We have completely redesigned our customer portal for you. If the steps described in the guide differ from what you see, you will find a PDF version of the old guide at the end of this article.
Guidelines for Setting Up Number Ranges
Can I use an extension that is located beyond the access point?
Yes. easybell always transmits the full dialed numbers to the devices. This means it is generally possible to use extensions that are located behind a “shorter” extension or the access point.
Example:
In the phone system, the access point 030-12345-0 is used as the main switchboard. Now, the extensions 030-12345-01, 030-12345-02, etc., are also to be used.
This is not blocked by easybell. However, you should ensure that the phone system also supports this feature. An important term here is “use first match,” which must NOT be used in such a case. Otherwise, the determination of the destination number is terminated as successful upon the first match, instead of analyzing the entire phone number first. In this case, that would be 030-12345-0, and all extensions following it would be unreachable.
Can I use just the prefix of a phone number block?
The Federal Network Agency does not intend for the main number to be used without an extension. However, when a new block of phone numbers is created, the main number may still be reachable in some cases. However, the following applies: At the latest after a number porting (regardless of the provider), this will no longer be the case! You should therefore ensure that at least the query point (the first usable extension) is always used. You can also read more about the background to this in our detailed article.
If, however, you are currently using the main number without an extension and have, for example, provided it to customers or partners, it will no longer be reachable after porting to another provider. In this case, you must consider whether to refrain from porting. However, please be aware that, according to the Federal Network Agency, you have no legal claim to the main number alone! Your current provider is therefore not required to guarantee its availability and may subsequently block it.
The cleanest solution is undoubtedly to use the phone number with the correct extensions and update your contact information. In this case, your reachability is guaranteed across any future porting, no matter how often you switch providers.
What assistance does easybell provide when setting up blocks of phone numbers?
SIP Trunks can be used in a wide variety of devices and systems. Whenever possible, we provide automated guidance to help you set up your phone numbers, thereby minimizing the risk of errors. Here are the most common applications:
Use of virtual DDI
The main number of a number block should never be used without an extension. This common user error is prevented from the outset when creating a virtual DDI, as the main number can only be supplemented with additional digits. For more details, see our guide to setting up virtual DDI's.
Setup in the easybell Cloud PBX
The Cloud PBX also displays error messages if you attempt to save prefix numbers without an extension.
Only individual phone numbers assigned in the Cloud PBX’s customer portal can be assigned to an extension without an extension number. This is because individual phone numbers are already complete phone numbers.
Registration in a phone system
Unfortunately, we have very little influence over the configuration here and thus the potential for errors. The main number is used for registering the phone system; the PBX then handles the assignment of the extensions used. Therefore, we would like to emphasize once again that you should never configure the main number without extensions!
To make setting up your phone systems easier and help you avoid errors, we provide numerous detailed guides for various systems in our Help Center. If you have any further questions, our customer service team will be happy to assist you.