Bridge - Outbound rule prefix

[saint_]

Hi all

Two questions:
- What is the point of "Outbound rule prefix to reach remote 3XC PBX" under Bridge ?
Regardless of what I put here (nothing, one digit, or more), it never works unless if I create an outbound rule.
Now, if I create an outbound rule (regardless of what I have in the outbound prefix under BRIDGE), then it works.

So I can put nothing in Bridge / Outbound rule, and create a general outbound rule, and it will work.

Other question:
If I put a prefix of *1 to reach my bridge, size of 5 digits (remote PBX has 3 digits extensions), and STRIP 2, it won't work. But if I put 11 as a prefix, it works. Does the * does not work correctly ?

Thank you all

 

[eddv123]

The outbound rule prefix is best used if you have 2 PBX's that have the same extension range between each other, you can prefix to say use the bridge and do not dial an internal.

More info here: ;https://www.3cx.com/docs/manual/connecting-pbx-bridges/

Normally the * at least for an inbound rule means take these fixed digits and any proceeding (of any string) however I have never used this methodology for bridging, I have never had the requirement.

If you run the binary log viewer you should be able to see what 3CX is doing with rule:
https://www.3cx.com/docs/3cx-log-viewer/
https://www.3cx.com/docs/collecting-logs-for-3cx-support/

 

[saint_]

@eddv123
In the page you mentioned above https://www.3cx.com/docs/manual/connecting-pbx-bridges/ , it says in section 3 to enter a prefix, and to use the same prefix in section 8.

Hence my question:
If I do not put a prefix in section 3 and put one in section 8 (general prefix for outbound rules), I can still dial out to the bridged PBX. So what is the point of prefix in the bridge section ? If I put no prefix in the bridge section / prefix, and put one in general / outbound rule, I can call out to the other pbx.

thank you

 

[leejor]

I think is going to depend on how complicated , or simple, your outbound rules are. This includes "regular" outside calls and calls over bridges. Many user have more than one bridge trunk with various extension ranges/digit length at the other end. Having various prefixes may make sense in those cases. As long as your dialled digits come across an outbound rule that they match, and calls route where you want them, you can leave it as simple as you want. Keep in mind, that many 3CX pages were created for older versions, where some current options were not available. As you may have found, they are not always updated when changes occur.

 

[saint_]

@leejor
Thank you for your answer, but I still do not understand what is the point / use of the "Prefix rule" under "Bridge" section. Regardless of what I enter, as long as I have a correct prefix in the general outbound rule, I can call my remote PBXs. So what does this particular one do (Bridge / outbound rule prefix) ?

 

[leejor]

Someone from 3CX may have to answer that. May be a "catch-all".

 

[YiannisH_3CX]

Hello @saint_

It is up to you to use a prefix under bridge settings or just configure your outbound rules to be able to dial across bridges. The added benefit of adding a prefix is that the receiving end of the bridge will auto prepend it to the calling extension number so you can easily redial the number.

Specify an “Outbound rule prefix” to be used for this bridge. If for example you specify “3”, then you must dial “3100”to reach extension “100” on the other 3CX Phone System. This prefix is added to the caller number in case the call is not answered, so the called party can easily redial missed calls

Let's assume you have a bridge between PBX-A and PBX-B
000 is an extension on PBX-A
001 is an extension on PBX-B
9 is set as the bridge prefix under bridge settings.

000 calls 001. With the prefix defined, 001 will see the caller as 9000 so if the call is missed or for any reason you need to call 000 back you can just hit redial. Without the prefix the 001 will see the caller as 000 so when he tried to call back the call will fail.