FXS Gateway Call Park with analogue phones

[gbrown100]

Hi all,

I have done plenty of VOIP only installs in the past but I need to do an on prem potentially with a 16 port fxs gateway. This is because there is only 4 pair telco wiring in place and it's plastered into the walls without conduit and being listed building mansion there's not much scope for new wiring just now.

I have not used these before, I need to replicate the current way of working, this is that wherever the phone is picked up, if they want to transfer between phones around the house it get's parked on a line and then picked up elsewhere (denoted by an LED on the line keys). Presumably orbit does this but does anyone have any experience of it? They have panasonic kx-t7730 analogue handsets now but I now see they are system phones so recommendations of analogue phones with line keys would be appreciated

Thanks

Graham

 

[VasilisV_3CX]

Hi @gbrown100,

This is entirely doable, albeit really not optimal for the situation. You'll need to learn your FXS's hold and blind transfer codes. For example with my Grandstream I've tested this on, you need to train your users to hit the flash button (usually pressing the hook or a flash button) which will put them on hold, then dial the code (*87 in my case, followed by *00 for the parking orbit). The other users can pick up the call by dialing *10.

Given that the above wasn't as easy or comfortable, nor user friendly as the process would be on an IP phone, I'd suggest considering using one of supported models: https://www.3cx.com/sip-phones/

 

[gbrown100]

Hi @gbrown100,

This is entirely doable, albeit really not optimal for the situation. You'll need to learn your FXS's hold and blind transfer codes. For example with my Grandstream I've tested this on, you need to train your users to hit the flash button (usually pressing the hook or a flash button) which will put them on hold, then dial the code (*87 in my case, followed by *00 for the parking orbit). The other users can pick up the call by dialing *10.

Given that the above wasn't as easy or comfortable, nor user friendly as the process would be on an IP phone, I'd suggest considering using one of supported models: https://www.3cx.com/sip-phones/

Thanks @VasilisV_3CX

Yes, indeed it's not optimal... If there were any way of doing it I would but simply IP phones need power sockets or PoE neither of which are in abundance in a house built in 1603. The requirements are more than just whacking a cable in as the house is listed (protected) and has special requirements. Yes it's possible but more likely will be done in the future as part of a major refit where specialist contractors can install wires without drilling through 400 year old horsehair plastered cornicing

Presumably I can just program those codes into shortcut buttons in the handsets themselves though which takes it down to "Transfer" + "Shortcut Button"?

 

[leejor]

You could use Ethernet over AC wiring adapters to create network access where needed, if you want to use SIP phones.
Other than the "original" key system sets, I can't think of any currently available multi-line analogue desk phones, although there may be some, if you do a search.

What i find easiest, for parking and retrieving calls, especially in a SOHO environment, is to create some dummy extensions ,(as an example) 300, 301, 302, then forward each to SP0, SP1, SP2 etc. If it's not used a lot, you may only requre one. To park a call, you simply transfer the call to the extenson, to pick up, just dial the extension and you are connected, no star codes. This allows you to pick up a call in one location, then move to another phone. You only have to remember the extension numbers you created.

 

[CentrexJ]

Thanks @VasilisV_3CX

Yes, indeed it's not optimal... If there were any way of doing it I would but simply IP phones need power sockets or PoE neither of which are in abundance in a house built in 1603. The requirements are more than just whacking a cable in as the house is listed (protected) and has special requirements. Yes it's possible but more likely will be done in the future as part of a major refit where specialist contractors can install wires without drilling through 400 year old horsehair plastered cornicing

Presumably I can just program those codes into shortcut buttons in the handsets themselves though which takes it down to "Transfer" + "Shortcut Button"?

How is the WiFi in the building? There are Yealink (and likely others) models that support WiFi.

 

[gbrown100]

How is the WiFi in the building? There are Yealink (and likely others) models that support WiFi.

Not great, I'm having to mesh using Unifi and also have Ethernet over Mains but that works very poorly. Often speed is reduced as the wiring is old and sometimes it decides to create a routing loop and takes down the network. It's a challenging project. I have managed to get a couple of ethernet cables through in places where we could run either without drilling or where we could travel behind pipes. Bottom line, it's just not reliable compared to those old bits of copper! Anyway, doesn't change the fact that i don't have many power sockets and those I have are not near where the phone points are.

 

[gbrown100]

You could use Ethernet over AC wiring adapters to create network access where needed, if you want to use SIP phones.
Other than the "original" key system sets, I can't think of any currently available multi-line analogue desk phones, although there may be some, if you do a search.

What i find easiest, for parking and retrieving calls, especially in a SOHO environment, is to create some dummy extensions ,(as an example) 300, 301, 302, then forward each to SP0, SP1, SP2 etc. If it's not used a lot, you may only requre one. To park a call, you simply transfer the call to the extenson, to pick up, just dial the extension and you are connected, no star codes. This allows you to pick up a call in one location, then move to another phone. You only have to remember the extension numbers you created.

Hi @leejor , the ethernet over mains are installed in there but the cabling is poor as it's old. I have been having routing loops randomly taking out segments of the network for no reason so am having to pull them out and start meshing. I'm using the Solwise which are the same chipset as the Develo ones. There are a few ethernet cables in the house now but they're all on one side and so not covering the entire property.

I love the dummy extension idea, I'll take a look although not sure if it's any easier than a shortcut button with the orbit code with a delay. I have a BT converse 2100 on order as it has 3 programmable buttons but i'll probably use the 2300 if it goes ahead as I have more buttons, i'll get no feedback of which line is used as they have now but I have buttons to play with at least.

 

[leejor]

You might consider a combination of AC Ethernet adapters and WiFi access points connected to the adapters, giving you complete Wifi coverage. Some AC Ethernet adapters have Wifi built in one unit, but you could use inexpensive, compact routers, as access points to fill in any dead spots.