Trunk Access Control
PIN Lists provide authentication for outbound calling, preventing unauthorized use of expensive international or premium routes. Users must enter a PIN before calls are completed.
Understanding PIN Lists
What is a PIN List?
- Authentication system for outbound calls
- Requires users to enter PIN before call connects
- Controls access to specific trunks or routes
- Tracks usage by PIN for billing/auditing
- Prevents toll fraud and unauthorized usage
Common Use Cases:
- International Calling: Require PIN for international routes
- Premium Numbers: Control access to expensive destinations
- After Hours: Require authentication outside business hours
- Guest Access: Provide temporary PINs to visitors
- Department Billing: Track usage by department/project
- Mobile Users: Authenticate remote/mobile workers
How It Works:
- User dials number (e.g., international)
- System matches outbound route with PIN requirement
- System prompts: "Please enter your PIN followed by #"
- User enters PIN + #
- System validates PIN
- If valid: Call proceeds
- If invalid: Call rejected, optional retry
Benefits:
- Security: Prevent unauthorized international calling
- Accountability: Track who made expensive calls
- Cost Control: Limit access to premium routes
- Fraud Prevention: Block toll fraud attacks
- Compliance: Meet regulatory requirements for call tracking
- Flexibility: Temporary PINs for contractors/guests
Configure PIN List
Navigate to PIN List Settings
Go to Settings > Trunks > PIN Lists or Outbound Route Settings > Authentication
Create PIN List
Create New PIN List:
List Settings:
Name: International Calling PINs
Description: Authentication for international routes
Type: Outbound Authentication
Status: EnabledWhen to Use:
- Applied to specific outbound routes
- Can have multiple PIN lists for different purposes
- Each route can reference one PIN list
Configuration Options:
PIN Length: 4-8 digits (6 recommended)
Allow Retry: Yes (3 attempts)
Invalid Action: Reject call or route to operator
Log Attempts: Yes (all attempts logged)
Timeout: 10 seconds (user must enter PIN)List Organization
Create separate PIN lists for different purposes (international, premium, after-hours) to manage access controls independently.
PIN Format Requirements:
Recommended Format:
Length: 6 digits
Format: Numeric only
Example: 123456, 987654
Advantages:
- Long enough for security
- Easy to remember
- Fast to dial
- No confusion with lettersSecurity Considerations:
Too Short (4 digits):
Problem: Only 10,000 combinations
Risk: Brute force attacks possible
Use Case: Low-value routes onlyOptimal (6 digits):
Combinations: 1,000,000
Security: Good balance
Usability: Easy to remember
Recommended: Most use casesToo Long (8+ digits):
Combinations: 100,000,000+
Security: Very high
Usability: Harder to remember/dial
Use Case: High-security environmentsAvoid:
- Sequential: 123456, 654321
- Repeated: 111111, 555555
- Common: 000000, 999999
- Dates: 010101 (birthdays)
- Phone extensions: Matches user extension
Weak PINs
Avoid common patterns. Attackers try sequential and repeated digits first. Use random 6-digit PINs for security.
Security Configuration:
Attempt Limits:
Max Attempts: 3
Lockout Duration: 15 minutes
Lockout Action: Block calls from that extension
Administrator Alert: Email on lockoutTimeout Settings:
PIN Entry Timeout: 10 seconds
Retry Delay: 2 seconds (between attempts)
Total Timeout: 30 seconds (all attempts)
Failed Action: Disconnect callLogging:
Log Successful: Yes (with timestamp, extension, destination)
Log Failed: Yes (important for fraud detection)
Log Detail: PIN entered, attempts, outcome
Retention: 90 days minimum (longer for compliance)
Alert Threshold: 5 failed attempts in 10 minutesAdvanced Security:
Time-Based: PIN only valid during certain hours
IP Restriction: PIN only valid from specific IP ranges
Extension Binding: PIN tied to specific extensions
Expiration: PIN expires after date/time
Usage Limits: Max calls per day/week per PINFraud Detection
Monitor failed PIN attempts closely. Multiple failures can indicate toll fraud attack. Set up alerts for suspicious activity.
