DID

What Is Direct Inward Dialing?

Direct inward dialing (DID) enables external callers to reach a specific internal extension or user within an organization directly, without needing to navigate through a central operator or mainline. Each internal line or employee is allocated a distinct external telephone number, streamlining the process for external parties to contact individuals rather than routing through a central reception.

To facilitate DID, telecom providers connect a series of phone numbers to your company's Private Branch Exchange (PBX) system. This setup allows businesses to establish virtual direct lines that circumvent the primary reception and connect callers straight to an individual's desk phone or a set of extensions. DID can be implemented with various types of numbers, including local, toll-free, or premium-rate services.

How Direct Inward Dialing Works？

Direct inward dialing (DID) is typically implemented via one of two distinct network types: the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). Let's delve into the PSTN approach first.

PSTN-Based Direct Dialing

Initially, a telecom service provider interlinks a group of trunk lines to a company's hosted PBX. The provider then grants the company a series of phone numbers designated for direct dialing.

Upon receiving an inbound call on a direct-dial number, it is channeled through the trunk line to the company's PBX. Here, the company PBX recognizes the dialed number along with the caller's details.

The call is then directed by the PBX straight to the intended internal extension, bypassing any need for manual intervention from an operator or automated system.

Historically, direct dial used analog circuits in phone systems, making it necessary for company hardware to generate the required low-voltage signaling. The local telephone Exchange would monitor the circuit's functionality and disconnect if it detected improper termination.

Nowadays, DID through traditional phone systems is often provisioned using Primary Rate Interface (PRI) circuits, which necessitate a sufficient number of leased trunk lines.

VoIP-Enabled Direct Inward Dialing

Compared to PSTN, VoIP offers a more contemporary and adaptable solution to implement virtual direct-dial numbers, employing SIP trunking. What SIP trunking does is it virtualizes the concept of trunk lines, requiring them only as and when necessary, and bridging connections over internet broadband.

These virtual connections and their corresponding numbers are linked to business extensions via a software application, which can be managed in-house or by your VoIP provider.

The scalability of DID on a VoIP platform is significant. For instance, if a sudden marketing campaign necessitates an addition of 20 new trunk lines, this can be accomplished internally without engaging with the phone company for physical setup.

DIDs for Facsimile Communications

The straightforward use of DID for fax involves connecting a direct-dial line straight to a fax machine. But leveraging DID's full potential means utilizing more sophisticated routing techniques for fax transmissions.

One common method is to allocate a range of direct-dial numbers to a fax server on a computer. This setup can manage multiple fax numbers, correlating them with individual machines or distributed devices.

In a setup analogous to personalized emails, each staff member can have their unique fax number. Incoming faxes intended for a specific person can be directed to their local printer or to their computer and its associated printer.

Types of DIDs

The primary benefit of DID is the direct connection it provides external callers to specific employees or departments, all while utilizing a single overarching telephone line. This advantage enables organizations to distribute phone numbers in alignment with their unique communicative demands and operational structures.

Below are several varieties of DID numbers available for businesses:

Unique Employee DID Numbers:

Individual staff members receive a dedicated external phone number that connects directly to their line, bypassing any need for a central operator to facilitate the call.

Departmental DID Numbers:

Designated for collective departmental use, a unique DID number dials straight to a set of phones within a particular group, enabling seamless call management by various team members.

Geographical DID Numbers:

Each geographic location or branch of a business is assigned its own DID number, with incoming calls ringing exclusively at the designated site.

Toll-Free DID Numbers:

Known as toll-free numbers, these enable external callers to contact employees or departments without incurring charges. The toll-free DID is configured to link to internal extensions.

Virtual DID Numbers:

These numbers exist independently of a traditional phone line and are hosted in the cloud. Incoming calls are directed to predefined devices, which can range from office desk phones and softphones to mobile devices.

Auto Attendant DID Numbers:

Upon dialing this type of DID number, callers are greeted with an automated menu system providing options to connect to various people or departments, streamlining call routing in the absence of a live receptionist.