Conference Calling Setup

[Matt85]

My boss wants me to see if we can use of phone system for conference calling instead of them using Genisis which is like .20 cents per minute per user. We have a much better long distance package. I understand that you can do it with one phone if you continue pressing the CONF key up to five times I believe. But what I am trying to do is have the attendant setup the conference call if possible or if they can dial into using DISA because they all may call in at different times. I know I think I only have 5 DSP resources so does that mean only 5 outside callers on the call at 1 time or 5 including the internal caller? But do you see what I'm getting at? Like if 1 internal user is already in a 3 person call and another external user wants to join in how do you do that?
sx200icp v3

Matthew McGowan
Reynolds Park

http://www.rpyc.info

 

[CaperJ]

You can use a non busy extension to setup inbound conference calls very easily.

Description
An extension with the non-busy extension feature enabled never appears busy to the system. If a new call is directed at a non busy extension that is already in a call, the system automatically overrides the existing call. After a warning tone, the new caller joins the conversation.

Programming
Enable COS Option 243 (Non-Busy Extension) for the extension.
Operation
A new incoming call joins in to an established call automatically (with a burst of warning tone).

Conditions
The following conditions apply to this feature:
• The Override Security and Data Security features are ignored for the parties in the established call.
• The feature does not work for members of recording hunt groups.
• The feature is ignored when the console calls the set.
• The same conditions for override and key lines apply.
• This feature conflicts with any feature requiring a switch–hook flash.
• The non-busy extension can be in conversation with no more than four other parties. Additional callers receive busy tone.
• Only calls dialed directly to the set override; Recalls, Call Reroutes, Callbacks, ignore the feature.
• A call transferred to a non-busy extension does not override a conversation in progress.

 

[Matt85]

is there anyway to beat around the bush and have more than 5 people at once? i don't see how its not possible

Matthew McGowan
Reynolds Park

http://www.rpyc.info

 

[Matt85]

i tried it and couldn't get it to work using a 5220. what does This feature conflicts with any feature requiring a switch–hook flash. mean?

Matthew McGowan
Reynolds Park

http://www.rpyc.info

 

[CaperJ]

Not on a 200

 

[MitelInMyBlood]

The Non-Busy-Extension (NBE) is an "answer only" analog device. The associated instrument cannot perform any feature except to answer the call. It cannot be a key appearance, it cannot dial, it cannot hookswitch flash, etc.,etc.

On the SX2000 and 3300 you can have a maximum of 8 parties (7 plus the NBE party). On the 200 the limit is 5 (4 + the NBE).

A workaround for the max party limit and feature restrictions is to hardwire the NBE to a loop start trunk then make the trunk answer point into a key appearance on a superset. It can even be the prime line. In this config you can have 4 parties dial in to the NBE number. The superset has to answer the first incoming call and thus becomes one of the conferenced parties. The superset can then perform a transfer/conference to add a maximum of 4 additional parties thus achieving a nine-party conference.

Mitel will tell you this trickery is "not supported" but you can do it. On the SX2K and 3300 this same trickery can be used to create a 15-party conference.

 

[MitelInMyBlood]

By the way, using this same trick you can actually tie 4 Non-busy extensions (separate numbers) together on a common superset (using the loop start trunk concept in my previous post). The superset needs 4 line appearances and has to "answer" at least 1 incoming call on EACH of the 4 separate NBEs so the superset therefore becomes 1 member of each NBE "conference".

Therefore 4 + the superset = 5 parties in conference, then up to 12 additional parties can dial-in to join via the 3 addt'l NBE lines for a grand total of 17 parties on a single conference (all callers would have to know to dial 1 of the 4 separate NBE numbers for this stunt to work). In this configuration the Superset cannot add anyone because his 5-conference limit is already used. I also forsee the possibility of needing addt'l DSP capacity.

And NO, I certainly don't recommend anyone ever trying this, but in theory it could be done. Using the same concept you could theoretically bring up to 50 parties together on an SX2K/3300.

 

[Matt85]

so all i have to do is enable option 342 NBE on an analog phone and it should work? or is there something else i have to do?

Matthew McGowan
Reynolds Park

http://www.rpyc.info

 

[Matt85]

sorry i meant opt 243

Matthew McGowan
Reynolds Park

http://www.rpyc.info