Add PINs to List
Add Individual PIN:
PIN Entry:
PIN: 274839
User: John Smith
Extension: 1001
Department: Sales
Description: International calling access
Valid From: 2025-01-01
Valid Until: 2025-12-31 (optional)
Status: EnabledPIN Details:
- PIN: 6-digit unique code
- User: Person assigned (for reference)
- Extension: User's extension (optional binding)
- Department: For billing/tracking
- Description: Purpose/notes
- Valid From/Until: Time-based expiration
- Status: Enabled/Disabled
Best Practices:
- Generate Randomly: Don't use sequential PINs
- Unique: One PIN per user (no sharing)
- Document: Record who has each PIN
- Communicate Securely: Send PIN via secure method
- Change Periodically: Update every 6-12 months
One PIN Per User
Assign unique PIN to each user for accountability. Shared PINs make it impossible to track usage or identify abuse.
Bulk PIN Import:
CSV Format:
PIN,User,Extension,Department,Description,ValidFrom,ValidUntil,Status
274839,John Smith,1001,Sales,International access,2025-01-01,2025-12-31,Enabled
395048,Jane Doe,1002,Support,International access,2025-01-01,2025-12-31,Enabled
582947,Bob Johnson,1003,Sales,International access,2025-01-01,2025-12-31,EnabledImport Process:
Prepare CSV File:
- Use template or format above
- Generate random PINs (don't use sequential)
- Include all required fields
- Save as CSV (UTF-8 encoding)
Upload File:
- Go to PIN List settings
- Select "Import PINs"
- Choose CSV file
- Map columns if needed
- Preview import
Verify Import:
- Review imported PINs
- Check for duplicates
- Verify formatting
- Confirm user assignments
- Enable PIN list
Distribute PINs:
- Email users their PINs securely
- Provide usage instructions
- Document distribution
- Track acknowledgments
PIN Generation Script (Example):
import random
def generate_pin(length=6):
"""Generate random PIN avoiding common patterns"""
while True:
pin = ''.join([str(random.randint(0, 9)) for _ in range(length)])
# Avoid sequential
if pin in ['123456', '654321', '012345']:
continue
# Avoid repeated
if len(set(pin)) == 1:
continue
# Avoid common
if pin in ['000000', '111111', '999999']:
continue
return pin
# Generate 100 PINs
for i in range(100):
print(generate_pin())Random Generation
Always generate PINs randomly. Don't use sequential (1001, 1002, 1003) or predictable patterns. Use script or online generator.
PIN Assignment Strategies:
Strategy 1: User-Specific
Approach: One PIN per user
Usage: Tied to user's extension
Benefits:
- Clear accountability
- Easy to track usage
- Individual billing
- Simple management
Drawbacks:
- More PINs to manage
- Users must remember PINStrategy 2: Department
Approach: One PIN per department
Usage: All sales team shares one PIN
Benefits:
- Fewer PINs to manage
- Department-level billing
- Easy for users
Drawbacks:
- No individual accountability
- Can't identify specific user
- Shared secret less secureStrategy 3: Project-Based
Approach: PIN per project/client
Usage: Project team shares PIN for billing
Benefits:
- Project-level cost tracking
- Easy to allocate expenses
- Temporary for project duration
Drawbacks:
- Multiple PINs per user
- Management overheadStrategy 4: Temporary/Guest
Approach: Time-limited PINs for visitors
Usage: Contractors, guests, temporary staff
Benefits:
- Controlled access
- Automatic expiration
- Easy to revoke
- Security (no permanent access)
Setup:
- Create PIN with expiration date
- Provide to guest
- Automatically disables after date
- No cleanup requiredRecommendation:
- Most Orgs: User-specific (one per user)
- Small Teams: Department-based (simpler)
- Project Work: Project-based (cost allocation)
- Visitors: Always time-limited temporary PINs
Best Practice
User-specific PINs provide best accountability and security. Use department PINs only for small teams where individual tracking isn't required.
