Easy Steps to Buying and Setting Up PBXtra

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Transforming the way you do business with a new PBXtra phone system is easy. Read the 5 easy steps to buying PBXtra, and how to prepare your network for installation.

Buying PBXtra

PBXtra is a turnkey phone system with all necessary hardware and software preconfigured and mailed to you ready to plug in and configure. It’s easy! But you still have a few decisions to make prior to getting your new phone system up and running.

  • Step 1: Choose PBXtra as the phone system for your business.

  • Step 2: Decide which edition of PBXtra is right for you.

  • Step 3: Pick an edition of HUD.

  • Step 4: Select phones from our wide range of Aastra, Polycom, and Cisco IP phones.

  • Step 5: Pick a server, expansion cards, and determine if you need server upgrades.

Preparing Your NEW Office For Your Phone System

Now that you’ve ordered PBXtra, you can just wait for your shipment, right? Almost! PBXtra will be delivered within 2-3 weeks from the time we receive full payment for your order but if you’re outfitting a new office, there’s a few things you’ll need to do to prepare.

  • Step 1: Order your phone service. This step is necessary for anyone looking to make and receive phone calls and often takes up to a month.

    • Step 1a: You will need to decide if you want digital phone service (PRI), analog phone service (POTS), or VoIP. For maximum reliability choose a PRI from your phone company (i.e. Verizon, SBC, PacBell). If you’re considering VoIP, read about it first.

    • Step 1b: As part of this order, you will need to decide how many phone lines you need based on the number of employees you have and your expected call volume (usually 1 line per 4 people for a standard office, or 1 line per employee for an active call center).

    • Step 1c: Get your phone number(s) from your local provider. Get one toll free number for your company with extensions for each employee, or buy DIDs (Direct inward Dial) where each phone has its own number.

  • Step 2: Network your office for data and voice. Every modern office requires CAT5 cables run to every workstation. And with IP phones, it doesn’t matter if you are using analog, digital, or VoIP phone service – the CAT5 cable at every work station is all you need to power and connect your phone.

    Here’s a simplified diagram of how PBXtra fits into your network.

    Computer -> phone -> POE switch -> pbxtra -> phone line to phone company

    In a larger office, it is recommended to separate your data and voice on separate LANs.

Upgrading to a New System in Your Existing Office

If you have an existing key system or PBX and you are upgrading to PBXtra, you should not have to do anything except wait for your PBXtra package to arrive. This is a great time, however, to consider upgrading your network switch to one that supports POE (Power Over Ethernet) to power your phones, or just a modern business-class switch. You should also consider buying a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Source) for your new phone system to protect it during a power outage.

Installation and Configuration

When your phone service, network, and PBXtra are all ready to go, you are ready to set up your PBXtra. Unpack your system and plug it in according to the Installation Manual and Quick Start Guide packed in your box. You’ll have a Pre-Installation and a Post-Installation Appointment with our experienced support team to help you get set up. Give yourself at least a few days to make sure you get everything set up properly, and then schedule your switchover!