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Bill Campbell
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Can Skype Plug'n Play with Asterisk PBX

September 20, 2005 05:22 PM

Topics: Technology

Can Skype be a gateway to a PBX? Skype 2 PBX?

Here is a scenario posed to me by a Canadian company.

A company has four offices each with a local PBX. These PBXs are interconnected via SIP. (Of course the PBXs could have been interconnected with Skype, but that would be a boring story.)

This company would like to have any remote Skype Client have access to the corporate telephone infrastructure and as well, have any phone connected on any PBX access the Skype infrastructure, i.e. receive SkypeIn calls, place SkypeOut calls and place calls to any Skype Client. As well, all voice mail would handled by the PBX. When the remote client (e.g. a remote employee in San Diego) is unattended, all incoming calls are to be Call Forwarded so as to terminate at the PBX.

Here is a possible solution-

Skype 2 PBX.png

I find this offers exciting opportunities to decrease costs and increase value particularly for companies connecting internationally. Think small travel agencies needing to compete with Expedia. Think of Hotel's who might want offer lower costs to their guests to call home while making a buck at the same time.

The technology driving Skype 2 PBX was covered here.

When evaluating USB devices that connects your Skype Client to your landline for interconnecting Skype 2 PBX check out this technical pdf.

I tested this Skype 2 PBX out a couple of weeks ago. I am in Western Canada. The PBX and Gateway in Taiwan.

Using Skype I called the Skype Gateway, my call was answered by the IVR Automated Attendant. I used the Dial Pad in Skype to select the individual I wanted to connect with. I also requested to be transferred to another individual. It all worked seamlessly.

Next, I had the manufacturer of the device acquire a SkypeIn number in the US (area code 415). I used SkypeOut at 2 cents per minute and again connected to the PBX with the Automated Attendant in Taiwan. Perfect.

Next I asked him to set his PBX to Call Forward his local analog phone to his mobile device and I called again. Worked like a charm.

I think it is amazing. I hope you do too.

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Comments

Posted by: Muppmaster at September 20, 2005 11:32 PM

You have not explained the technical architecture. How does this work?

Posted by: websetters at September 21, 2005 5:05 AM

Bill, that looks an interesting scenario.

What is the function of the Skype client connected to the Skype Gateway? Is this just to provide connection to Skype network and therefore acts as a gateway to the Gateway?

How many concurrent connections have you tested to run through this and what was the size of the PC device?

We are developing a number of software products where a configuration such as this would allow us to provide a PBX solution as well as the curent personal solutions due for release.

Regards
Graeme

Posted by: Daniel Taylor at September 21, 2005 7:16 AM

Is this fundamentally different from a SIP-based softphone connecting to the PBX?

And what's the cost advantage over existing enterprise alternatives?

Posted by: websetters at September 25, 2005 7:40 AM

Hello Bill, following through with the concepts you described I have been testing with a supplier of a similar device (I suspect the same supplier) and the solution works well.

One point that intrigues me is the purpose of the Skype client in your diagram that seems to act as a gateway to the gateway. The solution I have been working with provides a gateway and connects directly between the Skype network and the PBX from a single device.

If your diagram is logical then I understand. However if the diagram is physical then I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss further with you.

In your concept you describe this as a means of connecting office PBX’s across the Skype network. Another scenario that we are testing is the use of this device as a Skype application server, providing a platform for products like our Unified Mail for Skype and Voice Forms.

Regards
Graeme


Posted by: bill campbell at September 26, 2005 4:53 PM

Hey Muppet, Daniel and Graeme!

The technical architecture is pretty like any other USB Adapter to an analog phone device.

So you have a Skype Client on a PC with a USB to FXS connector to the PBX.

Single port is about $100 for the adapter and $500 for the PC. So roughly similar to a SIP device.

I haven't tested the 4 port or eight port versions. When I do I can discuss scalability.

Combined with SkypeIn numbers this offers some exciting features and cost savings.

Sorry I am so late answering your comments. Skype Night got in my way. Thanks for dropping by.

Regards, Bill

Posted by: bob at September 27, 2005 1:53 PM

I've seen plenty of the one port devices.. but I have yet to see a fully functional multiport device. I’m looking for a solution that will allow me to publish a single Skype ID on a webpage then route multiple calls to that Skype ID to a PBX. Anyone know of one?

Posted by: LUCAS at April 19, 2006 10:58 AM

We solve the situation. We re-direct skype to our statick ofice phone and it cost us 1cnt minute

Posted by: Cash Leung at August 3, 2006 12:38 AM

Hi everybody,

We have the solution for 4-line Skype PBX.It could work with your regular sip PBX as good small business solution.:
Use of Skype with DECT phones or other regular phones.
Upgrade your regular phone set to be a PSTN/VoIP Dual mode phone.
Auto-detection of free line.

All the details could be seen in www.wisecomtech.com

My Skype :cashleung8011
MSN:cash_lzh@hotmail.com

Posted by: Paulo Mannheimer at October 25, 2006 4:51 PM

People looking to integrate Asterisk - the open source PBX - and Skype, should take a look at ChanSkype, the first 100% Asterisk channel driver for the Skype network.

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