[TriLUG] asterisk meeting last saturday

[Jim Ray]

> So I missed the class but am considering joining the effort. I have a
> SOHO PBX that I got off eBay now. It has 2 lines (only use one) and 6
> extensions (only use one for spouse issues).
> 
> My question is what do I need to tie in my existing phones (I have all
> lines in the same closet now). I would like to still be able to use
> normal phones to make/receive calls.
[JR>] it depends on whether or not the pbx supports pots.  If you can plug a
regular phone as opposed to proprietary phone into extension and make calls,
pbx most likely supports pots.  Then, plug ma bell line into one of two
lines and phones into extensions.  Most houses are not wiring for anything
other than shared pots line (ie parallel connections).  What I did was wire
all existing house premises wiring for use on one extension and use home
runs for all new extensions.

If the pbx does use proprietary phones, you can always use a splitter at the
ma bell end; however, that topology defeats the purpose of having a pbx.

Good luck.