Apply PIN List to Route
Apply PIN to Outbound Route:
Route Settings:
Route Name: International Calling
Pattern: 011. (US international prefix)
Priority: 5
Trunk: International Trunk
PIN List: International Calling PINs ← Apply here
Status: EnabledHow It Works:
- User dials: 011-44-20-1234-5678 (UK number)
- System matches pattern: 011.
- Checks route: "International Calling"
- Sees PIN List: "International Calling PINs"
- Prompts user: "Please enter your PIN"
- User enters: 274839#
- System validates PIN against list
- If valid: Routes call via International Trunk
- If invalid: Plays error, optionally allows retry
User Experience:
User dials: 011-44-20-1234-5678
System: "Please enter your PIN followed by the pound key"
User: 274839#
System: *pause* "Please wait while we connect your call"
Call connects to LondonSeamless Integration
PIN authentication adds 5-10 seconds to call setup but provides critical security and accountability for expensive routes.
Multiple Routes with PINs:
Scenario: Different PINs for different destinations
Route 1: International (Expensive)
Route: International Calling
Pattern: 011.
PIN List: International PINs
Users: 25 authorized users
Cost: $0.50/minute averageRoute 2: Premium Numbers
Route: Premium Rate
Pattern: 1-900-XXXXXXX
PIN List: Premium Number PINs
Users: 5 managers only
Cost: $2.99/minuteRoute 3: After-Hours Calling
Route: After Hours Outbound
Pattern: 9.
Time: Weekends, 6pm-8am weekdays
PIN List: After Hours PINs
Users: On-call staff only
Reason: Prevent abuse outside business hoursRoute 4: Domestic Long Distance
Route: Domestic LD
Pattern: 1-NXX-NXX-XXXX
PIN List: None (no PIN required)
Reason: Low cost, all users allowedBenefits:
- Granular control by destination
- Different security levels
- Flexible user assignment
- Cost management
Tiered Security
Apply strictest PINs (most expensive/sensitive routes) first, less strict for cheaper routes, none for local/domestic calls.
Conditional PIN Requirements:
Time-Based PIN:
Use Case: Require PIN outside business hours
Configuration:
- Route: Standard Outbound
- Time Condition: After 6pm, before 8am, weekends
- If After Hours: Apply "After Hours PIN List"
- If Business Hours: No PIN required
Benefit: Normal daytime calling unrestricted, nights/weekends controlledLocation-Based PIN:
Use Case: Remote workers require PIN
Configuration:
- Remote IP ranges: Require PIN
- Office IP ranges: No PIN required
- Mobile devices: Always require PIN
Benefit: Office users have seamless experience, remote users authenticatedDestination-Based PIN:
Use Case: PIN only for expensive destinations
Routes with PIN:
- International: PIN required
- Premium rate: PIN required
- Toll-free: No PIN
- Local: No PIN
- Domestic LD: No PIN (or optional)
Benefit: Minimal disruption, security where neededUser-Based PIN:
Use Case: Only certain users require PIN
Configuration:
- Executive extensions: No PIN (trusted)
- General staff: PIN required
- Contractors/temps: PIN required + expiration
Benefit: VIPs uninterrupted, general staff controlledBalance Security & Usability
Apply PINs only where needed. Requiring PIN for every call frustrates users. Target expensive/sensitive routes only.
