How To Install Asterisk on Manjaro

Asterisk stands as one of the most powerful open-source communication platforms available today, offering comprehensive VoIP, PBX, and telephony solutions. Installing Asterisk on Manjaro Linux provides users with an excellent foundation for building robust communication systems. This comprehensive guide walks through every step of the installation process, from system preparation to final configuration and testing.

Manjaro Linux, built on Arch Linux architecture, offers several advantages for Asterisk deployment. The rolling release model ensures access to the latest software versions, while the Arch User Repository (AUR) provides extensive package availability. These features make Manjaro an ideal choice for telecommunications professionals seeking a stable yet cutting-edge platform.

Understanding Asterisk and System Requirements

What is Asterisk

Asterisk revolutionizes communications by providing a complete software-based private branch exchange (PBX) solution. This versatile platform supports Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), traditional telephony, and modern communication features including call routing, voicemail, conferencing, and interactive voice response systems. Organizations worldwide rely on Asterisk for cost-effective telecommunications infrastructure that scales from small business applications to enterprise-level deployments.

The platform’s modular architecture allows customization for specific requirements. Whether implementing a simple office phone system or developing complex call center solutions, Asterisk delivers the flexibility needed for diverse communication scenarios. Its open-source nature eliminates licensing costs while providing complete control over system configuration and customization.

System Requirements for Manjaro

Proper system preparation ensures successful Asterisk installation on Manjaro Linux. Minimum hardware specifications include at least 1GB RAM, though 2GB or more is recommended for production environments. Storage requirements vary based on intended usage, but allocating 5GB ensures adequate space for the base installation, logs, and recordings.

Network configuration plays a crucial role in VoIP performance. Ensure stable internet connectivity with sufficient bandwidth to support expected concurrent calls. For basic installations, 100 kbps per concurrent call provides acceptable quality, while high-quality deployments may require up to 1 Mbps per call.

Manjaro supports multiple Asterisk versions through official repositories and the AUR. Long-term support versions like Asterisk 18 LTS offer stability for production deployments, while newer releases provide cutting-edge features for development environments.

Pre-Installation Setup and Dependencies

Updating the System

Begin by updating the Manjaro system to ensure all packages are current. Open a terminal using Ctrl+Alt+T and execute the following command:

sudo pacman -Syu

This command updates the package database and upgrades all installed packages to their latest versions. System updates prevent compatibility issues and ensure access to the latest security patches. Allow the update process to complete before proceeding with Asterisk installation.

Verify the system update by checking the kernel version:

uname -r

Modern kernel versions provide better hardware support and performance optimization for VoIP applications.

Installing Required Dependencies

Asterisk compilation requires numerous development tools and libraries. Install essential dependencies using pacman:

sudo pacman -S base-devel wget curl git cmake
sudo pacman -S libxml2 libxslt ncurses sqlite
sudo pacman -S openssl libedit speex gsm

These packages provide compilation tools, XML processing libraries, terminal handling capabilities, database support, and audio codecs essential for Asterisk functionality. Additional dependencies may be required based on specific feature requirements.

For users preferring AUR packages, install an AUR helper like yay:

sudo pacman -S yay

The AUR provides access to additional Asterisk-related packages and modules not available in official repositories.

Preparing the Build Environment

Create a dedicated directory for Asterisk source code and compilation:

sudo mkdir -p /usr/src
cd /usr/src

Establish proper user accounts and permissions for Asterisk service operation. Create an asterisk user account:

sudo useradd -r -d /var/lib/asterisk -s /bin/false asterisk
sudo usermod -a -G audio,dialout asterisk

These commands create a system user account with appropriate group memberships for audio device access and modem communication.

Installing Asterisk on Manjaro

Method 1: Installing from Manjaro Repositories

The simplest installation method uses Manjaro’s official repositories. Install Asterisk directly using pacman:

sudo pacman -S asterisk

During installation, accept any GPG key prompts by typing y when requested. This method provides a stable, pre-configured Asterisk installation suitable for most users.

Verify the installation by checking the installed version:

asterisk -version

Repository installation includes systemd service files and basic configuration templates. However, version availability may lag behind the latest Asterisk releases.

Method 2: Installing from AUR

AUR packages often provide newer Asterisk versions and additional compilation options. Search for available Asterisk packages:

yay -Ss asterisk

Install Asterisk from AUR using yay:

yay -S asterisk-lts

AUR installation compiles Asterisk from source with optimizations for the local system. This method provides access to Long Term Support versions and custom build configurations not available in official repositories.

Monitor the compilation process and resolve any dependency conflicts as they arise. AUR installations require more time but offer greater flexibility and customization options.

