Overview
Purpose
Paging enables one-way announcements to multiple devices simultaneously, while intercom provides two-way communication. Perfect for warehouses, offices, schools, and facilities needing mass notification or quick communication.
Paging vs Intercom
One-Way Announcements
Broadcast audio message to multiple devices:
Features:
- One-way communication
- Multiple zones
- Multicast audio
- Auto-answer devices
- Emergency alerts
Devices:
- IP phones (auto-answer)
- Overhead speakers
- Paging amplifiers
- Desktop devices
Two-Way Communication
Direct auto-answer call between two devices:
Features:
- Two-way audio
- Auto-answer
- Instant communication
- Device-to-device
- Visual indicator
Common Uses:
- Office to reception
- Manager to assistant
- Quick questions
- Desk-to-desk communication
Paging Scenarios:
- Emergency alerts
- General announcements
- Shift changes
- Visitor notifications
- Weather alerts
Intercom Scenarios:
- Reception to office
- Quick questions
- Desk checks
- Room-to-room communication
Emergency Use
Paging is critical for emergency notifications - fire drills, lockdowns, evacuations.
Create Paging Group
Navigate to Paging
Go to Call Features > Paging/Intercom
Add Paging Group
Configure paging zone:
Settings:
- Group name (e.g., "All Office", "Warehouse", "Floor 2")
- Extension number
- Member devices
- Multicast address (if supported)
- Volume level
Add Member Devices
Select devices to receive pages:
- IP phones with paging support
- Overhead speakers
- Amplifiers
- Zone speakers
Device Compatibility
Verify devices support auto-answer and paging before adding to group. Not all IP phones support paging.
Configure Schedules
Set when paging is allowed:
Schedule Options:
- Business hours only
- 24/7 access
- Emergency override
- Time restrictions
Use Case: Prevent pages during off-hours except emergencies
Paging Zones
Zone Planning:
Office Layout:
- Zone 1: Reception & Lobby
- Zone 2: Office Floor 1
- Zone 3: Office Floor 2
- Zone 4: Warehouse
- Zone 99: All Zones (emergency)
Configuration:
- Create zone per paging group
- Use extension ranges (7000-7999)
- Configure zone overlap if needed
- Test audio levels per zone
Emergency Paging
Critical Feature
Configure emergency paging with priority override for safety-critical announcements.
Emergency Setup:
- Dedicated emergency extension (e.g., 7911)
- All zones included
- Priority override (interrupts calls)
- Restricted access (admin/security only)
- Visual alerts if supported
Testing:
- Test monthly
- Verify all zones receive
- Check audio clarity
- Confirm priority override
- Document procedures
Intercom Configuration
Device-to-Device Intercom:
Setup:
- Enable intercom on devices
- Configure BLF keys for intercom
- Set auto-answer mode
- Configure visual indicators
Usage:
- Press intercom BLF key
- Device auto-answers
- Two-way conversation
- Hang up to end
Best Practices
Audio Quality:
- Test volume levels
- Adjust per zone
- Clear speech
- Avoid echo
Access Control:
- Limit paging extensions
- Emergency access only for all-zones
- Log paging activity
- Train authorized users
Device Placement:
- Strategic speaker location
- Avoid dead zones
- Consider acoustics
- Test coverage areas
Related Topics
- Extensions: Configure device settings
- Feature Codes: Quick paging access
- Business Hours: Schedule paging availability