Call Groups and Hunt Groups Configuration

From SIPfoundry sipXecs IP PBX, The Open Source SIP PBX for Linux - Calivia

A huntgroup is a virtual extension that triggers a calling sequence. If someone dials a huntgroup extension, sipX will execute a calling sequence programmed by the administrator. As a part of this sequence several real extensions can be called in a parallel or serial manner. The administrator has the option to specify how long each extension should be rung before moving to the next extension in the sequence.

The sipX system allows the addition of as many hunt groups as you like.

Configuration

To configure hunt groups go to the Hunt Groups screen and click on Add Hunt Group:

Enabled: The hunt group is only active if enabled using this check box.

Name: The name of the hunt group is similar to the User ID of a user and has to be unique. A hunt group can be called either using its name or its extension (e.g. sip:myhuntgroup@domain.com).

Extension: A hunt group has a numeric extension that has to be unique.

Configuring the Calling Sequence:

• Serial or parallel forking can be used. If set to "if no response" serial forking is used and the call is forwarded to the next extension once the current call times out. If set to "at the same time" parallel forking is used and both extensions ring at the same time. The call can then be picked up at either extension (the first device that picks up wins). Parallel and serial forking can be mixed at different stages of a calling sequence.
• Every user can be only added once to the calling sequence: adding the same user again will have no effect (the first instance is used, later ones are ignored).

You can easily create similar hunt groups by using the Duplicate button on the Hunt Groups screen.

Hunt groups are usable as soon as you press the OK button. You can temporarily disable a hunt group without deleting it if you uncheck the Enabled checkbox and press OK.

Interaction with Voicemail

The hunt group call sequence will be followed until at least one user on the list answers the phone or the end of the sequence is reached. With the exception of the last user, the call will never be directed to any of the user's voicemail boxes even if they have voicemail enabled. If 'Use Voicemail' is checked (default) the call will be directed to the voicemail of the last user. If 'Use Voicemail' is unchecked the call can be directed to an alternate destination (PSTN number, autoattendant, ACD line etc.).

Nested Hunt Groups

Nesting a hunt group does not do what you might think it would, and is not recommended.

Any time that you forward from a hunt group, the result essentially creates a new call with its own timeout sequence. Suppose you have a hunt group H that calls:

• A for 30 seconds
• B for 30 seconds, but B is also a hunt group set to ring:
  • X for 60 seconds
  • Y for 30 seconds
• C for 30 seconds

The result will be that A will ring for 30 seconds, then X will ring for 30 seconds, then C will ring for 30 seconds; Y will never be called. This is because the H hunt group only allows B 30 seconds - when that expires, the B call is cancelled.