Method 3: Compiling from Source

Source compilation provides maximum control over Asterisk features and optimization. Download the latest Asterisk source code:

cd /usr/src
wget http://downloads.asterisk.org/pub/telephony/asterisk/asterisk-22-current.tar.gz
tar -zxvf asterisk-22-current.tar.gz
cd asterisk-22*

Install prerequisites using the included script:

contrib/scripts/install_prereq install

Configure the build environment:

./configure

The configure script analyzes system capabilities and generates appropriate build configuration. Successful execution displays the Asterisk logo and build summary.

Customize the installation using menuselect:

make menuselect

Navigate through menus using arrow keys and Enter to select desired modules. Enable additional sound packages, codecs, and applications as needed. Essential modules include app_macro under Applications and basic sound packages for Music on Hold.

Compile Asterisk:

make

The compilation process takes several minutes depending on system performance. Monitor for errors and resolve any missing dependencies.

Install the compiled Asterisk system:

sudo make install

Install sample configuration files:

sudo make samples

Configuring Asterisk

Initial Configuration Files

Asterisk stores configuration files in /etc/asterisk/ directory. Create backups of original configurations before making changes:

sudo cp -r /etc/asterisk /etc/asterisk.backup

Key configuration files include asterisk.conf for main settings, sip.conf or pjsip.conf for SIP configuration, and extensions.conf for dialplan definitions.

Basic asterisk.conf Setup

Edit the main configuration file:

sudo nano /etc/asterisk/asterisk.conf

Configure basic settings including module loading preferences and logging options. Essential settings include:

[directories]
astetcdir => /etc/asterisk
astmoddir => /usr/lib/asterisk/modules
astvarlibdir => /var/lib/asterisk
astdatadir => /usr/share/asterisk
astagidir => /usr/share/asterisk/agi-bin
astspooldir => /var/spool/asterisk
astrundir => /var/run/asterisk
astlogdir => /var/log/asterisk

These directory specifications ensure proper file organization and system integration.

SIP Configuration

Configure SIP endpoints using the appropriate configuration file:

sudo nano /etc/asterisk/sip.conf

Basic SIP configuration includes:

[general]
context=default
allowguest=no
allowoverlap=no
bindport=5060
bindaddr=0.0.0.0
srvlookup=yes
disallow=all
allow=ulaw
allow=alaw
allow=gsm

Define SIP endpoints for testing:

[1001]
type=friend
secret=password123
host=dynamic
context=internal

Network Address Translation (NAT) configuration may be necessary for systems behind firewalls. Add NAT settings as required for specific network environments.

Extensions and Dialplan

Create a basic dialplan in extensions.conf:

sudo nano /etc/asterisk/extensions.conf

Define basic extension routing:

[internal]
exten => 1001,1,Answer()
exten => 1001,n,Playback(hello-world)
exten => 1001,n,Hangup()

exten => 1002,1,Answer()
exten => 1002,n,Playback(tt-weasels)
exten => 1002,n,Hangup()

This configuration provides basic call handling for test extensions. Expand the dialplan as needed for production requirements.

Service Management and Systemd Integration

Setting Up Systemd Service

Asterisk includes systemd service files for proper integration with Manjaro’s service management. Enable the Asterisk service:

sudo systemctl enable asterisk

The systemd configuration ensures Asterisk starts automatically during system boot and provides proper service dependencies.

Starting and Managing Asterisk

Start the Asterisk service:

sudo systemctl start asterisk

Verify service status:

sudo systemctl status asterisk

Successful startup displays active status with process information. The output should indicate “active (running)” status.

Monitor service logs for troubleshooting:

sudo journalctl -u asterisk -f

This command displays real-time log entries for the Asterisk service.

Service Troubleshooting

Common systemd service issues include permission problems and port conflicts. Ensure the asterisk user has appropriate permissions:

sudo chown -R asterisk:asterisk /var/lib/asterisk
sudo chown -R asterisk:asterisk /var/log/asterisk
sudo chown -R asterisk:asterisk /var/spool/asterisk

Verify no other services are using port 5060:

sudo netstat -tulpn | grep 5060

Resolve port conflicts by stopping conflicting services or modifying Asterisk’s binding configuration.

Testing and Verification

Verifying Installation

Connect to the Asterisk command-line interface to verify proper installation:

sudo asterisk -r

This command connects to the running Asterisk process and provides access to diagnostic commands. Successful connection indicates proper installation and service operation.

Execute basic diagnostic commands within the Asterisk CLI:

core show version
module show
sip show peers

These commands display version information, loaded modules, and configured SIP endpoints.

