Configuring multiple phones or shared extensions in a Hosted Voice system requires careful attention to naming and device setup. Below are the best practices to ensure smooth functionality and avoid potential conflicts during phone provisioning.

Importance of Unique Identifiers for Phones

When adding multiple devices to a user's account, each device must have a unique identifier. Shorter Identifiers are recommended, such as 200wp for web phone. While the system may temporarily accept duplicate names, this can cause operational issues, including the inability to make or receive calls. Ensuring that every device has a unique name or identifier is critical. For example:

If a user's first phone is labelled ‘102’ as the Phone Suffix, a second phone should be uniquely named, such as '102a' or '102b.'

Setting Up Shared Extensions

It is possible to assign the same user or extension to multiple devices for testing or other purposes, but the setup must follow these guidelines to avoid conflicts:

• Create Separate Device Entries: Each device should be added as a separate entry in the provisioning system. - Example: For a user with an extension '231,' create separate device entries like '231' and '231a.'
• Assign Unique MAC Addresses: Assign the correct MAC address to each device entry. - Each physical phone requires a unique MAC address to function correctly within the system.
• Verify Configuration: Double-check the provisioning system to ensure no conflict between device entries or their assigned MAC addresses.

Potential Issues to Avoid

• Avoid naming devices with identical or conflicting identifiers.
• Ensure no two physical devices share a single device record, even if they are assigned to the same user or extension.

Following these configurations helps maintain system integrity and prevents operational disruptions.