Lucent Technologies PARTNER II Release 4.1 Quick guide

Lucent Technologies
Bell Labs Innovations
PARTNER® II
Communications System
Release 4.1
Programming and Use
518-455-334
Comcode 107879231
Issue 2
August 1996

Copyright © 1996 Lucent Technologies Lucent Technologies 518-455-334
All Rights Reserved Issue 2
Printed in U.S.A. August 1996
Notice
Every effort was made to ensure that the information in this book was complete and accurate at the
time of printing. However, information is subject to change.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Interference Notice
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits of a Class A digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of FCC rules. For additional FCC information, see Appendix C of this book.
Canadian Emissions Requirements
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emissions from digital
apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Industry Canada (lC). For additional
IC information, see Appendix C of this book.
Le present appareil numerique n’emet pas de bruits radioelectriques depassant les limites
applicables aux appareils numeriques de la classe A prescrites dans le Reglement sur le brouillage
radioelectrique edicte par le ministere des Industrie Canada. Vous trouverez des renseignements
complémitaires à la annexe C de ce manuel.
Security
Toll fraud, the unauthorized use of your telecommunications system by an unauthorized party (for
example, persons other than your company’s employees, agents, subcontractors, or persons
working on your company’s behalf) can result in substantial additional charges for your
telecommunications services. You are responsible for the security of your system. There may be a
risk of toll fraud associated with your telecommunications system. You are responsible for
programming and configuring your equipment to prevent unauthorized use. Your system manager
should read all documents provided with this product to fully understand the features that can
introduce the risk of toll fraud and the steps that can be taken to reduce that risk. Lucent
Technologies does not warrant that this product is immune from or will prevent unauthorized use of
common-carrier telecommunication services or facilities accessed through or connected to it.
Lucent Technologies will not be responsible for any charges that result from such unauthorized use.
Trademarks
PARTNER MAIL, PARTNER MAIL VS, PassageWay, Magic on Hold, MERLIN, MLS-34D, MLS-18D,
MLS-12D, MLS-12, MLS-6, PARTNER, and SYSTIMAX are registered trademarks of Lucent
Technologies. Microsoft is a registered trademark and Windows is a trademark of Microsoft
Corporation.
Warranty
Lucent Technologies provides a limited warranty for this product. Refer to “Lucent Technologies
Limited Warranty and Limitation of Liability” in Appendix B of this book.
Ordering Information
The order number for this book is 518-455-334. To order additional books, call 1 800 457-1235 in
the continental U.S. or 1 317 361-5353 outside the continental U.S. For information about ordering
other system reference materials, replacement parts, accessories, and other compatible equipment,
refer to “Product Ordering information” in Appendix B.
Support Telephone Number
In the continental U.S., Lucent Technologies provides a toll-free hotline 24 hours a day. Call the
hotline at
1 800 628-2888 if you need assistance when programming or using your system.
Outside the continental U.S., contact your Lucent Technologies Representative or local
Authorized Dealer.

Contents
About This Guide
v
1
Overview
1-i
Important Safety Instructions 1-ii
Features and Capabilities 1-1
System Components
1-2
Auxiliary Equipment 1-10
2 Programming
Overview
Hardware Considerations
Initial System Setup
Changing Settings after Installation
Changing Settings to Support PBX or
Centrex Services
System Programming Options
Using System Programming
Telephone Programming Options
Using Telephone Programming
2-i
2-1
2-2
2-3
2-6
2-8
2-9
2-14
2-19
2-23
3 Learning About Telephones
3-i
System Telephones
3-1
Standard Telephones
3-8
Combination Extensions
3-12
Using Telephones
3-13
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
i

Contents
4
Using Auxiliary Equipment
Overview
Answering Machines
Call Reporting Devices (SMDR)
Credit Card Scanners
Fax Machines
Modems
Night Service with Auxiliary Equipment
PARTNER Attendant
Voice Messaging Systems
4-i
4-1
4-4
4-8
4-12
4-13
4-20
4-22
4-24
4-26
5
Feature Reference
5-i
6
Troubleshooting
When You Need Help
Power Failure Operation
Problems with System Phones
Problems with Standard Phones
Other Problems with Phones
Problems with Combination Extensions
Problems with Auxiliary Equipment
System Problems
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
6-i
6-1
6-1
6-2
6-6
6-8
6-13
6-15
6-15
A
Specifications
A-1
B Maintenance, Repair, and
Ordering Information
B-1
ii

