While technically a device, the server is not directly used as a client, or a device to connect and use directly. Instead the client hardware (ATA, and WP825) will connect to the server. The server will run FreePBX which is a telephony server. In addition to FreePBX as the OS, there will be a Fax Pro add-on. This add-on is the reason I will have 1 telephone number for both faxes, and voicemails. And while I am sure I could, I would rather use the telephony server for my voicemail system, and hopefully – the plugin will also support eFax capabilities. If so, I will get a domain just for my eFax service.
This server will have multiple accounts, but all of the numbers (excluding Cellular) will use the same voicemail box. This will allow me to have just one voicemail. There might come a time that I may not know which number the caller called from, and I will expect for such, however, all of my outgoing calls will be done from my iPhone or WP825. If I was to have the windfall that I will likely need for this to work, I will assume that I would have my own residence. The residence will have a dedicated extension that will ring to the elevator. This number is not made public, nor should it. The server’s minimum configuration will be as follows:
- 2.5Ghz Quad Core CPU
- 16GB of memory
- 256GB storage
- 1×RJ45-1GBPS port
- FreePBX OS with Fax Pro add-on
- 1U Rackmount with 1+ PCI-e Slot
While not fully a top of the line server, it will meet my needs just as well. The 2.5Ghz CPU will serve for years to come without the need to pay someone to upgrade the CPU. The 16GB of memory is minimum for any computer I would buy. The same will hold true here. Since I will just need the space for the OS, and add-ons, I will assume that I should have at least 150GB of storage for voicemails. Since I check my voicemail often, this should not be an issue. I will obviously need at least 1 RJ45 port, but many servers do have 2+ RJ45s. If that would be the case, then the server will just have the extra bandwidth. FreePBX, and Fax Pro add-on is the only reason where my Voicemail line will work the way I would want it too. With that said, if I didn’t have that need, then I wouldn’t have this server. To keep things simple, the server will have to be in a 1U chassis. This will allow me to slide the telephony server into a rack mount, and reduce the space it will take up.