The voiSip phone system and most IP phones have convenient intercom/paging options, including 1-to1 intercom and group paging, as well as half duplex (one way) or bidirectional (full duplex).
Intercom to a specific extension
By default, the individual intercom feature is already configured on the phone system, and most (but not all) ip phones.
Dial the intercom prefix (*80) plus any extension number. The speaker on the remote extension will turn on and let you make an announcement. If not, check intercom settings in that phone to make sure intercom auto answer is turned on.
Example: to intercom with extension 102, dial *80102.
Intercom to a group of extensions or all extensions
This feature is very powerful and yet easy to configure.
Log into your voiSip phone system, then navigate to Applications > Paging and Intercom.
Click the "+ Add Page Group" button, and set the following features...
Paging Extension : use a 3, 4 or 5 digit extension, preferably something outside your normal extension range. We usually recommend 880 for ALL extensions, and 881, 882, etc, for various groups., like sales, managers, front desks, etc.
Group Description : any meaningful description to help you remember what this group is.
Device List : select the extensions you want in this group. Remember to add new extensions if you create them later.
Duplex : Set this to No if you only want 1 way announcements. Set to Yes if you want to enable 2 way communications, but if extensions are too close, this may cause feedback. You'll have to experiment to see if this might work for you.
The other features are optional, and beyond the scope of this article.
Create as many different groups as you need. Dial the extension to intercom with that group, or set the Speeddial feature (if available) on your phones to create 1 button shortcuts to an intercom group. Example, create a button to easily intercom all phones in your office.
Note that the intercom and group intercom features can be used even from remote locations. So a manager who is working from a home extension could intercom to any extension or group of extensions.
