Ultimate Guide to Yeastar VoIP PBX Systems

Yeastar has become an established brand in the telecommunications industry, providing a range of cloud-based and on-premise PABX phone systems solutions for businesses.

With cost-effective phone systems and an IP-first approach, Yeastar has become an integral part of enabling businesses to benefit from cloud-based businesses when purchasing an on-premise PBX system.

Let’s explore more about Yeastar and its VoIP PBX systems.

Table of contents

1. What is Yeastar?
2. What is a Yeastar VoIP PBX system and how do they work?
3. Which businesses are the right match for Yeastar VoIP PBX systems?
4. Benefits of VoIP PBX systems
5. Disadvantages of Yeastar VoIP PBX systems
6. How do you know if your site is ready for an on-premise Yeastar phone system
7. Final thoughts on Yeastar VoIP PBX systems

What is Yeastar?

Yeastar is a well-known brand in the telecoms industry that provides a range of cloud-based and on-premise phone systems. Its mission is to remove the barriers to a connected and collaborative digital workplace. They have become synonymous with telephone systems that offer the easiest experience for deployment, learning, and managing your communications.

What does Yeastar offer?

Catering for a significant portion of the telecommunications market, Yeastar PBX systems offer a hybrid solution between fully on-site telecommunications and fully cloud based VoIP and PBX solutions. Their offering is specifically designed for businesses that prefer or must rely on on-premise phone systems (such as for security reasons) but also wish to modernise and use a variety of helpful features that are normally associated with cloud-based PBX solutions or custom on-site PBX systems, with only minimal physical hardware required.

What is a Yeastar VoIP PBX Phone system and how do they work?

Yeastar PBX systems were designed to blend the features usually associated with cloud phone systems and familiar, traditional on-site installations while requiring much less hardware.The hardware required when installing Yeastar PBX systems is around one-tenth of the size of hardware required when installing traditional phone systems while ensuring they can facilitate standard and advanced calling features.

In a nutshell, you install a physical on-premise Yeastar PBX hub (available in different sizes) which then manages your phone systems on-site or off-site using your network connection and uses VoIP rather than traditional copper lines to manage calls and voice transfer. It’s the modern version of a traditional PBX system as you do not require any significant on-site cabling and hardware.

Yeastar phone systems also allow companies to benefit from the range of features you would normally associate with cloud-based systems, or costly and complex on-site PBX systems. These features include everything from virtual switching, call recording, auto attendant, the ability to manage outbound calls and incoming calls from a range of devices, and more.

Before we dive into the benefits of Yeastar PBX systems, let’s discuss which businesses are a match for Yeastar PBX systems.

Which businesses are the right match for Yeastar VoIP PBX systems

Yeastar phone systems can be utilised effectively by small business, medium-sized businesses and large enterprises (up to 500 concurrent users). However, they are normally selected by larger enterprises which prioritise security by managing their PBX on-site, have already invested in third-party handsets and peripherals, and wish to benefit from the features associated with VoIP and Cloud PBX which can be facilitated by Yeastar PBX systems which are a fraction of the price and size.

Yeastar PBX systems pair easily with a range of third-party IP handsets and peripherals, including SNOM, Fanvil and Grandstream, making them easy to implement.

Due to the IP first approach, existing network infrastructure such as CAT5 cabling or PoE network switches can be utilised when connecting a Yeastar VoIP PBX system.

Benefits of Yeastar VoIP PBX systems

Now that we’ve covered which businesses can benefit from Yeastar PBX systems, let’s explore the benefits of these systems and what they can offer your business.

Dive into the benefits of Yeastar VoIP PBX systems, below!

1. Limited size & easy to set up

Yeastar PBX systems save space while offering the benefits of an on-site phone system setup.

The hardware required when setting up a traditional PBX system is typically ten times larger than the infrastructure required when setting up a Yeastar VoIP PBX system. The ability to use existing network infrastructure also mitigates the need for extensive PBX hardware and complex installations.

Instead, Yeastar VoIP PBX systems only require limited hardware and utilise a company’s existing network infrastructure to integrate with a business environment.

2. Convenient remote support and maintenance

Like most cloud based PBX solutions, most support and maintenance activities are performed remotely for the majority of systems.

A Yeastar VoIP PBX system is configured using a web portal which allows the unit to be set up and managed virtually. When conducting maintenance or troubleshooting an issue, a technician or in-house specialist may log into the system in order to perform normal functions such as firmware updates, backup and restore functions, and troubleshoot any issues that a company might be experiencing with their VoIP PBX system. For troubleshooting, Yeastar provides an Ethernet Capture Tool, Port Monitor Tool, IP Route and Traceroute which generate reports and can be analysed to determine any possible issues.

