Grandstream UCM6208 8 Port IP PBX Phone System

Purchased the Grandstream UCM6208 to replace a 5-line version of 3cx. While 3cx did an o:k job, there were persistent issues such as delays and repeated phone reboots which became progressively worse. What I liked about the UCM6208 is that it is based on Asterisk so it is proven technology, yet the interface is 'dumbed' down to make it easy to implement (I don't install phone systems for a living). Other than a user-friendly UI, I'm not sure that Grandstream does anything to change the Asterisk implementation, but I did find the 'zero configuration' of phones incredibly useful. I use Grandstream GXP2000, GXP2100, GXP2130, and GXP2160 phones (23 individual extensions). All of these (except the GXP2000) can be configured in a template and then pushed out to each phone. It made implementation a breeze. I also like the UCM6208 (which is a bit more capability than we needed) because it is rack mountable. It runs quite and has had no issues in terms of physical operation. The only problem I had when installing is that on the outside of the case it has 'WAN' and 'LAN' marked above the RJ45 ports. In my case, I was not using the UCM6208 as a router, so the WAN connection was a bit of a misnomer, though technically correct. Once I figured out that I needed to use it instead of the LAN port it was smooth sailing. As for voice quality we are very happy. I have seen videos about issues with this box. They don't describe the issues, but I can only assume it is due to voice quality. In our case, the quality is excellent. There hasn't been a single issue with this (or anything else) on this system. Like 3cx, the system has just about every 'bell and whistle' feature you could imagine. We use BLF indicators for our extensions, ring groups, custom music on hold, email notification of voicemails, voicemail, etc. and everything is working great. I highly recommend this system for any business. It handles our call volume without subscription fees, etc. of a busy office.

As another reviewer mentioned, and I agree, installing and configuring a PBX is not straightforward, even with the nice custom GUI that Grandstream has layered on top of Asterisk. That said, if you know what you are doing, or are willing to spend literally a couple days learning to configure your own PBX and frequently being befuddled and tearing out your hair trying to figure out what is wrong, then you should buy this hardware as it is rock solid once setup and the kinks worked out. I started out a few years ago with only a few users on the smaller (cigar box) sized Grandtream UCM devices. The config is identical but after we loaded up some traffic and users onto those smaller boxes we found them to be unstable at the hardware level. Even after growing in users to more like 8-10 concurrent calls, after switching to the 6208 rack mount unit we have been rock solid for the last year with basically no issues or reboots. Again, I can't stress enough that learning to administer a PBX from the ground up is quite an undertaking. There is a reason that this is the domain of pros. That said, once you learn it, it is easy to administer going forward.

so far, in use in a church for about a year. interface isn't well refined, imo, but it is working. a few of their phones have stopped working, too, but they are cheaper then alternatives. we bought and installed about 50 devices to six FiOS/POTS lines.

Head to YouTube and search 'grandstream' for ways to program it. It's based on 'asterisk', probably the most popular open source IP Phone PBX system around. So resources are there. The downside: If you have never programmed a PBX before, strap in for the ride of your life. Nothing is drawn out for you, and it seems to assume you already know all about this stuff. Also, the firmware is not 'collective', and I had to download and update it about 9 times to get it updated to the latest firmware. You'll want to do that; the difference in user interface is extremely noticeable. Again, you tube will be your friend. Draw out your desires, and start researching the programming. It's all there, from DECT cordless to regular phones. I even got the iOS and Android App to work with it. In hindsight, it's all pretty impressive. But initially, it can be very overwhelming and intimidating. Don't let that stop you; after a few videos and some practical experience, you'll be fine, fingers crossed.

This unit was ordered to replace a smaller Grandstream that we outgrew. It was received well packed and without visible damage. Unfortunately, something was wrong with the internal power supply and it did not power up. Amazon was notified and another unit was shipped Express before the first was returned. The second unit powered up and we were able to quickly and easily configure it. All PBX features work perfectly and we are very happy customers. Thanks to all who worked to resolve the problem.

While we got a great deal on the system purchased on Amazon, GrandStream won't support the product unless purchased from a dealer. This is not advertised on the product for sale to the public on Amazon. We were able to contact an Phone support company who got it working for us, but would have liked to have known this before we purchased it.

We are a preferred partner with Grandstream. These are fantastic units (if you know what you're doing). It really allows us to help customers save significantly on their phone service and the capabilities of these are phenomenal! Very satisfied!

Excellent product, very easy to setup. Was the first time I did it. There is a lot of help on the internet to setup all of the features