Outgoing calls rule evaluation

[kahukowhai]

Hi there,

I have a question about how the system distinguishes between when a user is dialling an extension number and when they are dialling an external number.

We are testing with an extension number range between 200-299. Within that range there are some numbers we won't use because they are the first three digits of a valid local external number in our area
e.g. an external number 222-0000 could be valid.

My question is how the system decides when a number is an extension number or not and when to pass it through the rules. Do I need an outgoing rule to specify which number ranges need to be passed through
e.g. 222, 25,26,27,28,29 prefixes in our case
or is it simply a case of specifying 2 as the prefix as the rule only gets invoked after the system has tried looking up an extension number. Is it theoretically possible to have 222 as an extension if the user only dials 222, but if they dial 222-0000 it will know they are not trying to get to extension 222.

Thanks

 

[leejor]

Don't forget that with SIP, digits are not collected one at a time, as they would be on an older PBX. With VoIP the entire string is set to the PBX from an ATA or VoIP device. So, you will send 222. or you will send 2220000. The call will go to an extension, if it exists, or use an outbound rule.

 

[kahukowhai]

Ok then I suppose there is a timeout at which point it decides the user has finished dialling and it will send the string out?

So if they were very slow to key in their 7 digits starting with 222 they could end up dialling extension 222 instead?

 

[jpillow]

Yes that could occur but the call would have to be dialed extremely slow.... So likely highly doubtful and shouldnt be something to be too worried about.

 

[leejor]

Ok then I suppose there is a timeout at which point it decides the user has finished dialling and it will send the string out?

So if they were very slow to key in their 7 digits starting with 222 they could end up dialling extension 222 instead?

On some devices, yes, that could be possible.

VoIP devices usually have one of three ways of deciding when to send the digits.

A time-out period. The default is usually about 5 seconds, but on most devices it can be changed.

A send, or end of digit signal. On some phones, just like your mobile phone, after you have entered all of the digits you hit a dial, or send button. Some devices make use of the # key to indicate that all digits have been dialled and to now send them.

An internal dialplan. Some ATA's and sets have an internal dialplan that allows you to configure what digit combinations will be sent, when, automatically. In many cases they allow for digit substitution and other digit manipulation. Many Sipura/Linksys/Cisco devices make use of this.