Contents
C
FCC and IC Information
C-1
D
Speed Dial Form
D-1
E
Programming Mixed Telephone Types
E-1
GL
Glossary
GL-1
IN
Index
IN-1
Programming Quick References
iii

iv

About This Guide
Purpose
This guide is intended for the System Manager. It explains what the
PARTNER® II Communications System can do, provides instructions for
programming and using the system, and tells you how to get the most out of its
many features and capabilities.
Terminology
Throughout this guide, the PARTNER II Communications System is referred to
simply as the system and Lucent Technologies telephones specifically designed
to work with the system are called system phones. You can also use
industry-standard telephones with the system, which are referred to as standard
phones in this guide. Finally, the PARTNER MAIL® or PARTNER MAIL VS®
Voice Messaging System, which you may have connected to the system, is
referred to as the voice messaging system.
How to Use This Guide
For information on the following topics, refer to the appropriate chapter:
■
■
■
Getting Acquainted. Chapter 1 provides an overview of system features
and hardware components.
Programming the System. You can change your system’s settings
easily to accommodate new or expanding needs. Chapter 2 provides
general programming information, while Chapter 5 provides detailed
instructions for programming specific features.
Training Co-Workers. Chapter 3 explains how system and standard
phones work with the system. To help train co-workers on telephone
basics, you can share this information with them.
About This Guide v

■
■
■
Using Auxiliary Equipment. The system supports a wide variety of
auxiliary equipment, including fax machines, modems, voice messaging
systems, and call reporting devices. Chapter 4 provides advice on
setting up these devices to work effectively with the system.
Daily Operation. Depending on how your system is set up, you may
need to oversee some of the system’s daily operations. For example, you
may need to turn on Night Service at the end of each day before leaving
the office. Reference information on all features, including descriptions
and instructions for using each feature, is provided in Chapter 5.
Solving Problems. Chapter 6 provides information on solving problems
if your system or telephones malfunction.
Once you are experienced with the system, use the Table of Contents or Index
to locate the information you need.
Throughout this guide, feature names are printed in bold so you can easily look
up the name in Chapter 5, “Feature Reference,” for additional information on the
feature. For example, if you see a reference to System Date (#101), you can
look it up in Chapter 5 for details.
Product Safety Statements
Product safety statements are identified in this guide by a
CAUTION:
Indicates the presence of a hazard that will or can cause minor personal
injury or property damage if the hazard is not avoided.
WARNING:
Indicates the presence of a hazard that can cause severe or fatal
personal injury if the hazard is not avoided.
How to Comment on This Guide
A feedback form is located at the end of this guide, after the appendixes. If the
form is missing, send your comments and recommendations for changes to
Publications Manager, Lucent Technologies, 211 Mount Airy Road (Room
2W-226), Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 (FAX [phone]).
vi About This Guide

Overview
1
Contents
Important Safety Instructions
Features and Capabilities
System Components
■
Control Unit
System Modules
System Capacity
System Mode
■
Telephones
System Telephones
Intercom Autodialers
Standard Telephones
Auxiliary Equipment
■
Requirements
■Connecting Standard Devices
1-ii
1-1
1-2
1-4
1-4
1-5
1-5
1-8
1-8
1-9
1-9
1-10
1-10
1-10
1-i

Important Safety Instructions
WARNING:
The following list provides basic safety precautions that should always
be followed when using your telephone equipment:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Read and understand all instructions.
Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.
Unplug all telephone connections before cleaning. DO NOT use liquid
cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
This product should be serviced by (or taken to) a qualified repair
center when service or repair work is required.
DO NOT use this product near water, for example, in a wet basement
location.
DO NOT place this product on an unstable cart, stand, or table.
Never push objects of any kind into slots or openings as they may
touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result
in a risk of fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the
product.
Avoid using the telephone during an electrical storm. There may be a
remote risk of electric shock from lightning.
DO NOT use the telephone to report a gas leak in the vicinity of the
leak.
The product is provided with a three-wire grounding type plug. This
is a safety feature. DO NOT defeat the safety purpose of the
grounding type plug. DO NOT staple or otherwise attach the power
supply cord to building surfaces.
CAUTION:
DO NOT block or cover the ventilation slots and openings. They prevent
the product from overheating. DO NOT place the product in a separate
enclosure unless proper ventilation is provided.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
1-ii

