MARS Mini-PBX / Wireless Router Manager Manual | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 - Introduction 2 - Connections and WWW interface access 3 - PPPoE / DHCP Configuration (WAN) ADSL 4 - WI-FI ConfigurationCable Switch 5 - Dynamic DNS Service 6 - Asterisk MARS Configuration System 7 - Phone-in
DictationExtensions Trunks Servers Queue Time conditions 8 - Automated Dialer 9 - WebCall 10 - WebCall Form | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Introduction | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The installation and configuration of the MARS system can be simply accomplished by proceeding by steps as described by the list of topics above. In short, you must connect the system, configure the router, that is the Internet access and the wireless access point, and if desired the client for the dynamic DNS service. Then the PBX must be configured as well as the VoIP telephones. Some steps are optionals, according to the functions used, in which case this will be indicated in the text. Required Informations You will need the following informations provided by your Internet service provider and your VoIP provider:
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Connections and WWW interface access | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Connections First, connect port one of the router to your PC network card using a standard network cable. Then connect your broadband modem to the WAN connector of the router using a standard network cable. Power up the MARS system and wait until booting is done ( < 1 min.) Initial configuration The local LAN address of the MARS system is set by default to: 192.168.1.1 Make sure that the network adapter of the PC you are using is set to use a static IP address in the same segment, but different than the MARS system. For instance: 192.168.1.10 Open the network configuration utility (For Windows: Start | Settings | Network Connections | Local area connection.) Click on the "Properties" and select the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). Click again on the "Properties button" If your network adapter is configured to obtain an IP address automatically (DHCP) or on a static address in a different network segment than 192.168.1.x, modify the config for the IP protocol as following: Check the "Use the following address" checkbox and set: IP Address: 192.168.1.10 Mask: 255.255.255.0 Gateway: 192.168.1.1 You can now access MARS' WWW interface by pointing your browser to the following URL: http://192.168.1.1 The user name is "root" and the password is "Mars08". (The pwd may be different, use the one given) The WWW interface allows you to configure the network interfaces (LAN / WAN / WI-FI), the PPPoE client (ADSL) and or DHCP, the dynamic DNS client and give access to the configuration panels of the MARS system. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PPPoE / DHCP / Switch (WAN) Configuration | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
To configure the Internet connection, select the "Network" option from the main menu and then the "WAN-LAN" option. Important: The MARS system has it's own DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server which is used to configure the network interfaces on the local LAN and behave as a DHCP client for the WAN side (Internet). It is very important that only one DHCP server is activated on a given LAN otherwise some configuration problems would occur. In consequence, make sure that you modem (or any other device) does not use it's DHCP server for the LAN, otherwise configure the device as a DHCP client or else disable the DHCP server and use a static IP address for the device. This static address must be set in the same network segment than the MARS system. (Usually at 192.168.1.1) For example: 192.168.1.80. ADSL Modem / PPPoE: If you use ADSL for your internet connection, you will need to configure the PPoE client to allow the system to automatically connect to your ISP on startup. - Select "PPPoE" under "Connection Type" - Enter the values under PPP Settings
Make sure you save the changes by clicking on the "Save changes" button and the appy the changes by pressing the "Apply changes" button. The system should now connect to your ISP automatically on startup. You may need to reboot the system (Using the "Reboot" option from the "System" menu option). Cable Modem / DHCP: If you use a cable Internet connection, select "DHCP" under "Connection Type". Make sure you save the changes by clicking on the "Save changes" button and the appy the changes by pressing the "Apply changes" button. You may need to "power cycle" both your cable modem and the MARS system in order for the cable modem's DHCP server to assign a WAN address to the MARS system. Turn off the power on the cable modem and disconnect the power cord on the MARS system and wait 1 - 2 minutes. Then power on the cable modem and then the MARS system. You can verify the status of the connection using the "Status / Interface" menu option. Switch / None: LAN Configuration
LAN DNS Servers Configuration Enter 192.168.1.1 in the edit box and press the Add Button. You should then see the following under 192.168.1.1 Remove Press the Save button at the bottom of the screen and then the Apply link to apply changes. Connecting to the Internet Once the Internet connection configuration is done, you will need to reconfigure your PCs network adapter so it gets an IP address assigned by the system. - Open the Network configuration utility. (Under Windows: Start | Settings | Network & Dial up connections | Local area Network.) - Press the Properties button and select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). - Press once again on the "Properties" button and select "Obtain an IP address automatically". Verifying the connection. You can verify the Internet connectivity from the main menu by selecting the "Status" menu option and then "Interfaces". Here is an example display: WAN