Basic Functionality Testing

Configure a SIP softphone client for testing. Popular options include Zoiper, X-Lite, or Linphone. Configure the softphone with credentials from sip.conf:

• Server: Manjaro system IP address
• Username: 1001
• Password: password123
• Port: 5060

Register the softphone and verify connection in the Asterisk CLI:

sip show peers

Registered endpoints display “OK” status with connection details.

Performance and Connectivity Tests

Test call functionality by dialing configured extensions from the softphone. Monitor call quality and connection stability during testing.

Verify network connectivity and audio path establishment:

core show calls
core show channels

These commands display active calls and channel information.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Installation Problems

Dependency resolution issues commonly occur during compilation. Resolve missing dependencies by installing required packages:

sudo pacman -S package-name

Compilation errors often indicate missing development libraries. Consult error messages and install corresponding development packages.

Permission problems prevent proper service operation. Ensure proper ownership and permissions for Asterisk directories and files.

Service and Startup Issues

Systemd service failures require log analysis for resolution. Examine service logs:

sudo journalctl -u asterisk --no-pager

Port binding problems occur when other services use required ports. Identify conflicting services and modify configurations accordingly.

Module loading errors indicate missing dependencies or configuration issues. Verify module availability and dependencies within the Asterisk CLI.

Configuration and Runtime Issues

SIP registration problems often result from network or authentication configuration errors. Verify SIP settings, firewall configuration, and network connectivity.

Audio and connectivity issues require network diagnostic tools for resolution. Use tools like tcpdump and wireshark for network analysis.

Dialplan and routing errors prevent proper call handling. Verify extension configuration and context definitions in extensions.conf.

Debugging Techniques

The Asterisk CLI provides comprehensive debugging capabilities. Enable debugging for specific modules:

core set debug 5
sip set debug on

Log file analysis reveals detailed operation information. Monitor /var/log/asterisk/messages for system events and errors.

Network diagnostic tools help identify connectivity issues. Use ping, traceroute, and nmap for network troubleshooting.

Security Considerations

Basic Security Setup

Configure firewall rules for Asterisk services. Open required ports while restricting access to trusted networks:

sudo ufw allow from trusted_network to any port 5060
sudo ufw allow from trusted_network to any port 10000:20000

SIP communication security requires proper authentication and encryption configuration. Implement strong passwords and consider TLS encryption for sensitive deployments.

User account management ensures proper access control. Use dedicated service accounts with minimal privileges for Asterisk operation.

Access Control and Authentication

Strong authentication prevents unauthorized access to communication systems. Implement complex passwords and regular password rotation policies.

Fail2ban integration provides protection against brute-force attacks. Configure fail2ban rules for SIP authentication failures.

Network access restrictions limit exposure to potential attacks. Use firewall rules and network segmentation for additional security layers.

Ongoing Security Maintenance

Regular updates address security vulnerabilities. Monitor Asterisk security advisories and apply patches promptly.

System monitoring and logging detect suspicious activities. Implement log monitoring tools and alerting systems for security events.

Security best practices include regular configuration reviews and penetration testing. Conduct periodic security assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities.

Performance Optimization

System Optimization

Memory and CPU optimization improves Asterisk performance. Adjust system parameters for VoIP workloads:

echo 'net.core.rmem_max = 134217728' >> /etc/sysctl.conf
echo 'net.core.wmem_max = 134217728' >> /etc/sysctl.conf

Network tuning enhances VoIP quality. Configure Quality of Service (QoS) policies for voice traffic prioritization.

Storage and logging optimization prevents performance degradation. Implement log rotation and consider dedicated storage for call recordings.

Asterisk-Specific Optimizations

Module selection affects system performance. Load only required modules to reduce memory usage and improve startup time.

Codec configuration balances quality and bandwidth requirements. Choose appropriate codecs based on network capabilities and quality requirements.

Channel and resource limits prevent system overload. Configure maximum call limits and resource thresholds in asterisk.conf.

Maintenance and Updates

Regular Maintenance Tasks

Log rotation prevents disk space exhaustion. Configure logrotate for Asterisk log files:

sudo nano /etc/logrotate.d/asterisk

Configuration backup strategies ensure recovery capabilities. Implement automated backup procedures for configuration files and databases.

Performance monitoring identifies potential issues before they affect service. Use monitoring tools like Nagios or Zabbix for comprehensive system monitoring.

Updating Asterisk

Manage updates carefully on Manjaro systems. Test updates in development environments before production deployment.

Configuration migration ensures compatibility across versions. Review configuration changes and update deprecated settings during upgrades.

Version compatibility considerations affect feature availability and system integration. Plan upgrades around compatibility requirements and maintenance windows.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Asterisk. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing Asterisk on your Manjaro Linux system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official Asterisk website.