Weird temporary need for which I think I have the solution... 1

[DKThomas]

OK guys and dolls, I need some advice. Here is the short version: I have a med clinic moving this weekend that had a Norstar with POTS lines. Moving to a new facility with an IPO500V2 running R10 being fed by SIP from a new carrier. The clinic wants to keep their old number, of course, and the port request from one vendor (POTS) to the new vendor (SIP) takes 30 days. I have another IPO from a second office that has been using POTS that is combining with the office in need. Now, the meat of the question. Can I use this spare system, using permanent call forward on an unused (they will all be unused) extension, using off switch transfer, to take in a call on the main number and send it back out on an outgoing line to the new clinic? I think my theory is sound, even though my explanation may not be. Clinic one has 2 incoming and 2 outgoing, so it is possible with that config I can take in 2 calls and send them right back out, right? I would build 2 incoming call routes, one to each of 2 "phantom" extensions, each set for permanent call forward to the new number. I know there will be answer delays. These will all be local calls going out. This will be a 3 week solution until the porting takes place.
Thoughts? Advice?
As always, thanks in advance!
DT
By the way, the SIP provider's sales person was supposed to set the port date, and another of my team members was working with them without telling me. I know that never happens to y'all, right? LOL!

 

[intrigrant]

A it of a messy question but i think you want to use a IPO on the old location to forward the POTS to the new SIP lines at the new location.
In our country we call the POTS provider and ask them to forward the old numbers to another number, in this case a number arriving on the SIP trunk.
You can use a IPO to forward the POTS, just set a incoming call route using the incoming line id with the destination the remote number.
But if the POTs lines do not support reliable disconnect it will not work as the lines will not disconnect after call completion.

 

[IPGuru]

One question
Why was the port not organised in advance of the move?
surely you cant have had the order to supply & install the IPO for the new site as such short notice.


Do things on the cheap & it will cost you dear

 

[mforrence]

I would only consider using the carrier's call forwarding variable to simply forward calls to a spare (or main) DID on SIP. Easy. No audio loss due to analog in/out connection. You MAY need to arrange multipath forwarding.

Mike Forrence

http://www.goteamvox.com

 

[DKThomas]

Thanks, guys. Intrigrant, you are spot on as usual. IPGuru, politics. All I can say about that. Mforrence, I am working that angle as well, but need a back-up plan. Guess I am doing some testing today.
I appreciate the responses.
DT

 

[Telecomboy]

Definitely agree that you should just have the carrier call forward the number to the new circuit until they can port. Much less messy.

 

[DKThomas]

Update on my solution: It works as I expected. I used their existing 2 incoming lines and built them each an incoming call route to a specific extension. I checked call forward unconditional to the new number for each extension. I used their 2 outgoing lines in the ARS to call back out of the system. Watching system status, I can see 2 calls come in and immediately go back out to the new number.
I wish ATT was easy to work with on forwarding issues, but they are not. Our organization is currently transitioning to another carrier for ALL circuits in all clinics, and I understand their not wanting to help. Just thought you all would like to hear that it is solved and working.
thanks for the responses.
DT

 

[Westi]

With analog lines you may experience low volume on the calls. Works but people may complain about the volume.

Joe W.

FHandw, ACSS (SME)


"This is the end of the world, make sure to buy your T-shirt before it is too late"
Original expression of my daughter

 

[DKThomas]

Thanks, Westi. I hammered the heck out of it Friday and several times this weekend. Seems to be holding up well for now. And, I am getting very reliable disconnects as well.

 

[teletechman]

The solution will work but for only 2 calls at a time, so limited call volume to the new location. It would be better to use the solution mforrence suggested. You might trying to go onsite to the POTD line site and try *72 then the number to forward the line, that is what we use if available in the US. This would not limit the call flow to 2 calls at one time.
Mike