Overview
1
Features and Capabilities
The following list provides an overview of the system’s features:
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
Full line of system phones, some with displays showing date, time, and
programming and feedback messages. All system phones can provide
access to multiple outside lines and system features.
Two modes of system operation for ease in accessing outside lines:
individual lines can be assigned one per button or multiple lines can be
grouped together and accessed using a single button.
Programmable buttons on system phones, providing one-touch access to
system features simply by pressing the button.
Intuitive operation of basic call handling capabilities including transfer,
conference, and hold.
Intercom (inside) calling to other system extensions using an Intercom
button and the two-digit number assigned to the extension. Users can
either ring or voice signal an idle system phone, or use Voice Interrupt On
Busy to signal another user who is active on a call.
Grouping of extensions for flexibility in directing and answering calls.
Automatic system answering features to help answer and route calls.
Call coverage for users who are unable to answer their calls, but want
their calls answered by another individual.
Integrated voice messaging support with the PARTNER MAIL system or
the PARTNER MAIL VS system, so callers can reach a desired extension
or group without operator assistance and leave messages at unanswered
or busy extensions.
Caller ID support on system display phones (if Caller ID service is
available from your local telephone company and you subscribe to it).
Overview 1-1

Power failure operation with standard phones, allowing you to make and
receive calls during a power failure while retaining programmed
equipment settings for up to four days. (An optional Uninterruptible
Power Supply, or UPS, is also available to allow full equipment operation
during a power failure.)
Centrex or PBX operation support—including one-touch dialing of feature
access codes on system phones.
Flexible dialing restrictions and permissions so you can control telephone
activity and phone bills.
Special hospitality features that let Bed and Breakfast proprietors, for
example, regulate phone use in guest rooms and schedule wake up calls
for guests.
Easy-to-use programming procedures, making it simple for you to
manage your system and telephones. System display phones provide
messages and prompts during programming.
Two system programming extensions, allowing you to program the
system from one extension without interrupting call activity at the other
programming extension—usually the receptionist’s extension.
Modular connections to the control unit, making it simple to reconfigure
your system or to add lines and/or extensions as your business grows.
Direct connections for industry-standard devices—including most
standard phones, fax machines, answering machines, modems, and
credit card scanners.
Optional equipment support, including doorphones, loudspeaker paging
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■systems, music on hold*, call reporting (often referred to as Station
Message Detail Recording or SMDR) devices, PARTNER Attendants, and
extra alerts.
System Components
Modular hardware design makes the system easy to install and expand.
Figure 1-1 shows an example of system components.
*If you use music-on-hold to broadcast certain copyrighted music or material, including songs or other
material from radio broadcasts, you may be required to obtain the permission of the copyright owner. One
way to obtain permission is to contact ASCAP, BMI, and/or similar performing rights organizations, to obtain a
license. Or, you can purchase a Magic on Hold® system from Lucent Technologies, which does not require
you to obtain such a license. Lucent Technologies disclaims any liability arising out of the failure to obtain
such a license, if required.
1-2 Overview

CONTROL UNIT
Primary Expansion
Carrier
Main Circuit Breaker
Carrier
Main Circuit
Breaker or
or On/Off Switch
206 Modules
On/Off Switch
400
Modules
Primary
Processor Module
Expansion
Processor
Module
Grounding Screw
Grounding
Screw
Outside Line Jacks Outside Line
Jacks
Power Indicators
(LEDs)
PAGE Jack
SMDR Jack
Extension Jacks
(206 modules only)
MUSIC ON HOLD
Volume Adjustment Screw
MUSIC ON HOLD Jack
(for RCA phono plug) Expansion
Cable Power Indicators
(LEDs)
SYSTEM PHONES Optional Devices
(for the control unit)
Serial Printer
PARTNER-34D Phone
(with optional PARTNER-CA48 PARTNER-18D Phone
Intercom Autodialer)
PARTNER-6 Phone
PARTNER-18 Phone
PARTNER
Paging System
MAIL VS
voice messaging
system
Call Accounting
Terminal (Basic or Plus)
Remote
MDW 9000 Phone MDC 9000 Phone Magic on Hold deck
Optional Devices
(for extension jacks)
PARTNER MAIL
voice messaging
system
Fax Machine
Standard
Touch-Tone
Phone
Answering
Machine
Administration Doorphone
Alert
Unit
Figure 1-1. Sample System Components
Overview 1-3

