User’s Guide
Using Esi-Link
H.1
Using Esi-Link
Important:
You are being assigned a special feature not covered in the regular station user guide or tutorial. Be sure to
consult the System Administrator for the Location Numbers used by your Esi-Link network.
Overview
Esi-Link
is an optional feature that networks multiple ESI telephone systems (or
locations
) across an IP-based
network. With Esi-Link, a multi-site business can integrate up to 100 of its locations, using the latest VoIP (voice
over IP) technologies. Inter-office calls, transferring outside calls, moving voice messages and even accessing
outside lines at remote locations are all features you can use over Esi-Link.
For example: if you have an office in Dallas and another in Chicago, Esi-Link makes it possible for someone in
the Dallas office to dial an extension in the Chicago office just as easily as if it were an extension down the hall in
the Dallas office.
Network numbering
Esi-Link
network numbering
provides “transparent,” or uniform, dialing across Esi-Link. This means that,
regardless of the location from which a user is dialing, the user can dial a number —
i.e.
, the
network number
—
that matches the called person’s three- or four-digit extension number, and the call will be routed appropriately
through the Esi-Link network. In essence, the location number (
i.e.
,
7xx
) doesn’t have to be dialed, unlike the
case with earlier implementations of Esi-Link.
1
Therefore, end users in a multi-site environment don’t have to
remember six- or seven-digit numbers to call co-workers. They can call anyone, at any other Esi-Link remote
location, simply by dialing the person’s regular extension number. Network numbering provides seamless four-
digit dialing between Esi-Link locations using a
network numbering plan
.
Important:
Because your Esi-Link network may include ESI systems not running software compatible with network
numbering, the instructions herein (except where otherwise noted) assume the need to dial a Location Key when
performing Esi-Link dialing operations. Your System Administrator (or, perhaps, your Certified ESI Reseller)
will let you know the correct procedure for your ESI Communications Server and your Esi-Link network.
Location Keys
Each location in your Esi-Link network has a
location number
2
in the range of
700–799
. To facilitate dialing into a
remote location, you can assign the location number to a programmable feature key — making it a
Location Key
.
When you press a Location Key, you’ll hear dial tone; you can then dial any extension, department, mailbox, or
outside line group access code3 in the remote location. For instance, a user in the Dallas office would press the key
programmed for the Chicago office and dial
1 0 4
to reach extension 104 in the Chicago office. You can program up to
12 Location Keys on each 24-Key Feature Phone and up to 30 Location Keys on each 48-Key Feature Phone.
4
Programming a Location Key
Note:
You may wish to review “Programmable feature keys,” page C.2.
1.
Hold down the desired programmable feature key for at least two seconds to enter programming mode.
2.
Enter the remote location number — such as
7 0 2
.
Note:
You can also use
Location Dex
(see page H.8) to select the remote location number.
3.
Press the feature key again.
1
Network numbering works only on ESI Communications Servers running compatible system software. If an Esi-Link call involves any legacy ESI systems
(or ESI Communications Servers running earlier system software), users still must dial a location number prior to dialing a remote number. To confirm
whether your ESI Communications Server currently supports network numbering, consult your System Administrator or your Certified ESI Reseller.
2
If necessary, consult your System Administrator to learn your Esi-Link network’s location numbers.
3
9, 8
or
71–76
.
4
Also, you can program up to 60 Location Keys on a 60-Key Expansion Console (see page A.3).