5.4. Testing the Asterisk Server

Problem

You're ready to start using your Asterisk server and learning your way around it. Where is a good starting point?

Solution

Start at the Asterisk console on the server (previous recipe). Don't change any configuration files yet. If you have a headset or microphone and speakers, you can test all functions. With a USB headset, you won't even need a sound card.

First, listen to the introductory message:

	asterisk1*CLI> dial 1000

This will walk you through the basic calling features: calling a remote server at Digium, performing an echo test, and recording and retrieving voicemail. Use the dial, console answer, and console hangup commands to simulate using a telephone.

Typing help in the Asterisk console displays all the Asterisk commands.

Discussion

Time spent practicing on the Asterisk console is time well-spent because you can run an Asterisk server completely from the console and never touch a configuration file. This is not practical, but testing new configurations on the command line might save a bit of time and find errors before committing them to files.

See Also