3. Small on-site PBX system with advanced cloud-based features

A Yeastar VoIP PBX is an on-premise phone system that provides access to all the features one would normally associate with a Cloud PBX, or a complex and costly traditional PBX system.

You have access to important phone system features like call recording, call monitoring, virtual switchboards, call routing, call queuing and more. You also have the option to access additional call-centre functionality, remote access, instant messaging, video calling, and video conferencing through a monthly subscription. This ensures you pay only for what you need, but have access to additional functionality without needing to install additional hardware.

The abundance of features offered by VoIP PBX systems makes them a rival for traditional on-site PBX systems which would require significant hardware to enable some of the standard and more advanced features we’ve covered. An extensive custom on-site PBX system is also not as easy to scale down or expand, depending on shifts in your business and its operations.

In contrast, Yeastar VoIP PBXs are roughly a tenth of the size of traditional on-premise phone systems and are much easier to install. They can be installed by an in-house member of staff with a telecommunications or network background, or a provider.

Configuring the system after physical installation can be actioned via a web portal that the system will allow access to once connected to a network. Maintenance is also usually conducted here.

4. Utilises existing network infrastructure

When installing a Yeastar VoIP PBX system, a provider will typically rely on the businesses’ existing on-site network infrastructure.

As these systems function using VoIP, a reliable network is required in order for the system to perform optimally. In most cases, businesses already have key components such as CAT5 cabling (also known as LAN or Ethernet cabling), telephone cables and routers which the system uses to manage calls over an internet connection.

This makes installing the system easy and inexpensive, as additional cabling and hardware units are not required.

5. Security

On-site PBX systems are known for providing an added layer of security by being based and managed on-site. Some companies with sensitive information prefer having on-site phone systems that can be managed internally, whereas, with cloud PBX systems, data is transferred and stored in the cloud.

This doesn’t necessarily mean that cloud PBX systems are not secure, in fact, most cloud-hosted PBX systems are protected using encryption, firewalls and other measures. But managing stored data on-site can be a plus for security-conscious companies.

With Yeastar PBX systems, there are various security measures that can be put in place to secure your on-site system as well as to account for any risks associated with remote access.
For example, some may choose to set up a firewall, separate their voice and data traffic, secure trunks on their PBX, and may choose to either avoid port forwarding (which provides remote access for mobile workers) or implement VPNs and secure cloud services for remotely connected devices.

6. Yeastar VoIP PBX systems link with desktop & mobile devices using Linkus UC

Yeastar’s VoIP PBX systems work seamlessly with desktop and mobile clients, IP phones and other devices, and can be paired with popular CRMs (Zoho, HubSpot, Salesforce and more).

Linkus is a Mobile Unified Communications (Mobile UC) solution that integrates iOS and Android devices with Yeastar P-Series PBX System, Cloud PBX, S-Series VoIP PBX and K2 IP PBX.

It’s easy to configure Linkus and it provides a wide range of helpful features to help employees stay connected and work anywhere.

Linkus provides a desktop client, mobile app (Linkus UC app), and web client with HD VoIP calling, instant messaging, call conferencing, remote web access to manage your PBX system, a full internal and external directory for contacts and more. Media and calls are secured using enterprise-grade encryption for peace of mind.

7. Avoid paying monthly fees associated with extensions hosted in the cloud

VoIP PBX systems host a set number of extensions, depending on the device model, on-site as opposed to in the cloud with cloud PBX systems. When you require multiple extensions for cloud PBX systems, each extension required per user incurs an additional cost.

Therefore, VoIP PBX systems are beneficial for those looking to avoid the monthly costs associated with cloud-hosted extensions. That being said, different models of VoIP PBX systems are designed to host a set number of extensions and, depending on your required scalability, your hardware may need to be upgraded to support additional users in the future.

Disadvantages of Yeastar PBX systems

Scalability

The only downside for Yeastar phone systems is scalability isn’t as easy as fully cloud-based IP phone solutions.

With Yeastar systems, one purchases their system and any IP handsets and peripherals based on team size. Yeastar PBX systems are designed to incorporate a specific number of extensions (users) based on the hardware model purchased and in order to scale up or down, new hardware must be purchased.

This means that you will incur upfront costs associated with purchasing your system and the model you choose will have to match your team size. If your company grows and you require more extensions you may need to purchase a different Yeastar VoIP PBX model that supports more lines in the future. The same can be said for scaling down your phone system based on team size.

With fully cloud-based phone systems, you have access to unlimited scalability as extensions are hosted in the cloud, and it’s easy to add or remove extensions virtually with ease.

How do you know if your site is ready for an on-premise Yeastar phone system?

