Linking 2 CS1000 systems at 2 sites

[madlife]

So my company was just bought by another and we now have 2 locations. The new owners are seeking how we can unify the phone system so site 1 can just dial an extension for site 2.

Site 1 - Nortel CS1000
Site 2 - Nortel {still waiting details from them, but sounds like a CS1000 as well}

Is it possible to link the two sites so we can reach each other by just an extension, but ALSO anyone that calls their 1800 number goes to their PBX to be routed, and calls that come to our main number goes to our PBX to be routed.

... And regardless of which number is called, we can set extensions to reach either location.

I realize an new VoIP would be ideal, but I was looking into this as a temporary low cost solution.

Thank you everyone.

 

[KCFLHRC]

Connecting the 2 PBX's together isn't all that difficult. Kinda depends on how far apart they are. Most everyone is probably stilling using a PRI to do this but the newer technology is with IP trunks either H323 or SIP. If they are a few miles apart you would need to get a point to point T1 from your local carrier and install DTI/PRI cards into each switch to tie them together. You also need to be careful and make sure the numbering plans dont conflict between the 2 and then decide how much traffic will be going across the 2 sites. Then you have to think about voice mail, will yo use 1 mail server or continue to use 2. You will most likely get into some licensing issues with each site where you may have to upgrade key codes to add features you may not already have.

 

[madlife]

I assume that "Numbering Plans" refers to the extensions each site uses. Site1 uses 3 digit extensions, and site2 uses 4 digit.

The two sites are about 300 miles apart.

As for the voice mail, we may just leave each site with their own voice mail. This way each location's IT people can handle their own. Also, one site has mostly french speaking employees, so its best to leave their VM in french.

 

[KCFLHRC]

As long as their is no conflicts in the numbering plan then you should be fine mixing 3 and 4 digit extensions. By conflicts I mean you could not have X-300 at site A and then have X-3000 at site B. If you do have conflicts in the numbering plan then you cant use CDP, meaning you cant 3 or 4 digit dial between sites until this is corrected. Bonne Chance, that's French for good luck.

 

[madlife]

Thanks for the input. I know phones systems just about as well as I know French.. Nada. they did get back to me with what kind of system they have. I don't know anything about it, so I am going to research it some today. I figured I would post it here in case anyone knows off the top of their head.

Site2: Norstar Plus Modular ICS NT7B53

Site1: Notel CS1000 opt 11. {my site}

 

[allenmac]

As others have pointed out, this can be done in several different ways.

As long as the leading digits of the extensions at each site do not conflict with the other site, you could use cdp with digit manipulation on the CS1000 side, and destination codes on the Norstar side.

For example:

Say site 1 has extensions 4000-4999. Full Tel. # is 202-555-4xxx
Say site 2 has extensions 500-599. Full Tel. # is 818-555-75xx

In the CS1000, add a DSC code of 5 with a Digit Manipulation Index that Inserts (1)8185557 to the number, and send out to the PSTN.

In the Norstar create a destination code of 4, and add (1)202555 to the number before sending it out to the PSTN.

Be aware that the Norstar is limited in the number of destination codes you can create, so try to keep it simple.

 

[madlife]

Thanks Allenmac..

If I understand you right, from Site1, if you dial a site2 extension, the PBX will just add on the outgoing number to call site two {almost like a speed dial} and vice versa.

BUT... if that is how it works, will they be able to call the other site, then input the extension?

Site1 only has 15 DIDs or so, Site2 has none.

 

[allenmac]

Yes, essentially, you are allowing the users to dial the extension, and then have the CS1000 or Norstar fill in the rest of the number.

If not everyone has a DID, then you will either need to turn on DISA (which I do not recommend), or setup an application in the voice mail system with a dial-by-number component. A user would dial a number to access the application, then dial the extension they ultimately want.

 

[curtismo]

You have multiple options available, some of which include:

- install a T1 card and a Combo card in their MICS and and use DTI E&M trunks to call between the two systems (I have done this in the past;

- install a T1 card, combo card and PRI enabler code in the MICS and use PRI channels on a private T1 between the two systems;

- Use a third-party device (router, codec, etc.) to convert analog trunks on both ends to VoIP for carriage between the two sites.

The possibilities are endless. The question is how much you want to spend and how much you want to do yourself, or have done by an Avaya partner.