Control Unit
The control unit is the heart of the system; it is made up of one or two carriers,
and it houses the system modules. You can use either the primary carrier, or
the primary carrier and the expansion carrier if you need more lines and
extensions. Each carrier housing includes a backplane and a cover. All system
modules slide into the backplane, which channels power to the system. The
cover slides onto the front of the backplane after all the system modules have
been installed.
WARNING:
There are no customer-serviceable components inside the system
modules or backplane. There are hazardous voltages within that can
cause severe or fatal personal injury. DO NOT OPEN THE MODULES.
System Modules
The following system modules can be installed in your system:
■
■
■
■
■
Primary Processor Module provides the software intelligence that
controls the system’s features. It has jacks for a music-on-hold audio
source, a loudspeaker paging system, and a call reporting (SMDR)
device, such as a printer. It also has a green-wire grounding screw to
properly ground the primary carrier.
Expansion Processor Module extends the primary processor module’s
software capabilities to the lines and extensions located on modules in
the expansion carrier. It has a green-wire grounding screw to properly
ground the expansion carrier.
206E Module has jacks to connect a maximum of two outside telephone
lines and six extensions to the system. You can connect telephones and
other telecommunications devices (such as fax machines and modems)
to the extension jacks (either directly or through your building’s modular
wall jacks). Each 206E module has a green power indicator that shows it
is receiving power. The system requires at least one 206E module.
400E Module is similar to the 206E module, but without extension jacks.
It has four outside line jacks. This module is an inexpensive way to add
lines when you do not need more extensions.
206EC/400EC Modules provide the same capabilities as the 206E and
400E modules, but add support for Caller ID information on system
display phones. To get Caller ID, first you must subscribe to the service
from your local phone company (if it is available) on a per-line basis, then
connect those lines associated with Caller ID to the line jacks on the
206EC and/or 400EC modules. Any users with system display phones
who receive calls on Caller ID lines will get Caller ID. For more
information, see “Caller ID” in Chapter 5.
Hereafter, references to 206 modules include 206E, 206EC, and all 206 modules
used with previous releases of the product. Similarly, references to 400
modules include 400E, 400EC, and all 400 modules used with previous releases
of the product.
1-4 Overview

If you are upgrading from a PARTNER or PARTNER Plus system, you can still
use its 200E modules, each providing two line jacks.
If you want message waiting capability on standard phones that are equipped
with message waiting lights, you must connect those phones to extension jacks
on Release 3.1 (R3.1) or later 206 modules. Additionally, you need an R3.1 or
later primary processor module.
System Capacity
The combination of 206 and 400 modules installed determines the number of
available lines and extensions. The system allows up to 24 lines and up to 48
extensions; however, these maximums cannot be achieved simultaneously:
■
■
■
■
For maximum line capacity (24 lines), install four 206 modules and four
400 modules. This arrangement allows up to 24 extensions.
For maximum extension capacity (48 extensions), install eight 206
modules. This arrangement allows up to 16 lines.
System Mode
The system supports two modes of operation. The mode of operation
determines how users access outside lines from their phones:
Key Mode. Users access individual outside lines to make and receive
calls.
Hybrid Mode. Users can access individual outside lines as in Key mode.
However, you also can create up to four groups, or pools, of multiple
outside lines. When the user accesses a pool to make a call, the system
selects an available line from the pool. Since multiple lines are
associated with the pool, the user does not know which line within the
pool is being used to make the call.
System mode is determined by the configuration of the processor module. By
default, the system is configured for Key mode. Changing to Hybrid mode
requires modifying the processor module. Only Lucent Technologies
Authorized Personnel can modify the processor module to accommodate Hybrid
mode.
The mode for your system must be decided upon before installation; and in the
continental U.S., the mode must be registered with the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) (see “FCC Registration” later in this section).
Overview
1-5