Test PIN Authentication
PIN Authentication Testing:
Test Plan:
Valid PIN Test:
- Configure test route with PIN
- Dial test number (not actual international)
- System prompts for PIN
- Enter valid PIN from list
- Verify call connects
- Check CDR logs show PIN used
Invalid PIN Test:
- Dial same test number
- Enter invalid PIN (999999)
- Verify rejection message
- Check logs show failed attempt
- Verify lockout after max attempts
Timeout Test:
- Dial test number
- Wait without entering PIN
- Verify timeout after 10 seconds
- Confirm call disconnects
- Check logs
Retry Test:
- Dial test number
- Enter wrong PIN
- System allows retry
- Enter correct PIN
- Verify call connects
Test Checklist:
- Valid PIN connects successfully
- Invalid PIN rejected with error message
- Timeout disconnects call
- Retry works correctly
- Lockout after max attempts
- Administrator alert on lockout
- CDR logs show PIN usage
- Failed attempts logged
- Time-based expiration works
- Extension binding works (if configured)
Test First
Always test PIN authentication thoroughly before deploying to users. Failed PINs during important calls cause frustration and lost business.
User Training & Communication:
Training Materials:
Email to Users:
Subject: New International Calling PIN Required
Dear Team,
Starting January 1st, international calls will require a PIN for security and cost control.
Your PIN: 274839
How to Use:
1. Dial international number as usual: 011-country-number
2. System will prompt: "Please enter your PIN"
3. Enter your PIN: 274839
4. Press # (pound key)
5. Call will connect normally
Example:
- Dial: 011-44-20-1234-5678 (London)
- Prompt: "Please enter your PIN"
- You: 274839#
- System: "Please wait while we connect your call"
Important:
- Keep PIN confidential (do not share)
- Contact IT if you forget PIN
- Report suspicious activity
Questions? Contact [email protected]
Thanks,
IT DepartmentQuick Reference Card:
INTERNATIONAL CALLING PIN
Your PIN: [274839]
1. Dial: 011-country-number
2. Listen for PIN prompt
3. Enter: [Your PIN]#
4. Call connects
Tips:
- Enter PIN quickly (10 second timeout)
- Press # after PIN
- 3 attempts allowed
- Call helpdesk if locked out
Helpdesk: x5000Training Session Agenda:
- Why PINs required (security, cost control)
- How to use PIN (live demo)
- What to do if PIN fails
- PIN security (don't share)
- How to get help
- Q&A
Clear Communication
Provide clear, simple instructions. Users should know exactly what to do before first PIN-required call to avoid confusion and failed calls.
Common PIN Issues:
Issue 1: PIN Not Accepted
Symptom: User enters PIN, system says invalid
Causes:
- PIN typed incorrectly
- PIN expired
- PIN disabled
- Wrong PIN list applied to route
- User locked out after failed attempts
Resolution:
1. Verify PIN in system (copy/paste to test)
2. Check PIN status (enabled?)
3. Check expiration date
4. Verify route using correct PIN list
5. Check lockout status
6. Reset PIN or unlock userIssue 2: No PIN Prompt
Symptom: Call proceeds without PIN prompt
Causes:
- Route not configured for PIN
- PIN list not applied
- Route priority wrong (matches different route)
- Time condition bypassing PIN
Resolution:
1. Verify PIN list assigned to route
2. Check route priority (is it matched?)
3. Check time conditions
4. Review dial plan matching
5. Test with different numberIssue 3: Timeout
Symptom: Call disconnects during PIN entry
Causes:
- User too slow entering PIN
- Timeout too short
- User confused about when to enter
Resolution:
1. Check timeout setting (increase to 15 seconds)
2. Train users to enter quickly
3. Provide clear audio prompt
4. Test with real usersIssue 4: Lockout
Symptom: User locked out after failed attempts
Causes:
- Wrong PIN entered multiple times
- User typo
- Forgotten PIN
- Possible fraud attempt
Resolution:
1. Verify legitimate user (not fraud)
2. Admin unlocks account
3. Verify/reset PIN
4. Re-train user
5. Monitor for suspicious activityIssue 5: CDR Not Logging PIN
Symptom: Call records don't show which PIN used
Causes:
- PIN logging disabled
- CDR field not configured
- Database issue
Resolution:
1. Enable PIN logging in settings
2. Verify CDR includes PIN field
3. Check database schema
4. Re-test and verify logsFraud Alert
Multiple lockouts across different extensions may indicate toll fraud attack. Investigate immediately and consider blocking international routes temporarily.
