BLF Example Scenario

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[draft revision]

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Revision as of 22:42, 26 May 2017

Overview

This is a brief attempt to capture information which was necessary to achieve success in configuring "BLF" (Busy-Lamp-Field) feature on VoipPhones (Grandstream GXP2160 in this case) new deployment at a small office. For purposes of this summary / so it makes 'sense' I am providing 'context info' which is strictly speaking not necessary; but hopefully it will help provide clarity around the use-case scenario for this feature / and how to make it work (possibly).

Scenario

New deployment of Voip phones in a small office. For purposes of discussion here, they have 4 Handsets, each with its own DID; and sub account configured for each VOIP Grandstream phone device. Inbound calls for the office are aimed at the 'reception' phone number; which points to a ring group; for which all 4 phones are members. Thus anyone in outside world calling in to the 'office number' will generate a ring on all 4 phones concurrently / and anyone in the group can pick up.

In some cases, one person picks up, talks briefly, and then wants to transfer the call to one of the other lines. It is useful to know prior to starting this process, if the person in question is already on their line / are busy and not available to take the call. The BLF feature allows you to see the "On-hook / Off hook / ringing" status of other lines in your office which you are monitoring.

The BLF "Busy Lamp Field" is (apparently?) a common feature on "old world" phone systems (aka this client had old Nortel phones that were being replaced; and they had BLF configured). Apparently people who talk on the phone lots - find it helpful. My client asked me to get it working, and it was indeed possible, and actually not too terrible at all once the proper steps were clear.

Concise Steps to Get it working