How to Configuring a Intercom in Call Manager Express ?

Intercom configurations are common in traditional phone systems. This feature allows an administrative assistant and executive to work closely together by having a speakerphone "�tether" between them technically, the way intercom deployments work is through a speed-dial and auto-answer speed-dial configuration. If the administrative assistant presses the button configured as an intercom, it speed dials the executive's phone, which auto-answers the call on muted speakerphone. To establish two-way communication, the executive deactivates mute (by pressing the Mute button). Understanding this helps make the intercom configuration much clearer. configure intercom functionality, you must configure two new ephone-dns, one for each side of the intercom connection. These intercom lines should be assigned a number, just like any other ephone-dn. However, in order to prevent others from accidentally (or purposely) dialing the intercom and ending up on muted speakerphone for a random IP phone, the number should be something users cannot dial from other IP phones.

Configuring Intercom

CME_Voice(config)# ephone-dn 60

CME_Voice(config-ephone-dn)# number A100

CME_Voice(config-ephone-dn)# intercom A101 label “Manager”

CME_Voice(config-ephone-dn)# exit

CME_Voice(config)# ephone-dn 61

CME_Voice(config-ephone-dn)# number A101

CME_Voice(config-ephone-dn)# intercom A100 label “Assistant”

CME_Voice(config-ephone-dn)# exit

CME_Voice(config)# ephone 1

CME_Voice(config-ephone)# button 2:60

CME_Voice(config-ephone)# restart

restarting 0014.1C48.E71A

CME_Voice(config-ephone)# exit

CME_Voice(config)# ephone 2

CME_Voice(config-ephone)# button 2:61

CME_Voice(config-ephone)# restart

Notice the number assigned to ephone-dn 60 is A100. You cannot dial this number from a Cisco IP phone keypad, but you can assign it to a speed-dial button. The intercom command acts like a speed-dial button on the ephone-dn. In the case of ephone-dn 60, the command intercom A101 dials the number A101, which is assigned to ephone-dn 61.Because ephone-dn 61 is also configured with the intercom command, it auto-answers the incoming call on muted speakerphone. The label syntax allows you to assign a logical name to the speed-dial; otherwise, the A101 or A100 label will show up next to the line button on the phone. There are three other arguments you can use with the intercom command to tune the functionality:

barge-in: Automatically places an existing call on hold and causes the intercom to immediately answer.

no-auto-answer: Causes the phone to ring rather than auto-answer on speakerphone

no-mute: Causes the intercom to answer with un-muted speakerphone rather than muted. While this is beneficial to allow immediate two-way conversation, you also run the risk of one side barging into existing conversations or background noise.

Suggested Reading

How to Configure Ephones and Ephone-DNs in CME?

How to Configure Shared-Line and Overlay Options in CME?

How to Configuring a Voice Network Directory in CME?

How to Configuring a Call Forwarding from the IP Phone in CME?

How to Configuring Call Transfer from IP Phone in CME?

How to Configuring a Call Pickup from IP Phone in CME?

How to Configuring a Intercom in Call Manager Express?

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