It may also be necessary to restart your ADSL / Cable modem. Remove the power on the MARS system and then reboot your modem ... then put the power back on the MARS system. After restarting the MARS system, you should see than an IP address has been assigned to the WAN interface as well as to the DNS servers. Otherwise, double check your PPPoE settings. |
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WI-FI Configuration | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
To configure the WI-FI access point, select the "Network" menu option and then "Wireless". The WI-FI access point allows to connect devices with WI-FI network capability to your local area network. Theses devices can be portable computer or WI-FI VoIP phones. If you do not want to use the WI-FI access point, you can disable it by selecting "Disabled" under "Wireless Interface", otherwise set this to "Enabled". The select "WEP " under "Encryption Type" and enter a "PassPhrase" that will be used to create the key and press the "Generate 128 bits key" button to generate the key. Take note of the pass phrase and WEP key as you will need these to configure the client that will connect to the access point. Make sure you save the changes by clicking on the "Save changes" button and the apply the changes by pressing the "Apply changes" button. WI-FI Clients Configuration It is impossible to describe here the exact procedure to configure the WI-FI clients but as a general rule, an configuration utility will be provided. This will allow to locate the access point and get access by specifying the encryption as "WEP" using a 128 bits key and by providing either the pass phrase or WEP key used on the access point. You will then be able to connect the PC or WI-FI phone to the local LAN. The WI-FI client will memorize the informations and will use it to connect to the AP on startup. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dynamic DNS Service | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
MARS provides a dynamic DNS client which can provide a fixed domain name to your system. The dynamic DNS service client will contact the service DNS server to update your public IP address when it is assigned or renewed by your ISP. To use this service, you must first create an account and the configure the system's client. You don't really need this service you you do not use WebCall or do not link multiple systems together. DynDNS account creation Go to http://www.dyndns.com , select the "New Account" link and complete the form to create your free DynDNS account. Write down your user name, password and chosen domain name. You can select a domain name with different suffixes like dyndns.org or dyndns.biz etc ... You must supply an unused prefix which together with the selected suffix will form your unique domain name. For instance: "my-mars.dyndns.org" or "my-company.dyndns.biz". After having created your account, you will receive a confirmation at the given email address which you must reply to validate your account. Configuration Once your DynDNS account has been created and activated, you can configure the MARS client by selecting the "Network" menu item and then "DynDNS".
Make sure you save the changes by clicking on the "Save changes" button and the apply the changes by pressing the "Apply changes" button. MARS DynDNS client will contact the DynDNS server regularly to communicate the current public IP address of the system. The DynDNS domain name servers will then be able to supply the correct IP address when someone request your DynDNS domain name. DynDNS client verification You can verify that the dydns client works properly by using the "ping" utility that is accessible from the menu under "Status" / "Diagnostics". Enter your dyndns domain name in the edit box and press the "Ping" button. If everything works, you should get the result after a few seconds. The first line will indicate the IP address given by the DynDNS domain name server for your domain name. Example: PING my-mars.dyndns.org (216.239.76.53): 56 data bytesVerify that the given IP address is the same as displayed under "Status" / "Interface" for the WAN interface. If not, double check the DynDNS client data and make sure your account has been activated and try to reboot the system. ("System" / "Reboot"). |
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MARS Configuration | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
To configure the PBX part of the MARS system you need to set the genral system parameters, the extensions, and the external lines (trunks). Then depending on the desired options the queue parameters and the time conditions. Finally if you want to interconnect MARS systems together, you will need to configure the Server section. System: This section allows to set the general system parameters.
Extensions: This section allows to define up to four extensions used by the system. These extensions can use the SIP or IAX2 protocol. Only the used extensions should be defined.
IMPORTANT:
Trunks: This is used to configure the external lines of the system. You can define up to two VoIP lines using the SIP or IAX2 protocol. You can also define a PSTN line when using the FXO adapter. Fill only the entries which are in use by the system. Use the "Save" button under each section to save any modification.
