Altigen Altiware OE 4.0 Guide Manual

One of the key features introduced in AltiWare OE 4.0 is the IP Extension. In this document, we
explore this feature in detail. We will present the technical details such as what devices to choose
and how to configure them to get this feature to wok properly. This document also describes the
GateKeeper service.
1. What is an IP Extension?
Before the release of OE 4.0, AltiServ supported only one type of extensions - the analog
extensions. By extension here, we mean the station or the type of phone used by users of an
AltiServ system. All the features of the system were accessible from any standard analog phone
by using the DTMF keys. For example, from your extension, you can press '##' and access your
voicemail. If you have a sophisticated phone on your desk, you can get features like caller ID,
caller name, message waiting light, etc.
Even though the analog phones are good devices that help run a business using AltiServ, they
have a few drawbacks:
•
All the extensions for a system should be physically in the same location
•
Dedicated wiring is required to connect these extensions to the system.
IP Extensions solve these problems. IP extensions are the devices that have only data networking
connection such as an Ethernet 10-Base-T (RJ-45) and they communicate with the AltiServ
system using IP-based protocols for signaling as well as voice. In OE 4.0, AltiServ supports only
those devices that are based on H.323 protocol. By having only an IP-based virtual connection
instead of a physical cable connection, IP extensions can be virtually anywhere on the Internet
and still behave as an extension on the AltiServ system. To support such remote extensions, no
special wiring is needed.
One downside to such an IP extension is the fact that voice is compressed and sent as packets
over the network. This can result in latency (due to compression and network delays) as well as
inferior voice quality. But, due to the advances made in the field of voice compression algorithms
and network protocols such as RSVP, these issues can be addressed.
2. How does it work?
From a user's perspective, an IP Extension works exactly the same way an analog extension with
the added advantage of being able to work remotely and without any cabling requirements.

2.1. Logging in and out

Once the system administrator has set up your extension for use as an IP extension, you have the
ability to turn any AltiGen certified IP phone into your extension as long as the device has a data
connection to the AltiServ system. If your extension has been configured to use Dynamic IP
Address, you should first login to your IP extension before you start to use it and when you no
longer wish to receive calls on the IP phone, you should logoff. These procedures are described in
detail below:
To turn an IP phone into your extension, you should first initiate a call to the AltiServ system by
dialing the IP address of the AltiServ system. Typically, the system will answer with the auto-
attendant. You should login to your voicemail box (typically by pressing '#'). Once in your
IP Extensions in AltiWare OE 4.0, © Copyright 2000, AltiGen Communications, Inc
IP Extensions in OE 4.0
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