Avaya Octel 200, Octel 300 Integrated Installations, Answering Incoming Calls

Preparingthe Phone System 3-3

Octel 200/300 S.4.1PB60019−01

Integrated Installations

Different methods are used to integrate a telephone system with the Octel 200/300. In some cases, a

combination of these methods may be used for full integration.

Integration is the ability of the telephone system to provide the Octel 200/300 with information that

identifies the extension number a call was intended for and, in some cases, the extension number from

where the call originated. Integration also handles message waiting indication.

Although calls can be sent directly to the message server (as they are with an interfaced installation) most

integrated environments involve PBXs equipped with DID trunks and most calls are forwarded to the

message server rather than answered directly.

In-band integration is the ability of a telephone system to send DTMF tones that identify the extension

number for a forwarded call to the port extension answering the call. In-band signalling may include the

condition (busy, ring-no-answer, or direct) for the call. In certain installations, DTMF tones may be used

to turn ON or OFF message waiting indicators to indicate when a mailbox has new messages.

RS-232C integrations include Centrex integrations that usethe Simplified Message Desk Interface

(SMDI) and integrations with some NEC switches. The SMDI call record provides the message server

with the extension number of the called party when an incoming call is forwarded. If the call originated

in the same PE or PBX, the directory number or extension number of the calling party is also sentto the

message server.

The condition or reason the call was forwarded to the message server, as well as the port or member of

the hunt group the call is being sent to, is included in the call record. Message waiting indication may be

turned ON or OFF over RS-232C connections for most installations.

Proprietary line cards that function similarly to digital display telephones have been developed for

several different PBXs. The Octel 200/300 reads the display to collect the card record, which is used to

determine the extension and the condition for the call, and then answers the call with the appropriate

greeting or response.

Once the extension and condition for the forwarded or direct call is known, a port answers the call and

provides all remaining call processing and messaging functions. The cards also turn ON or OFF message

waiting indicators in most of the proprietary integrations.

Answering Incoming Calls

The Octel 200/300 can answer all or a portion of a company’s incoming calls. Through the PBX

programming, trunks can be directed to the Octel 200/300 hunt group instead of the operator through a

PBX feature. This feature, often called DIL (Direct In Lines), allows trunks to be directed to a specific

extension or hunt group instead of the console.

The PBX may be set up to direct all or only some incoming trunks to the Octel 200/300. For example, the

main company number may be answered by the attendant, while a second trunk group, with a different

listed directory number, can be directed to the Octel 200/300.