I need to know how to check analog ports for an actual phone set. I know you can do an IDU on the digitals. I searched and found some suggesting to use LD 30, but that seems to return an OK even if I go and intentionally unplug the phone myself.
OK...
no way what? This functionality is available on DMS systems as well as the tiny little 30 port PBX's I used in the military. But not on a half mil 81C?
It would be very nice if it were possible. I'm sure a lot of us could recover unused 500 ports but as far as I'm aware it is not possible. If I'm wrong I'm sure someone will corrct me.
I concur. I worked on an 81C for a 14 building campus and I had to keep track of the analogs on a spreadsheet. Let me tell you, moves and terms were a full time job in itself just keeping track of who was using an analog line or not.
Yep, totally agree. You can use switchview to track zero use extns but otherwise the only way to find out what you've got is to audit your site, like trace all wiring & eyeball all outlets.
I FOUND THE BEST WAY TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM IS TO SEND OUT A EMAIL BOARDCAST TELLING THEM THEY HAVE 1 WEEK TO LET YOU KNOW IF THEY ARE USING A ANALOG LINE IF SO WHAT IS THE EXTENSION NUMBER. IF THEY DON'T KNOW THE EXTENSION NUMBER CALL THE OPERATOR OR SOMEONE WITH A DISPLAY PHONE. IF THEY DON'T RESPOND IN THAT PERIOD ALL OTHER WILL BE DISCONNECTED.
THEN YOU NEED TO KEEP BETTER RECORDS ON YOUR 81C!
Here is how I would do it: (without moving from my chair)
Check the CDR records (internal and external) and would filter each DN to see if it is used or not. I would have to check everyday for a month.
Then:
Call the numbers left to see if someone answers or if a device answers, I would do that for some time until I tried all of the numbers as many times I wish.
Then:
I would disable the ports left. Of course, I am the person who repairs all of the failures on my sites. So if someone is cut-off I know about it.
I already take a full TNB every month so after being disabled for a month. I proceed to out the TN left inactive.
I never did this, it is radical, but there is no way to know if there is an analogue phone plugged in, from sitting in my chair.
If you want to move from your chair there is ways... From the MDF you can use a device that will detect a phone or modem on the field side of each pair of wires. That means you have to deconnect each x-connect and test the field side with that device and re-connect it. And that methode won't give 100% results , still.
Go thru all of the wiring closets with a butt-set and you will be suprised how many dial-tones you will find on unused pairs.
I agree with the "stay in your chair" method. I am a big fan of disabling any questionable analogs and waiting for someone to yell - if no one yells then most likely no one is using it!! If they do yell then you can identify the port, name it and move on.
Only issue with this approach is that you can end up zapping lift & service phones which rarely get used. I took over a group of regional hospitals that had 0 documentation & I get service extns that may only get used once a year. I'm waiting for Fletch or liqwid253 to share some of the good oil with us
As for Cawho's reply I also agree. Untill I find my magical answer, that is the only way to do it. The only flaw to the "in your chair" method is if you only have CDR running on your trunks or special interest TN's. Then all the interoffice traffic would not be accounted for. As for the wiring closet method, the butt set on unused pairs is a sure bet to free up some tn's with out threatening your contract renewal.
All these methods are fine but there must be an easier way, I will be sure to share if I find it.
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.