready to configure.
> 7=Where does the firewall requirement fit?
If you have any system connected to the Internet make sure there is a
firewall in front of it. It's just basic security. SIP has some problems
with firewalls. Firewall's haven't yet caught up with SIP and can often
prevent it from working. It's one if the most common newbie issues.
> 8=I've read that *, doing DSP, requires no interfering with its timing: can
> one run other apps on the same server, or should one splurge for separate
> server $$$?
Depends on your usage. You need the memory and CPU time to do the work.
Trixbox installed lots of other software on the system including Apache,
sendmail and sugarCRM. In small environments this won't be a problem. If
you're running 100s of SIP connections through a system you'd want a
dedicated system anyway. Asterisk can also be setup where there isn't
any (or much) transcoding needed. If you get ulaw encoded audio from
your VoIP terminator and your phones also use that then there isn't much
transcoding going on, except for voice mail and conference calls.
> 9=Is there any special requirements/considerations that could help me deal
> better with the extremely long latency I won't be able to avoid?
I don't know this one well but I think a bigger problem is inconsistent
latency. If the latency changes during a call expect echo and other
audio problems.
--
John Van Ostrand Net Direct Inc.
CTO, co-CEO 564 Weber St. N. Unit 12
Waterloo, ON N2L 5C6
[EMAIL PROTECTED] ph: 518-883-1172 x5102
Linux Solutions / IBM Hardware fx: 519-883-8533
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