How do I get PBXinaFlash to answer my current phone number ?

[drmurdoch]

How do I get PBXinaFlash to answer my current phone number ?

All I have is an Orgasmatron (Everex gPC2) on my LAN and 1 Aastra 57i CT connected to my LAN.

I am assuming I need some hardware to plug my Everex server into a MA Bell jack.

 

[drmurdoch]

Pstn ?

Incoming DIDs can be routed to:


SIP/IAX2/H.323 Static IP's
SIP/IAX2 Registration (ATAs)
SIP URIs ([email protected])
PSTN Phone Numbers (Public Switched Telephone Network) Phone numbers (looks like this is the one I want)

 

[jmullinix]

If you wish to hook Ma Bell into your phone server, you will need a TDM device of some sort. Linksys SPA-3102 will do it, but I would recommend a TDM card. I like Sangoma cards, but a Digium or Rhino card would work also. Put one of these in your server, configure it and plug in the phone line. Then the daunting task of creating a dial plan. Enjoy and have fun.

 

[discodave1977]

I used a spa3000 bought in ebay for my connection to the PSTN. If the setup passes the wife test I may think about going with a TDM. The ATA will cost a lot less and could be used at a remote local if you get a TDM in the future.

 

[drmurdoch]

If you wish to hook Ma Bell into your phone server

So there is no way to get a DID to point to my current MA Bell phone number ?

 

[wardmundy]

It's kinda the other way around. Your Ma Bell number is a DID, but it's analog. So you have to have a device to convert the signals back and forth to/from digital. You could purchase a DID (from Vitelity, for example), and then forward all of your Ma Bell calls to that DID and spoof the CallerID for outbound calls to your Ma Bell number, but that's your call.

 

[drmurdoch]

If you wish to hook Ma Bell into your phone server, you will need a TDM device of some sort. Linksys SPA-3102 will do it, but I would recommend a TDM card. I like Sangoma cards, but a Digium or Rhino card would work also. Put one of these in your server, configure it and plug in the phone line. Then the daunting task of creating a dial plan. Enjoy and have fun.

Thanks for the tip. I'll be reading about it.

 

[drmurdoch]

It's kinda the other way around. Your Ma Bell number is a DID, but it's analog. So you have to have a device to convert the signals back and forth to/from digital. You could purchase a DID (from Vitelity, for example), and then forward all of your Ma Bell calls to that DID and spoof the CallerID for outbound calls to your Ma Bell number, but that's your call.

Oh that's interesting.
I tried Vitelity but they don't have my area code. I figure if I got Vitelity I'd be "Full Orgasmatron" deployment .. but sadly they didn't have my area code.

Les.net just emailed me and said I could keep my MaBell number ! Nice !

> Web Based Contact Form - Business
Comments: Can your DIDs be directed to my current Telephone number (Bell) ? So I can keep my same number ?
>>>> Hi.

Yes, you can port your number to our service, and keep your number. Les

So if I purchased a TDM device of some sort that would be to get rid of the need for Les.net's service ?

Are there pluses and minuses in either approach ?

 

[discodave1977]

I went with the ATA and kept my Bell number for 2 reasons. 911 and no one offers DIDs in my area code.

Les.net may be able to offer e911 (not sure on that, I would definitely ask).

 

[drmurdoch]

I have 2 MA Bell voice lines and a fax line and a Cellphone already.
I am keeping my fax line and the cellphone.
Looks like Les.Net can communicate with my current MA Bell phone number .....

Less MA Bell is More.

 

[discodave1977]

Exactly! Insane LD rates and odd billing by Bell Canada lead me down the PiaF route.

So far it is passing the WaF.

 

[drmurdoch]

I bought my first DID !
Thank you Les.Net ...

Sadly, I am not sure what to do with it ... but ill figure it out !

 

[discodave1977]

PiaF without tears is a long read but totally worth the investment in time.

 

[wardmundy]

Just keep in mind that once you move your old phone number to les.net, it's not a MaBell number any longer. It's a digital DID. You'll also lose your directory listing in your local phone book. And be sure to check on 911 service. That's pretty important if it's your life line.

 

[drmurdoch]

Great Reminder.

I have downloaded it already but sort of forgot about it.
Thanks for reminding me.

I am going to assemble all my learned knowledge into a .pdf to help small biz guys with my needs.

 

[drmurdoch]

Just keep in mind that once you move your old phone number to les.net, it's not a MaBell number any longer. It's a digital DID. You'll also lose your directory listing in your local phone book.

Good Point.
Since I am a doctor I think they put my name in the "Physicians" section for free, but I'll have to check. I've got too many patients anyway.

I decided I should test out my new digital DID on a practice number first before "going live" with my real phone number. My secretary would kill me if I messed up the lines, that is for sure.

 

[wardmundy]

If this is the main number for your practice, DO NOT MOVE IT! VoIP is still the Wild West in many respects. In particular, VoIP service sometimes fails. That means NO CALLS go through. When is the last time your Ma Bell phone number didn't work? ITHPs also come and go. If they go, your number may go with them, and then you are really screwed. Buy the ATA and use your main number AS IS. The horror stories some of us could tell you...

 

[jroper]

Hi

If you need more capacity, some phone companies allow a "Divert on Busy" so that when the line is full, it sends the call to your VoIP number, thus giving you more inbound capacity

Joe

 

[discodave1977]

If this is the main number for your practice, DO NOT MOVE IT! VoIP is still the Wild West in many respects. In particular, VoIP service sometimes fails. That means NO CALLS go through. When is the last time your Ma Bell phone number didn't work? ITHPs also come and go. If they go, your number may go with them, and then you are really screwed. Buy the ATA and use your main number AS IS. The horror stories some of us could tell you...

Wise words from a wise man. Doc, perhaps you should limit the usage, for now, to outbound calls, and perhaps and incoming toll-free line/fax.

I wouldn't, especially in my area, suggest to a small biz owner to drop mabell completely. I would suggest they find a couple of good ITSP's and reduce their long distance bills.

 

[Alex728]

I provide phone systems for a healthcare organisation and at this time would never trust VOIP for any vital phone lines...

TBH here in England, the deals offered by the traditional phone companies (even British Telecom, which once had an apalling reputation) aren't that much more expensive than VOIP Nowadays they also (for business) offer a guaranteed SLA for circuit faults being fixed, loan equipment, a customer service centre where the phone is actually picked up and people who speak English are there..

and I've had to put this to the test when some idiots put a JCB (I think you guys call this a backhoe) through the main cable to our village... I do use a couple of VOIP trunks for DID to non critical office areas... maybe will try for cheap outbound calls but there isn't that much of a saving

But even for the VOIP systems I am deploying I am leaving the "big one" (the old folks home) till last (the phone line for the reception office may not even be connected to a VOIP system for a couple of years) and making sure there are contingency plans in every site

These even go down as far a £5 Chinese telephone in a drawer and instructions on how to plug this in to the phone sockets provided "in case of emergency"

and like the others I've seen some proper horror stories about VOIP trunks and it does seem this is a ruthless, cut-throat market worldwide... plus how long before those who control cables hobble the VOIP circuits (or increase the prices) to those who do not?

how many pounds/dollars/euros is a life worth?