After adding a new trunk you should issue a "SIP Reload" (or "IAX Reload") command (from the Management menu) and then verify the connectivity using the "Sip Registry" (or "IAX registry") command which will display the status of the registrations with the service provider. Servers: This section is used to define the local and remote MARS servers when interconnecting systems. Up to four MARS systems can be interconnected. Each of the system must be assigned a unique "Server ID" which will determine the extensions assigned to the server as well as the local server ID. For instance the first MARS system will be defined as "Server 1" and will use extensions 200 to 203 and will be defined in the "Server 1" entry of this page. The entry "Server 2" must contain the informations for the server with extension 300 - 303. The "Server 3" for the server with extension 400 - 403 and Server "4" for the one having extensions 500 to 503. The entry which correspond to the local server depends on it's server ID. You must specify the server name / password and host (static IP or DynDNS domain name) for all interconnected servers, including the local one.
After the servers have been defined you should issue a "IAX Reload" command (from the Management menu) on all interconnected servers. You can then verify the connectivity using the "IAX registry" command which will display the status of the registrations with the other systems. If the connection fail, check on each side if you can ping the other side domain name or IP address. (Using System / Diagnostics menu option). Once the connection is established, each side should be able to dial the other one by dialing it's 3 digits extensions number. Queue: This section is used to define the usage and parameters of the call queue. The default value is set to use the call queue only when the automated attendant has been deactivated. If desired, you can modify the queue usage here.
Time Conditions: This section allow to define a schedule to allow a specific treatment according to the current day and time. When activated, calls received outside of the deffile:///Y:/openWRT/Doc/MARS_en.htmline working period will be directed to the voice mail for the main extension.
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Phone-in Dictation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
MARS Phone-In Dictation application is a multi-user dictation system that can be used with local telephone or over a VoIP line to allow callers to record dictation and deliver it to a receipient (transcriptionist) over the internet. The system is designed to complement or replace the traditional methods of recording and message delivery by a decentralised, inexpensive appliance. The dictation system can set to be used for a single user or multiple callers (recorders) and / or receivers (transcriptionnist) accounts. Callers accounts can be assigned a given receiver account OR can select the receiver account. The system can use caller ID to identify the caller or user ID / password. Receivers account can be set for each individual user (transcriptionist) each with their and delivery mode and destination. Configuration General Phone-In Dial
The callers account are used to identify the users who call -in to record dictations.
The Mailbox or receiver's account are used to identify the receivers of the dictations. This is used when more than one receiver or transcriptionnist user will use the system.
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Using
the Phone-In Dictation
system Recording a dictation. The recording of dictations is done by calling in and follow a simple voice menu. Once the caller and the destination mailbox have been identified the caller is asked to the main menu. At this point, the system will ask to enter a recording number. Recordings are identified by a recording number, which allows to identify the recordings and to resume recording in a subsequent call. Record and Playback mode If the given recording number is a new recording, the system will switch to recording mode. If a recording with the given number already exists, the system will swich to playback mode. Record mode Press the "1" key to start recording and the pound (#) key to stop. Make sure you talk clearly and directly in the telelephone microphone when recording. After recording you can use the "3" key to switch to playback mode. The "9" key is used to erase the current recording and start over. Once a recording is completed it can be left for later addition or sent to the destination by pressing the "0" key. Record Menu Press "1" to start recording. Press "3" to switch to playback mode. Press "9" to erase and start over this recording. Press "0" to close and send this recording. Press the * Key to go back to the main menu. Playback Mode While in playback mode some pre-defines keys allows to rewind, paus and go forward as follow: Press the "1" key to start playback. Press "4" to 'rewind' 1/10 of the duration of the recording. Press "5" to pause and restart playback Press "6" to go forward 1/10 of the duration of the recording. Press "0" to start from the beginning. Press the "#" key to stop playback and go back to the menu. Playback menu. Press "1" to start playback. Press "3" to switch to recording mode. Press "0" to close and send this recording. Press the * Key to go back to the main menu. Using with local extensions The system can be used with VoIp devices, that is VoIP phones, sofware phones running on a PC with sound card, conventional telephone with ATA adapter or VoIP WI-FI phone, that are connected either directly or remotely to the system as extensions. The VoIP telephones can be connected directly to the device