Hosted PBX Terminology

Updated at November 19th, 2025

This article defines the core terms used within a Hosted PBX system. Understanding these terms helps you navigate the portal, communicate with support, and configure your phone system with confidence.

Core PBX Terms

Term Definition Example / Where You See It
DID (Direct Inward Dial) A unique phone number assigned to a user/queue/AA (Auto Attendant). User or Queue DID.
Extension Internal number used to reach a user or endpoint. 101, 5200 (Queue), etc.
SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) The protocol used for Hosted Voice communication. SIP credentials for a phone.
Endpoint / Device Physical or soft phone registered to the PBX. Algo, Avaya,Cisco, Fanvil,Granstream, Htek, Mitel, Polycom ,Snom, Yealink, Advanced UC Softphone.
Registration The device successfully connected to the PBX. “Green = registered.”
Codec Algorithm used to compress voice. G.711, G.729.

Call Flow Terms

Term Purpose Common Usage
Auto Attendant (AA) Answers calls with menu options. "Press 1 for Sales."
Queue  Routes calls to multiple agents. Support or Sales queue.
Ring Group A telecommunications feature that directs incoming calls to a predefined group of extensions, which can ring simultaneously. Ring groups are typically used to manage call flow for specific departments or teams within a business. 
Failover / Call Forwarding Backup destination. Forward to cell phone.
Feature Code Star codes to trigger PBX actions. *78 DND on, *79 DND off.
Hunt Group Sequential ringing of agents. Rings user A, then B.
Answering Rules Manage call routing by allowing users to define what happens to calls based on factors like time of day, availability, and specific conditions Users can create rules to forward calls, enable "Do Not Disturb," or set up failover scenarios where unanswered calls are sent to an alternate number. These rules can be configured through the admin portal or user interface, and their order can be reordered to control which rules take precedence. 

Licensing & Services

Term Description
Hosted PBX Seat/User A license enabling full PBX features.
SIP Trunk Connection to an external carrier.
Contact Center  Enhanced queueing functionality.
Direct Routing (Teams) Connects PBX to Microsoft Teams.
SMS (Short Messeging Service) / MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) Messaging services provisioned per DID.

Troubleshooting Terms

Term Definition Related Tools
SIP 403/404/480/503 Common response codes. Portal Call Flow Trace, Cradle to Grave 
Latency / Jitter Network delay / voice distortion. Ping test, call quality check.
NAT Router/Firewall rule impacting Hosted PBX. Port forwarding / STUN.
Packet Loss Missing voice data. Calls sound choppy Network Test
SIP ALG (Application Layer Gateway) Router/firewall feature that modifies SIP packets. Network Test

Provisioning & Device Setup Terminology

Term Definition When It’s Used Notes / Examples
Auto Provisioning A provisioning URL is entered in the phone so it can reach the PBX provisioning server and download its configuration. Used when the phone supports remote provisioning but is not tied to our zero-touch program. URL: https://endpoints2-yyc.iplogin.ca/cfg/
Manual Provisioning The SIP credentials, server proxy, and registration details are manually entered into the phone’s interface. When phone models are not supported for auto-provisioning OR credentials need to be entered for troubleshooting. Typically used with BYOD (bring your own device) SIP phones or when credentials are provided individually for each endpoint.
Zero-Touch Provisioning The phone automatically reaches out to our provisioning server, downloads its configuration, and registers to the PBX with no manual setup required (aside from clearing previous credentials). When phones are purchased from us and are preloaded in our provisioning system. Ideal method fastest and most reliable. Typically used with SIP phones shipped directly from us.

Endpoints

Term Definition When It’s Used Notes / Examples
Button Builder A purpose-built interface that enables you to quickly configure and program buttons, settings and templates across multiple phone devices without needing to dig through lengthy admin guides. Used when you need to easily configure or or customise phones quickly and consistently. Typically used to easily program and configure phone-device buttons, deploy pre-built templates, and perform bulk edits when setting up or managing multiple endpoints or devices,

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