Planning for Line Provisioning

Once you have planned for the hardware configuration and installation of your Shivaź device, you need to plan for line provisioning. Decide which network service or services you want to use to carry calls from the telephone company switch to the Shiva device.

Which Network Services Do I Need?

You must use an ISDN PRI service if you want to accept both analog and digital calls over the same line. If you are using a robbed-bit T1 service for your lines, which may be cheaper in your area, only analog calls can be accepted. If the majority of your users have digital ISDN BRI service, consider ordering an ISDN PRI service for all your lines.

Security Mechanisms

Do you require security mechanisms such as calling-line identification and call-handling services such as call-redirection?

Shiva devices only support these features on an ISDN PRI service.

Telephone Numbers

Do you want to use one telephone number for all users, or multiple telephone numbers?

One of the major benefits of Shiva devices is their flexibility. If you prefer to use one number for all users, you can ask your telephone company to provide you with hunt groups. Shiva devices can also use multiple telephone numbers, which you can specify to reserve one or more user channels for individuals or groups.

Do I Order Trunk-Side or Line-Side Connections?

Shiva recommends that you use trunk-side connections to the telephone company switch along with a single telephone number and a trunk group for your lines. This is particularly true if you are expecting high call volumes, as it will minimize the possibility of callers receiving a "fast-busy" (no trunks available) signal.

If your telephone company cannot provide trunk-side connections to the switch, you need to order line-side connections. With line-side connections, Shiva recommends that you order a single telephone number with a hunt group with uniform call distribution for your lines.