Direct Line with IP 406

[onlinecomputerservic]

We are using an IP 406 with 6 analog lines. These are pooled lines with an auto attendant driving the process... '1 for sales', '2 for serive' etc etc.

I would now like to give several users a direct line so that their customers can just dial directly to their desks, through the IP Office 406.

Is the IP office capable of doing this for more than a couple of lines, I have heard running it this way will slow the unit down...is this true? or could I have 6 direct lines without causing any grief. If the incoming lines was busy, I still plan to send them of to voicemail.

Are there any problems doing it this way? Speed issues? Any advice?

Thanks

 

[mattKnight]

>We are using an IP 406 with 6 analog lines. These are pooled lines

No

Not with your current setup.

You will need new lines to allow direct access. TBH, whilst you could do this with analogue lines, you need to migrate to or at list augment your existing lines with digital lines.

>Is the IP office capable of doing this for more than a couple of lines, I have heard running it this way will slow the unit down...is this true?

With digital lines, the IP office will work perfectly in this type of configuration - it will not slow down.

> If the incoming lines was busy, I still plan to send them of to voicemail.

If the incoming line is busy... (assuming 1 number, 1 line) the incoming line is busy and you won't get to voicemail, because the central office will return busy to the caller

The short version - to achieve what you want - go digital

Take Care

Matt
I have always wished that my computer would be as easy to use as my telephone.
My wish has come true. I no longer know how to use my telephone.

 

[onlinecomputerservic]

Thanks for you comment...

When you say digital lines, do you mean PRI lines and does this then mean the purchase of a PRI card?

This setup is for an office of 6 users and it just seems very expensive for so few users.

Thanks again.

 

[mforrence]

Actually, you're a VERY good SIP trunk candidate. You can get PRI-like services (Direct Inward Dialing - which is the common name of the service that you seek) without the high monthly recurring cost. You WILL need a VCM unless you already have one. And SIP trunk licenses. But you're still likely way cheaper than PRI on recurring costs.

OR you could just get a couple more POTS lines that are not in the pool and direct them to specific users. You lose a lot of capability when line is busy/no answer...
Mike

 

[onlinecomputerservic]

I just checked, we dont have access to SIP Trunk lines. The only thing my provider can offer is PRI over Fibre. The base charge is a couple of hundred per month and then another $30 per line , then $1.50 per DID.

Maybe that is a good price but will currently only pay for each line, the $150 extra per month would be extra and a hard sell.

The POTS line, (just normal lines) was really the focus of my question. I was told that the IP 406 would not handle that configuration, it would be too slow. Personally, I would think it should handle things just fine for so few users.

You mention capability that would be lost when busy/no answer, can you tell me exactly what you mean.

Thanks

 

[mattKnight]

>You mention capability that would be lost when busy/no answer, can you tell me exactly what you mean

Yes, I've already alluded to it.

If you have a direct line to a user and that user is on an incoming call (i.e. already using their direct line), a second call to that number cannot get to the system to be answered / handled by voicemail, forwarded etc. This is because the line itself is busy and Central office has to return busy to the caller (unless is call waiting enabled on the line...)

I'd forgotten about SIP, Are you US based or somewhere else?

Take Care

Matt
I have always wished that my computer would be as easy to use as my telephone.
My wish has come true. I no longer know how to use my telephone.

 

[onlinecomputerservic]

Ok, now i understand your comment. I had considered have the Telco forward a busy line back to my pool, there they would be greeted by the autoattendant...tacky but would work in a pinch.

And no, we are in Canada, we seem to have all the good stuff, everything except SIP!!

I guess PRI is looking like my only choice....except for the $$$$.

Thanks for your help!

 

[mattKnight]

>And no, we are in Canada, we seem to have all the good stuff, everything except SIP!!

Canada close to the US.... (joke) Which part - my brother's just emigrated to Toronto.

>I guess PRI is looking like my only choice....except for the $$$$.

Do you telcos supply Basic Rate ISDN - in europe, it costs in nicely up to 8 channels - which is where PRI takes over. I know it isn't available / common in the US (why I don't know - any over the ponders care to illuminate?) I don't know about Canada though.

As for forwards on the lines - that would work, but as you say it is a bit "messy". You could also use "pools" of lines for each user, which would be more expensive than single lines, but that would be the best of all worlds (2 or 3lines per person)

I assume you are running a ATM 16, if not you'll need one once you get to over 8 analogue lines



Take Care

Matt
I have always wished that my computer would be as easy to use as my telephone.
My wish has come true. I no longer know how to use my telephone.

 

[onlinecomputerservic]

Hey Matt,

I am in Nova Scotia, East of Toronto if your GPS is off at the moment

Thanks for your input, it is looking like PRI is the way to go. The local telco is providing a quote in the next day or so.

I hope PRI is easy to configure !!!

Cheers,
Chris