Use Cases & Examples
International Calling Control:
Scenario:
- 100-person company
- Most users don't need international calling
- 20 users occasionally call international
- Cost: $5,000/month in unauthorized calls
Solution:
PIN List: "International Authorized"
Users: 20 specific users assigned PINs
Route: International (011.)
Result: Only authorized users can call international
Savings: $4,000/month (80% reduction)Implementation:
-
Create PIN List:
- Name: International Authorized
- 20 PINs (one per authorized user)
- 6-digit random PINs
-
Configure Route:
- Pattern: 011.
- PIN List: International Authorized
- Max attempts: 3
- Timeout: 10 seconds
-
Distribute PINs:
- Email each user their unique PIN
- Provide usage instructions
- Document who has access
-
Monitor Usage:
- Review CDR logs monthly
- Check for unusual patterns
- Audit PIN usage
Results:
- Unauthorized calls eliminated
- Clear accountability for international usage
- Department-level cost allocation
- Reduced toll fraud risk
Cost Savings
Many organizations see 70-90% reduction in unauthorized international calling after implementing PIN authentication.
Department Cost Allocation:
Scenario:
- Multi-department organization
- Need to bill international calls to departments
- Finance requires detailed cost allocation
Solution:
Sales Dept PIN: 111222
Engineering PIN: 333444
Marketing PIN: 555666
Executive PIN: 777888
CDR logs show which PIN used
Monthly report by department
Accurate cost allocationImplementation:
- Create PIN per Department:
Sales: 111222
- 15 sales staff share PIN
- Appropriate for team
Engineering: 333444
- 8 engineers share PIN
- Low international usage
Marketing: 555666
- 5 marketing staff share PIN
- Moderate usage
Executive: 777888
- 4 executives share PIN
- High usage, VIP access- Configure Reporting:
-- Monthly cost by department
SELECT
pin,
department,
COUNT(*) as call_count,
SUM(duration) as total_minutes,
SUM(cost) as total_cost
FROM cdr
WHERE route = 'International'
AND DATE >= '2025-01-01'
GROUP BY pin, department
ORDER BY total_cost DESC- Monthly Process:
- Export CDR with PIN field
- Group by PIN/department
- Calculate costs
- Distribute to finance
- Chargeback to departments
Benefits:
- Accurate department billing
- Simple for users (one PIN per team)
- Easy monthly reporting
- Finance gets needed detail
Trade-off
Department PINs simpler but sacrifice individual accountability. Consider user-specific PINs if you need to identify specific callers.
After-Hours Access Control:
Scenario:
- Office hours: 8am-6pm weekdays
- Outside hours: Only on-call staff should make outbound calls
- Prevent after-hours abuse
Solution:
Business Hours Route: No PIN required
After-Hours Route: PIN required
On-Call Staff: Assigned PINs
Result: Normal access during day, controlled at nightImplementation:
- Create Time Conditions:
Business Hours:
- Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Action: Route to "Outbound-No-PIN"
After Hours:
- Monday-Friday: 6:00 PM - 8:00 AM
- Saturday-Sunday: All day
- Holidays: All day
- Action: Route to "Outbound-PIN-Required"- Create Routes:
Route: Outbound-No-PIN
Pattern: 9.
Time: Business Hours
PIN List: None
Trunk: Primary
Route: Outbound-PIN-Required
Pattern: 9.
