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PBX Admin Guide: Connecting to a Remote RF-Link Node (IAX Extension, FreePBX 17)

This guide explains how to create an IAX2 extension in FreePBX 17 so your PBX can connect to a remote RF-Link node (where the node acts as the Asterisk server).

Ensure you have the following details from the RF-Link node owner:

  • Callsign: The callsign of the individual or club applying for the RF-link.
  • Extension Name: The RF-Link display name (phonebook)
  • Licence Document: Copy of the license document for callsign or club.
  • IAX Dial String: The complete connection dial string in the format IAX2/USERNAME:PASSWORD@NODE-HOSTNAME:PORT/NODE. Direct the applicant to IAX2 String Generator. Dial string must be obtained from RF-Link applicant to complete the setup of the extension.

Once extension is set up, supply RF-Link owner with extension number (8000-8999)

2. Understand the Dial String Format

The RF-Link owner will provide a dial string in the following format:

IAX2/USERNAME:PASSWORD@NODE-HOSTNAME:PORT/NODE

Example:

IAX2/freestar:passw0rd@40071.nodes.allstarlink.org:4569/40071

Components:

  • freestar = Username (normally callsign of node owner or club call)
  • passw0rd = Password/secret
  • 40071.nodes.allstarlink.org = Node's public DNS or IP address
  • 4569 = IAX port (default is 4569)
  • /40071 = Desired AllStar Node number

3. Create and Configure the IAX2 Extension

  1. Go to Applications > Extensions
  2. Click Add Extension > Add IAX2 Extension

General Tab Configuration

  • User Extension: Enter a unique extension number (e.g., 8001)
  • Display Name: Enter a descriptive name (e.g., RF-Link Node)
  • Secret: Enter the password provided by the RF-Link owner
  • Outbound CallerID: Leave blank or set as desired

Advanced Tab Configuration

  1. Click on the Advanced tab

  2. Configure the following settings:

    • Transfer: no
    • Host: Enter the node's hostname (e.g., 40071.nodes.allstarlink.org) or IP address
    • Port: Enter the IAX port (e.g., 4569, or custom port specified by the RF-Link owner)
    • Qualify: yes
    • Disallow: all
    • Allow: ulaw
    • Dial: IAX2/USERNAME:PASSWORD@NODE-HOSTNAME:PORT/NODE

  3. Click Submit and then Apply Config

Firewall Considerations

If your PBX is behind NAT/firewall, ensure outbound UDP traffic to the node's IP and IAX port is permitted.

4. Test the Connection

  1. Use the Asterisk CLI to verify the connection:
asterisk -rx "iax2 show peers"
  • Look for your new RF-Link extension in the list
  • Status should show "OK" if the node is reachable (BLF will be green)

  • If the node is "UNKNOWN" or "OFFLINE", the BLF will be grey

  • Test calling the extension:

  • Dial the extension from a SIP phone or another extension
  • The call should route to the RF-Link node and trigger its dialplan

5. Troubleshooting

  • Connection Issues:
  • Double-check username, password, port, hostname, and extension match the node configuration

  • Ensure your PBX can reach the RF-Link node's public IP/DNS (check firewall/NAT rules)

  • Authentication Errors:

  • If you see "no authority" or "authentication failed," verify credentials are correctly entered

  • Debugging:

  • Use Asterisk logs for detailed information:

    asterisk -rvv

6. Support

For further help, contact: M0VUB

Last updated November 27, 2025 09:02:57 by M9TLB
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