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PbN Voice Network & System Requirements

The following guidelines ensure the highest call quality and reliable performance when using PbN Voice.

Written by Alyssa Elso

Network Settings

To ensure reliable call quality, proper device provisioning, and uninterrupted access to PbN Voice services, verify that the following network requirements are met:

  1. Disable SIP-ALG and Similar SIP Modifications

    • SIP-ALG, H323 helpers, and any other mechanisms that modify SIP traffic, SIP headers, or SIP SDP information must be disabled.

  2. Allow SIP Traffic

    • Permit bi-directional SIP traffic on UDP/TCP ports 5060–5061.

  3. Allow RTP Traffic

    • Permit bi-directional RTP traffic on UDP ports 16384–32768.

  4. Allow DNS Resolution

    • DNS queries from PbN Voice devices must be allowed to the internet on UDP port 53.

  5. Configure Firewall Rules for PbN Voice

    • Create an outbound firewall rule allowing traffic to the PbN Voice FQDN:

      • ip-addr.pbnvoice.com

  6. Whitelist Practice by Numbers Domains

    • Whitelist *.practicenumbers.com on your firewall and network security systems to ensure uninterrupted access to:

      • PbN Voice Admin Portal

      • Call Flow Configuration

      • Extension Management

      • PbN Fax Settings and Administration

  7. Allow Device Provisioning Traffic

    • HTTPS traffic (TCP port 80) must be allowed so PbN Voice phones can download their configuration files and updates.

  8. Enable DHCP

    • DHCP is required for all on-premise PbN Voice devices.

    • If static IP addresses are needed, we recommend using DHCP reservations.

    • Manually assigned static IP addresses should only be configured and maintained by the customer's IT staff.

  9. VLAN Support

    • VLANs are supported but must be configured and maintained by the customer's IT staff.

  10. Bypass Advanced Security Filtering

    • PbN Voice devices should bypass advanced firewall security features such as:

      • IPS (Intrusion Prevention Systems)

      • Content Filtering

      • Deep Packet Inspection

      • Similar traffic inspection services

  • These features can negatively impact voice quality and connectivity.

  1. Use Wired Ethernet Connections

    • Each PbN Voice device requires a wired Ethernet connection.

    • If only one Ethernet outlet is available, supported PbN Voice phones include a built-in network switch, allowing another device to connect through the phone.

  2. Avoid Double NAT Environments

    • PbN Voice supports NAT traversal through a single NAT device.

    • Double NAT configurations are not supported and may cause registration, connectivity, and call quality issues.

Internet Speed & Bandwidth Requirements

For optimal performance, ensure your internet connection meets or exceeds the following recommendations:

  1. Minimum Bandwidth

    • Download: 20 Mbps

    • Upload: 10 Mbps

  2. Recommended Bandwidth

    • Download: 50+ Mbps

    • Upload: 20+ Mbps

  3. Network Latency

    • Latency to PbN Voice SBCs should remain below 70 ms.

    • For best performance, latency below 50 ms is recommended.

  4. VoIP Network Testing

    • We recommend using a VoIP network testing tool before deployment to verify that your network can support high-quality voice traffic.

Recommended Network Optimizations

For the best possible calling experience, implement the following best practices:

  1. Enable Quality of Service (QoS)

    • Configure QoS on your router, firewall, or network appliance to prioritize VoIP traffic over other network activity.

    • Proper QoS helps reduce:

      • Jitter

      • Packet loss

      • Call latency

      • Audio quality issues

  2. Increase NAT Timeout Values

    • Adjust your router's NAT timeout settings from the default value (typically 60 seconds) to 600 seconds (10–15 minutes).

    • This helps maintain active SIP sessions, prevents unexpected call drops, and supports re-INVITE keep-alive functionality during longer calls.

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