Key Mode
When the system operates in Key mode, individual outside lines are assigned to
users’ extensions for making and receiving calls. At extensions with system
phones, each individual line (Line 1, Line 2, Line 3, etc.) assigned to the
extension is represented by its own line button. Users can press any of the
available line buttons on their system phones to make outside calls. (Standard
phone users must dial 9 at intercom dial tone to make an outside call since their
phones do not have line buttons.)
Key mode enables users to easily join calls since each line button can be
labeled using a unique line number. For example, if you are requested to join a
call on Line 2, you simply press the line button labeled “Line 2.” Key mode also
lets users monitor call activity using the lights next to the line button—everyone
who has a specific line assigned to their extension can tell when an incoming
call is ringing on that line, when a call on that line is on hold, and when that line
is in use.
At installation, the system assigns outside lines to the buttons on all system
phones from left to right, starting with the bottom row of buttons. On an
extension basis, you can change which lines are assigned and which buttons
are used to select the lines, if desired.
All extensions in a system configured for Key mode are referred to as key
extensions.
Hybrid Mode
Hybrid mode offers users flexibility in accessing outside lines from their phones.
As in Key mode, individual lines can be assigned to system extensions.
Additionally, multiple outside lines can be grouped together in pools. The
system can have up to four pools, including a main pool and three auxiliary
880, 881, 882, and 883
pools. Each pool is identified by a pool access code—
respectively.
Pools are represented on system phones by pool buttons. Unlike line buttons,
pool buttons give users access to multiple lines from a single button. Each
auxiliary pool is associated with only one pool button. Since the main pool
typically contains most of your company’s outside lines, it is associated with two
pool buttons. This setup allows the user to place a call using one of the main
pool buttons, put that call on hold, and make another call using the second main
pool button. Or, the user can establish a conference call using lines in the main
pool. The main pool and each auxiliary pool can be assigned to an extension,
for a maximum of five pool buttons.
System phone users can press any of the available pool buttons on their phones
or they can enter the pool access code at intercom dial tone to make an outside
call. (Standard phone users must dial 9 or enter the pool access code at
intercom dial tone to access a pool since their phones do not have pool
buttons.) After the user presses a pool button or enters a pool access code, the
system selects a free line from the pool for the user to make the call. A user can
access a pool as long as there is at least one available line in the pool.
1-6 Overview

A major benefit of Hybrid mode is that it allows users who have system phones
with fewer buttons to have access to multiple outside lines and various types of
pools. You can make efficient use of outside lines by grouping those of a similar
type or function together. For example, you can create an auxiliary pool of
WATS or international lines and assign the pools to different groups of users.
Additionally, individual lines can be assigned to a manager’s extension so that
he or she always has access to an outside line.
In Hybrid mode, extension 10 always operates like an extension in Key mode.
This means that every outside line in the system is associated with a specific
line button at extension 10.
All other extensions can be set up with access to only lines, only pools, or a
combination of lines and pools:
■
■
■
■
■
Those extensions that have pool buttons, even if they also have individual
line buttons, are called pooled extensions.
Those extensions that have only line buttons (including extension 10) are
called key extensions. Key extensions cannot access pools.
If your system is configured for Hybrid mode, keep in mind:
A line can be assigned to only one pool.
Individual extensions can be restricted access to specific pools.
Individual lines can be assigned to an extension with pool buttons as long
as the lines are not part of any pool.
At installation, the system assigns all outside lines to the main pool and assigns
the main pool to the two leftmost buttons on the bottom row of all system
phones, except extension 10. If desired, you can remove some of the lines from
the main pool and create auxiliary pools. Then you can assign pools and/or
individual lines on a per extension basis.
FCC Registration
In the continental U.S., your system’s mode of operation must be registered with
the FCC as either KF (Key Function) for Key or MF (Multifunction) for Hybrid. If
the system is registered as KF, no outside lines can be pooled; if the system is
registered as MF, lines can be pooled and individual lines also can be assigned
directly to line buttons.
Overview 1-7