Time: After Hours
PIN List: After Hours Access
Trunk: Primary- Assign PINs:
On-Call Staff: 5 employees
PIN Assignment:
- Rotate weekly/monthly
- Include in on-call schedule
- Manager has permanent PIN
- Document in scheduleBenefits:
- Normal daytime calling unaffected
- After-hours controlled and logged
- Prevents abuse and toll fraud
- Clear accountability for night/weekend calls
Fraud Prevention
After-hours is prime time for toll fraud attacks. PIN requirement dramatically reduces risk and limits damage if fraud occurs.
Temporary Guest Access:
Scenario:
- Contractors on-site for 3-month project
- Need outbound calling access
- Should automatically revoke after project ends
Solution:
Create temporary PINs
Set expiration date
Provide to contractors
Auto-disable after project
No manual cleanup neededImplementation:
- Create Time-Limited PINs:
Contractor: John Contractor
Company: ABC Consulting
PIN: 482916
Valid From: 2025-01-15
Valid Until: 2025-04-15 (3 months)
Auto-Disable: Yes
Route Access: Domestic only (no international)- Onboarding Process:
Day 1: Contractor arrives
- IT creates PIN with expiration
- Emails PIN + instructions
- Contractor tests immediately
- Documents temporary access- During Project:
- Contractor uses PIN normally
- Usage logged to project code
- Costs allocated to project
- IT monitors for abuse- Offboarding Process:
April 15: Expiration date
- PIN automatically disables
- No manual action required
- Final usage report generated
- PIN removed from list (optional)Benefits:
- No permanent access granted
- Automatic expiration (no forgotten access)
- Project-specific cost tracking
- Security (limited duration)
- Minimal IT overhead
Variations:
Short-Term Visitor (1 day):
PIN: 918273
Valid: Today only
Access: Local calls only
Expires: MidnightLong-Term Contractor (1 year):
PIN: 645382
Valid: 12 months
Access: Domestic + limited international
Review: Quarterly (extend if needed)Security Best Practice
Always use time-limited PINs for non-employees. Automatic expiration prevents forgotten access that becomes security vulnerability.
Best Practices
PIN List Recommendations
Follow these best practices for secure, manageable PIN authentication.
Security
- Random Generation: Generate PINs randomly, never sequential
- Sufficient Length: Use 6 digits minimum (8 for high-security)
- Avoid Patterns: No 123456, 111111, or common sequences
- Unique Per User: One PIN per user for accountability
- Don't Share: Prohibit PIN sharing in policy
- Secure Distribution: Send PINs via secure method (not plaintext email)
- Regular Changes: Update PINs every 6-12 months
- Monitor Failures: Alert on multiple failed attempts (fraud indicator)
- Lockout Policy: Implement after 3-5 failed attempts
- Incident Response: Have plan for suspected compromise
Management
- Document Assignments: Maintain accurate record of PIN assignments
- Audit Regularly: Review PIN list quarterly
- Remove Unused: Disable PINs for terminated employees immediately
- Expiration Dates: Use for temporary access
- Usage Reporting: Monthly reports of PIN usage
- Cost Allocation: Use for department/project billing
- Emergency Access: Have manager override PIN for emergencies
- Backup Access: Alternative method if PIN system fails
User Experience
- Clear Instructions: Provide simple, clear usage guide
- Training: Train users before deploying
- Quick Reference: Give users card/document with PIN
- Timeout Settings: 10-15 seconds (not too short)
- Retry Allowance: Allow 2-3 attempts for typos
- Helpful Prompts: Clear audio prompts guide users
- Support Access: Easy way to get help or reset PIN
- Minimal Friction: Only require PIN where truly needed
Compliance
- Logging: Log all PIN attempts (successful and failed)
- Retention: Keep logs 90 days minimum (longer if required)
- Audit Trail: Complete trail for compliance/forensics
- Privacy Policy: Document PIN usage in privacy policy
- Access Controls: Restrict PIN list access to admins
- Reporting: Regular reports for management/finance
- Incident Logging: Document security incidents involving PINs
Troubleshooting
Common Authentication Problems:
PIN Rejected:
Symptom: Valid PIN shows as invalid
Check:
- PIN enabled in list?
