Overview

Outbound Routes allow you to define custom rules for outbound calls placed by extensions assigned to that route. These routes are commonly used to:

• Require users to dial a prefix before placing outbound calls
• Control which outbound Caller ID is used when making calls
• Allow users to select between multiple outbound phone numbers

Setting up an Outbound Route is a two-step process:

1. Create the Outbound Route and define its rules
2. Assign the route to the appropriate extensions

Creating an Outbound Route

1. Navigate to Call Routing → Outbound
2. Click the Add Route button
3. Enter a name for the route and select Submit
4. Locate the newly created route and click Manage Rules
5. Select Add Rule to begin defining the route behavior
   
6. Enter the desired codes for your rule type and select the desired Caller ID
7. Click Submit to create the rule
8. Repeat this process as needed until all rules are defined

You can create several different rule types within an Outbound Route.

Rule Types

Prefix to Remove

The Prefix to Remove field requires users to dial specific digits before placing an outbound call. This is commonly used for “dial 9 to call out” configurations in environments such as schools, hotels, or other public-facing locations.

Example:

• User dials: 9 555-555-5555
• System removes the 9 before placing the call

If the required prefix is not dialed, the outbound call will not complete.

Prefix to Add

The Prefix to Add feature is no longer maintained and should not be used.

Area Code to Detect

The Area Code to Detect field allows users to select a specific outbound Caller ID by dialing a code followed by the star key before the destination number. This is most commonly used when an extension needs to place calls using multiple business phone numbers.

Example:

• User dials: 1234* 555-555-5555
• System detects 1234* and applies the associated Caller ID

Please Note: We recommend using the last four digits of the associated Caller ID as the detection code.

Assigning a Caller ID

Each rule must have an associated outbound Caller ID.

• If a Caller ID is selected, outbound calls matching the rule will use that number
• If no Caller ID is selected, outbound calls will display as blocked or anonymous

Please Note: When configuring multiple outbound Caller IDs, we recommend creating one rule without any detection codes assigned. This rule will act as the default outbound Caller ID.

Assigning the Route to Extensions

Once the Outbound Route and all associated rules have been created, the route must be assigned to the appropriate extensions.

1. Navigate to Extensions → Manage
2. Select Edit next to the extension you wish to configure
3. Locate the Outbound Caller ID dropdown
4. Select the Outbound Route you created

Repeat this process for any additional extensions that should use the route, then Click Apply Changes in the top-right corner to complete the process.