Key Mode
When the system operates in Key mode, individual outside lines are assigned to users’ extensions for making and receiving calls. At extensions with system phones, each individual line (Line 1, Line 2, Line 3, etc.) assigned to the extension is represented by its own line button. Users can press any of the available line buttons on their system phones to make outside calls. (Standard phone users must dial 9 at intercom dial tone to make an outside call since their phones do not have line buttons.)
Key mode enables users to easily join calls since each line button can be labeled using a unique line number. For example, if you are requested to join a call on Line 2, you simply press the line button labeled “Line 2.” Key mode also lets users monitor call activity using the lights next to the line
At installation, the system assigns outside lines to the buttons on all system phones from left to right, starting with the bottom row of buttons. On an extension basis, you can change which lines are assigned and which buttons are used to select the lines, if desired.
All extensions in a system configured for Key mode are referred to as key extensions.
Hybrid Mode
Hybrid mode offers users flexibility in accessing outside lines from their phones. As in Key mode, individual lines can be assigned to system extensions. Additionally, multiple outside lines can be grouped together in pools. The system can have up to four pools, including a main pool and three auxiliary pools. Each pool is identified by a pool access
Pools are represented on system phones by pool buttons. Unlike line buttons, pool buttons give users access to multiple lines from a single button. Each auxiliary pool is associated with only one pool button. Since the main pool typically contains most of your company’s outside lines, it is associated with two pool buttons. This setup allows the user to place a call using one of the main pool buttons, put that call on hold, and make another call using the second main pool button. Or, the user can establish a conference call using lines in the main pool. The main pool and each auxiliary pool can be assigned to an extension, for a maximum of five pool buttons.
System phone users can press any of the available pool buttons on their phones or they can enter the pool access code at intercom dial tone to make an outside call. (Standard phone users must dial 9 or enter the pool access code at intercom dial tone to access a pool since their phones do not have pool buttons.) After the user presses a pool button or enters a pool access code, the system selects a free line from the pool for the user to make the call. A user can access a pool as long as there is at least one available line in the pool.