How to Use VoIP With Direct Inward Dialing

Direct inward dialing (DID) is a telephone system that allowed companies to have individualized phones and phone numbers for several phones without as many phone lines. For years, this was accomplished with a PBX system and an operator that allocated phone lines. Now, we can use internal networks with a voice-over-Internet protocol (VoIP) system to get to the same goal.

1. Step 1

   Research PBX telephone software packages and find one that meets your company’s needs. Bear in mind that the VoIP aspect of the package requires a USB phone or a headset and dialer for each computer on the system.

2. Step 2

   Find a telecommunications company that supports VoIP telephone numbers as a DID operating system. Your software package probably comes with recommendations, or your current telephone company may have support for a VoIP DID system. Ask around for other recommendations. You might be able to use the same phone numbers for the new system.

3. Step 3

   Buy a server for your phone system and your chosen software package. Download the software and install it using the manufacturer’s instructions. Add the server to the network and set up all of the computers on the DID system with the phone numbers for their VoIP phones.

4. Step 4

   Test your system with both internal and external phone calls. Keep the traditional phone system connected and operational until any bugs with the new software have been worked through. Then, disconnect the old phone system and get used to working entirely over the Internet.