through the local area network or directly on one of the 4 network connector on the appliance itself. It is also possible to log on to the device as a normal extension from a remote location over the internet. Up to 8 extensions can be accomodated and these can be connected either directly to the device, trough the LAN or event remotely over the Internet. Accessing the system from a local extension To access the dictation system from a local or remotely connected extension, dial the 3 digits number (from 100 to 131) of the destination mailbox you whish to record to. In the case of a single destination use the mailbox number 100. Using with VoIP line The system can also use a normal VoIP line using the standard SIP protocol as provided by numerous services providers. The dictation system can then be accessed by calling a normal telephone number from any regular or mobile.phone. Many VoIp provider offer 'pay as you go' formulas that allow you to receive several simultaneous calls for a very low rate (as low as less tha 1 c / min) from the whole country. Refer to the system configuration for more info on configuration. Recordings All recordings are archived in the system's USB memory that serve as a static storage . The recordings are accessible through the web interface by selecting Asterisk and Recordings on the menu. Here is the recording's web interface
A list allow to select the destination mailbox for which the currently active recording are displyed. Once a recording is closed and sent it will be archived in a sub directory defined by the month and year the recording was done. Recordings are named with se sender's number followed by the recording number. Recording playback and downlowd from a web browser. To play a recording, simply clink on the link formed by the recording name. The recording can also be download on you local disk by right click on the link ans selecting "Save Link as" or a similar function. The recording can be sent to the destination as define by the mailbox account by seleting the "Send VEmail" link . Finally the recording can be archived by selection the "Archive" link. This will move the recording file to the archive directory. Recordings Archive All the recordings are archived in the USB memory in a sub directory defined by the month and year the recording was done. You can select the month and year directory in the Archive display. The display is similar except for file names which are prepended the full date plus a sequence number that insure unique names. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Automated Dialer | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
MARS Automated Dialer offers sophisticated features with an easy to use Web based interface to allow you to prepare and save calling lists. You can create up to 9 different lists with different phone numbers lists, messages and applications. You can then run the lists at any time you wish.
Creating a call list To create a call list, select the Dialer Sub-Menu under the Asterisk menu option. You can create up to 9 different lists with different features. First select the call list number, using the call list List Management selection list and the press the "refresh" button to activate it. The select and enter the desired parameters and click the SaveDef button to save the currently selected call list. Loading the Call List Once the required parameters are selected and the list saved you can upload a call list of numbers. This is a ascii text file that contains one phone number per line. Recording The Dialer uses up to four user recorded prompts. These are: Intro: This is the first prompt played after the call is answered. It should contains a introduction message: Ex: "Hello! Here is a message from ..." MainMsg: This is the main message you want to be played to the callee. Menu: This is the menu played after the main message. This should offer to: Acknowledge reception of the message. Option "1". To repeat the main message. Option "2" To hang up. Star Key Depending on the application, offer to transfer to an agent or to leave a message. Option "0". Here is an example of a menu prompt for the "Transfer to extension application": To acknowledge the reception of theis message, press "1". To repeat the message, Press "2". If you wish to talk to one of our agent, press "0". To hangup, press the start key. Bye: This is the parting prompt: Ex: "Thank you for listening to this message. Goodbye !" You can record these message by calling the system from any extension and selection *93. Select the Call List Number, then the prompt. You can playback, record or delete the selected prompt from the selected list. You can also upload a prompt from your system hard disc. These prompts must be recorded in "Raw muLaw" format. Please contact us if you need to have some of your recordings converted. Starting a Campaign Once a call list has been defined, the call list uploaded and the prompts recorded it is ready to be used. To start calling the numbers, press the "Start" button. You can pause an ongoing call list by pressing the :Stop" button and resume it by pressing the "Resume" button. You can have a refreshed display of the Call Activity by pressing the "Refresh" button. A line will be displayed when a call is sent in the queue and at the end of the call, the result, acknowledge status and duration of the call (if answered). Once the call list is terminated and all call have finished, a summary of the campaign will be displayed and sent to the manager by email if this option has been selected for this call list. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Webcall Form | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||