There is no direct inline upgrade path available for upgrading from any previous FreePBX versions to FreePBX 17 or PBXact 17.
The recommended upgrade path from any previous FreePBX version to FreePBX 17 is to use the "Backup & Restore" functionality. To do this, create a backup of your existing FreePBX system and then restore it onto a newly installed FreePBX 17 system.
FreePBX 17 comes with Asterisk 21 by default, which does not support chan_sip. For guidance on using FreePBX 17 with chan_sip, please refer to the "How to Use FreePBX 17 with chan_sip" wiki.
How to Back Up Your FreePBX System
Following these steps will ensure that your new FreePBX 17 system has the same configuration as your existing setup.
How to Create a Backup from FreePBX 15/16
How to take Backup from FreePBX 15 / FreePBX 16 -
To take a full backup of your FreePBX 15+ system, use the Backup & Restore module. For detailed instructions on configuring and creating a full backup, please refer to the Using the Backup module for FreePBX 15+ wiki on Using the Backup Module.
How to Create a Backup from FreePBX 13/14
To take a full backup of your FreePBX 13/14 system, use the Backup & Restore module. For detailed instructions on configuring and creating a full backup, please refer to the Using the Backup module wiki on Using the Backup Module.
How to Restore a Backup to a FreePBX 17 System
Please refer to the “Restore” steps as mentioned in the https://sangomakb.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/PG/pages/20807752/Backup+and+Restore+FreePBX+15#Restore wiki.
Chan_sip to PJSIP Conversion During Data Restoration
The restore functionality in FreePBX 17 has been enhanced to support converting chan_sip devices to pjsip during the restoration process. Switching to pjsip is highly recommended.
Steps to Follow When Restoring Data to FreePBX 17
Restore via GUI
Restore via CLI
Challenges and Solutions When Restoring to FreePBX 17 Due to Asterisk 21
FreePBX 17 comes with Asterisk 21 by default, which does not support:
chan_sip
Macros
Due to these limitations, restoring data from previous FreePBX systems may present challenges, such as:
Custom dial plans or AGI scripts using macros will not work after restoration.
chan_sip devices and trunks will not function.
Macros to GoSub
Users must manually update their custom dial plans or AGI scripts to convert all macros to GoSub to ensure compatibility with Asterisk 21.
Chan_sip to PJSIP Conversion
Convert all chan_sip devices and trunks to pjsip during the restoration process.
Using FreePBX 17 with a Different Asterisk Version
If you're not ready to use Asterisk 21, you can follow these steps to switch the Asterisk version before restoring your data:
Install FreePBX 17, which by default comes with Asterisk 21.
Use the "asterisk-version-switch" tool to change the Asterisk version to any version lower than 21 that supports both chan_sip and macros.
Restore your data.