PBX Dial String Definitions

NP Receptionist simulates the actions of a human console attendant. Since different PBXs have different console operator protocols, certain coding must be entered into the NP Receptionist configuration file to tell NP Receptionist how to process calls under all the possible conditions, using signals understood by the PBX.

Pre-programmed dial strings for several different PBXs can be selected from the Online Configuration Menu. If the PBX at the customer site is not shown on the menu, the dial strings must be programmed in the Default PBX Options Menu.

The easiest way to determine the proper coding for each dial string is to attach phone sets to three PBX extensions, one for the “caller,” one for the “called party,” and one for simulating the actions of the PBX console operator, then follow the steps that are given in the descriptions below.

Pre-Directory/Post-Directory Number Dial String

The “directory number” in the Pre-Directory/Post-Directory Number Dial String refers to the extension number associated with a mailbox number. The Pre-Directory Number Dial String puts the caller on hold so NuPoint Voice can dial the PBX attendant. The Post-Directory Number Dial String is the number or letter code that NP Receptionist dials after the extension has been dialed. The following table shows Pre-Directory/Post-Directory Number coding choices.

Code	Meaning
*0-9, , #**	Numbers and characters on a standard DTMF keypad
A through D	Fourth column DTMF keys
(	Start pulse dialing
)	Stop pulse dialing; resume tone dialing
T	Wait for dial tone
S	Switch hook flash
F	Switch hook flash and wait for dial tone
+	Pause one second
H	Hang up (go on-hook)

Pre-Directory Number Dial String

The default Pre Directory Number (Pre-DN) dial string is “S+,” which tells the PBX to do a Switch hook flash, then wait one second before dialing the extension number (which may be a trunk number) that is in the mailbox. (Remember that NP Receptionist uses the Delete Digits table, and the Offset Table to transform the extension that is input by the caller into a mailbox number, and then dials the extension number that is stored in the mailbox’s data file.)

The Pre-DN string is also used with NP Receptionist Console Access Codes. Before the appropriate Console Access Code is dialed, NP Receptionist executes the Pre-DN string, then waits for the internally programmed greeting to be played.

Note:

Do not program a G (wait for greeting) into the Pre-DN string; internal NP Receptionist programming does not allow a successful transfer to the console attendant if a G appears in this string.
Do not program Feature Access Codes such as "Called Party Features - Override" into the Pre-DN string. To access this functionality, use the "Override" call flow action in Call Director.

Post Directory Number Dial String

The default Post Directory Number (Post-DN) dial string is “+,” which tells NP Receptionist to wait one second before taking any other action. This gives the PBX enough time to make the connection to the extension. If no Post -DN dial string is needed, enter a period.

The Post-DN string is also used with NP Receptionist Console Access Codes. After the appropriate Console Access Code has been dialed, NP Receptionist executes the Post-DN string, then waits for the internally programmed greeting to be played.

Note: Do not program a G (wait for greeting) or a T (wait for dial tone) into the Post-DN string; internal NP Receptionist programming does not allow a successful transfer to the console attendant if a G or T appears in this string.

When an H appears in the Post-DN string, every call that NP Receptionist makes is a blind transfer. NP Receptionist transfers the call without invoking treatment types, connect strings, or return strings.

Connect Dial String on Called Party Accept

NP Receptionist uses this dial string to connect a caller with the called party in the following situations:

When call screening is not configured for the extension dialed
When there is no mailbox associated with the extension dialed
When a mailbox is configured for call screening, and the call is answered and accepted by the called party

There is no default for Connect Dial String on Called Party Accept, since the automatic release is usually sufficient to connect the caller with the called party. If a dial string is entered, but later it is necessary to reset the value to “no string,” entering a period erases the dial string.

Dial String for Return on Called Party Refused

This dial string is used to reconnect to the caller when call screening is in effect and NP Receptionist has successfully connected with the extension, but the called party has refused the call. The default Dial String for Return on Called Party Refused is “++,” which tells NP Receptionist to wait two seconds before doing anything else. The two second delay gives the called party time to hang up his/her phone. For most PBXs, this action is sufficient to reconnect the caller with NP Receptionist. If no dial string is needed, enter a period.

Dial String for Return on Called Party, Busy, or RNA

When NP Receptionist dials an extension, and the call does not go through because a busy or reorder tone is encountered, or because there is no answer, or because silence on the line indicates that the extension number is not valid, the Dial String for Return on Called Party Busy or RNA is used to tell the PBX to reconnect NP Receptionist with the caller. The default dial string is “S+,” which means that NP Receptionist issues a switch hook flash, and then waits one second before doing anything else. If no dial string is needed, enter a period.

Special Actions on Reorder Tone Encountered

This dial string tells NP Receptionist what to do when an extension is dialed, and a reorder tone is encountered.

Some PBXs return a reorder tone when an extension is set to “Do Not Disturb.” If NP Receptionist is integrated with this type of PBX, enter “R” for the Special Actions on Reorder Tone Encountered dial string. When NP Receptionist receives a reorder tone, it returns to the caller, says “I’m sorry, [called party’s name] did not answer,” then follows the RNA treatment of the called party’s mailbox.
A dial string can be entered to direct the call to an assistance number, or to a number where the caller can report that the extension is malfunctioning.
If no string is found here, NP Receptionist treats the call like a dead line: the Dial String for Return on Failure to Connect is dialed and the caller is told, “That is not a valid extension number. Please enter another extension number.”

There is no default Special Actions on Reorder Tone Encountered dial string. If a dial string is entered, but later it is necessary to reset the value to “no string,” enter a period to erase the dial string.

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