- Expiration date passed?
- User locked out?
- Correct PIN list on route?
- Typo in PIN entry?
Fix:
- Verify PIN status
- Check dates
- Unlock if needed
- Verify route config
- Test copy/paste PINNo Prompt for PIN:
Symptom: Call proceeds without PIN request
Check:
- Route has PIN list assigned?
- Route priority correct (is it matched)?
- Time condition active?
- PIN list enabled?
Fix:
- Assign PIN list to route
- Check route matching order
- Verify time conditions
- Enable PIN list
- Test with trace/debugPrompt but Doesn't Accept:
Symptom: System prompts but all PINs invalid
Check:
- PIN list referenced exists?
- PINs in list enabled?
- Format correct (digits only)?
- Database issue?
Fix:
- Verify list exists
- Check PIN status
- Test with known good PIN
- Restart authentication service
- Check database connectivityTimeout Too Fast:
Symptom: Times out before user finishes
Check:
- Timeout setting (increase to 15 sec)
- User on slow connection?
- Audio delays on VoIP?
Fix:
- Increase timeout
- Test on same connection type
- Adjust for VoIP latencyTesting
Always test PIN authentication with real users on real devices. Lab testing doesn't reveal usability issues like timeout or prompt clarity.
PIN Management Problems:
Lost PIN Records:
Problem: Don't know which user has which PIN
Prevention:
- Document in spreadsheet/database
- Include in user profile
- Regular audits
Recovery:
- Check CDR logs for usage patterns
- Reset and reassign all PINs
- Implement better tracking going forwardForgot to Disable Terminated User:
Problem: Ex-employee PIN still active
Risk: Unauthorized access, potential abuse
Detection: Review PIN list against HR records monthly
Fix:
- Immediate disable when notified
- Automated process with HR system
- Regular audits to catch missedToo Many PINs to Manage:
Problem: 500 users, individual PINs overwhelming
Solutions:
1. Department PINs (trade accountability for simplicity)
2. Automated PIN management system
3. Integration with HR/AD
4. Self-service PIN portalCan't Track Usage by User:
Problem: Department PINs don't show who called
Fix:
- Switch to user-specific PINs
- CDR shows extension + PIN
- Report by both dimensions
- Consider if accountability neededPINs Expired En Masse:
Problem: Set all PINs to expire same date
Result: All international calling stopped
Prevention:
- Stagger expiration dates
- Automated renewal process
- Email warnings 30/14/7 days before
- Grace period after expirationTermination Process
Disabling PINs for terminated employees must be part of offboarding checklist. Security vulnerability if forgotten.
Performance & Reliability:
Slow PIN Validation:
Symptom: Long delay after entering PIN
Causes:
- Database slow
- Large PIN list (1000s of entries)
- Network latency
- Authentication service overloaded
Fix:
- Optimize database queries (indexes)
- Cache PIN list in memory
- Reduce network round-trips
- Scale authentication service
- Monitor performance metricsService Outage:
Symptom: PIN authentication unavailable
Impact: All PIN-required calls fail
Prevention:
- Redundant authentication servers
- Database replication
- Health monitoring
- Automatic failover
Recovery:
- Restart authentication service
- Check database connectivity
- Review error logs
- Temporary: Disable PIN requirementCDR Logging Failures:
Symptom: PIN usage not appearing in logs
Causes:
- CDR field not configured
- Database full
- Logging service down
Fix:
- Configure CDR to include PIN
- Increase database space
- Restart logging service
- Verify logs after fixConcurrent Call Limit:
Symptom: PIN validation fails during high call volume
Cause: Authentication service bottleneck
Fix:
- Scale authentication service
- Increase concurrent connections
- Add load balancing
- Cache validation resultsHigh Availability
PIN authentication is critical path for calls. Design for high availability with redundancy and monitoring.