When considering implementing a Yeastar VoIP PBX system, a business considers a few aspects of their current telecommunications set-up, hardware and network infrastructure.

A business needs to have a reliable network connection and associated hardware, including CAT5 cabling and network switches.

It’s also necessary for a business to consider its existing handsets. With Yeastar VoIP PBXs, many third-party IP phones can be used. These include widely available third-party handsets from brands such as Grandstream, SNOM, Yealink, Fanvil and certain other well-known third-party IP phone providers. However, proprietary IP phones from brands such as Samsung and Panasonic for example will not integrate with Yeastar VoIP PBXs.

In addition, a business should always assess the solution in the context of the business’ demands, including how many users are required, security requirements, their current phone solution and hardware, and features required, among a few other factors. It’s also beneficial for a business to assess whether they would benefit more from a VoIP PBX solution over a cloud-hosted PBX system.

Types of Yeastar PBX models suitable for different sizes of businesses

Yeastar designs a variety of hybrid PABX systems, each is suitable for businesses of different sizes with varying requirements for their communication solutions.

Whether you’re a small business, medium-sized business or large enterprise, Yeastar has a range of models to satisfy your needs and enhance the communication strategy of your business.

We explore three Yeastar IP PABX system models below and what they offer your company so you can make an informed decision that aligns with your demands and team size.

Yeastar S412 (up to 8 members)

Yeastar S412 is a Hybrid VoIP system that is geared toward small businesses and is designed to deliver exceptional productivity and cost savings.

The S412 is suitable for a team consisting of a maximum of 8 members, and can accomodate up to 8 concurrent calls. The S412 is a small standalone system that unlocks a wide range of beneficial communication features without extra licensing fees, including but not limited to, instant messaging, call conferencing, remote management, interactive voice response (IVR) and real time monitoring.

S412 can also be utilised with App Center which provides access to add and manage Apps independently and provides extra functionality for businesses. It is also compatible with Linkus which provides a unified solution for managing internal and external communication across a range of desktop and mobile devices. The Yeastar S412 can also be integrated with a list of compatible IP phones.

Yeastar S20 (up to 20 members)

The Yeastar S20 Main Unit is suitable for a maximum of 20 team members, accommodating 20 incoming SIP (VoIP) lines with the ability to manage 10 concurrent calls.

It’s a standalone system providing a wide range of features to help companies enhance their communication strategy. Some of the standard features you can expect include call routing, auto-attendant (IVR), call recording, call monitoring, call waiting, queue calls, music on hold, video calling and more.

It is also compatible with Linkus Cloud Service which is a mobile unified communication solution that integrates the Yeastar S20 with iOS and Android Devices providing desktop, mobile and web clients to manage contacts and communications. The S20 is also compatible with a wide range of supporting IP phones from brands such as Grandstream, Gigaset, SNOM, Fanvil and more.

Yeastar S50 (up to 50 members)

The Yeastar S50 IP PABX is designed for medium sized businesses, and is suitable for a maximum of 50 team members with the ability to handle 25 concurrent calls.

The S50 brings enterprise-grade business communication capabilities and provides a complete unified communication solution with advanced communication features and rich built-in APIs to integrate with a 3rd party application server.

Some of the standard features the S50 provides include caller ID; call waiting; video calls; conference calling; call monitoring, call recording and more. Integrating the S50’s APIs enables variable call features and advanced reporting capabilities.

The S50 can be connected to Linkus to provide a unified solution for managing calls and contacts for internal or external communication purposes. Linkus UC also allows businesses to manage their communications using mobile, desktop and web clients across a range of devices. Compatible supporting IP phones can also be integrated with Yeastar’s S50 system.

Final thoughts on Yeastar VoIP PBX systems

In summary, Yeastar VoIP PBX systems are highly beneficial for a wide range of businesses and provide comparable benefits and features to cloud-based solutions.

Yeastar VoIP PBX systems are a sought-after communication solution. Their ability to provide key standard and advanced phone system features, good security, low-cost and space-saving installation, lower call rates, and integrations with softphones and existing third-party IP phones make them highly beneficial for businesses. They also allow for remote management and maintenance which is useful for companies and providers when managing or maintaining the system.

If you’re interested in Yeastar VoIP PBX systems you might also enjoy learning about how to port a landline number to VoIP, the benefits of VoIP lines vs analog lines, and the factors that influence PBX system price.

We have a wealth of experience assisting businesses across South Africa with identifying and implementing phone system solutions that match specific requirements, including cloud-hosted PBXs, on-premise PBX systems, and VoIP solutions. If you’re considering switching to a VoIP solution, contact us to find out more and get answers to any queries you may have.