Telephones
System Telephones
This guide refers to Lucent Technologies telephones specifically designed to
work with the system as system phones. These include the PARTNER-34D,
PARTNER-18D, PARTNER-18, PARTNER-6, MDC 9000, and MDW 9000
telephones. You can also use MLS-34D, MLS-18D, MLS-12D, MLS-12, MLS-6,
and MLC-6 system phones, although they are not discussed in this guide. If you
use MLS-model phones with the system, refer to the documentation that
shipped with those phones for information specific to the MLS-models.
System phones have several buttons in common: volume control buttons and
the [ Feature ], [ Conf ], [ Transfr ], [ Hold ], [ Mic/HFAI ], and [ Spkr ] buttons. In addition, each
phone has programmable buttons that can be used for outside lines, pools,
extension numbers, outside phone numbers, or system features. Outside lines
and pools, as well as some system features, require buttons with status lights.
Programmable buttons without lines or pools assigned to them can be
programmed with numbers or features, so you can use the feature or dial the
number with one touch. The number in each PARTNER-model name indicates
the number of programmable buttons with status lights plus two [ Intercom ] buttons.
If the PARTNER-model phone has a display, indicated by a “D” in the model
name, users receive messages and prompts when making calls and
programming. (More information about the display is provided in Chapter 5.) A
system display phone is required for system programming.
Table 1-1 summarizes system phone features.
Table 1-1. System Phones
PARTNER-
34D PARTNER-
18D PARTNER-
18 PARTNER-
6
MDC
9000
MDW
9000
Total Number of
Programmable Buttons 36 20
16 4 4 4
Key Mode Line Button
Capacity (Number of
24*
16
16 4 4 4
Programmable Buttons
with Status Lights)
Hybrid Mode Pool
55 5 4 4 4
Button Capacity**
Intercom Buttons
22 2 2 2 2
Display
✔ ✔ — — — —
Speaker ✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
—
—
—
—
Microphone
*The PARTNER-34D has 32 programmable buttons with status lights. Since the system supports a maximum
of 24 lines, up to 24 buttons on the PARTNER-34D can be used for outside lines.
** The main pool uses two pool buttons.
1-8 Overview

Intercom Autodialers
PARTNER-model system phones support the PARTNER-CA48 Call Assistant
Intercom Autodialer at extensions 10 and 11. The autodialer provides Auto Dial
buttons for all of the extensions in your system (up to 48). The status lights next
to each button indicate calling activity at that extension. Users can program the
Auto Dial buttons for either intercom ringing, voice signaling, or manual
signaling. (Note that each user can have only one Auto Dial button—either on
the system phone or on the autodialer—for another extension in the system.)
The Auto Dial buttons allow the user to dial, signal, or transfer calls to system
extensions with one touch. For more information about Auto Dial buttons, see
“Auto Dialing” in Chapter 5.
Standard Telephones
You can also use industry-standard single-line rotary or touch-tone telephones,
including feature phones with built-in feature buttons and lights, with the system.
This guide refers to such telephones as standard phones. Lucent
Technologies-certified standard phones are recommended.
The following Lucent Technologies phones can make use of the system’s
message waiting capability:
■
■
2500 YMGL Single-Line Analog Telephone Set
2500 YMGK Single-Line Telephone with Message Waiting Light and
Recall Button
■
■
■
■
8101 Analog Telephone
8102 Analog Telephone
8110 Analog Telephone
7102 Plus Analog Voice Terminal
Check with your Lucent Technologies Representative or local Authorized Dealer
to find out if other standard phones with message waiting lights will work.
NOTE:
For message waiting capability, you must connect standard phones with LED
compatible message waiting lights to Release 3.1 (R3.1) or later 206 modules,
and equip the system with an R3.1 or later primary processor module. This
message waiting capability does not apply to standard phones with neon-type
message waiting lights.
Overview 1-9

Auxiliary Equipment
You can connect many types of telecommunications devices to your system
without expensive adapters or additional phone lines. Many industry-standard,
single-line devices will work with the system regardless of the manufacturer:
Touch-tone, rotary, and cordless telephones (such as those you might
have in your home)
Fax machines
Answering machines
Modems
Credit card scanners
There are several other devices that may be compatible with the system. For
more information, refer to the list in Chapter 4 or contact your Lucent
Technologies Representative or local Authorized Dealer. Also, see Chapter 4
for advice on setting up auxiliary equipment to work effectively with the system.
Requirements
An industry-standard device must meet the following conditions:
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
It must be non-proprietary. That is, it cannot be made specifically for use
on a particular telephone system. (For example, you cannot connect a
Lucent Technologies MERLIN® system phone because it is specifically
designed for use on a MERLIN system.)
Its Ringer Equivalence Number (REN ) cannot be greater than 2.0. (The
*
REN is shown on a label on the device, usually on the bottom.)
You can connect a standard two-line device to the system, but for best
results it should be installed and used as if it were a single-line device.
Connecting Standard Devices
You can connect a standard device so that it is on an extension by itself, or so
that it shares an extension with another piece of equipment (either another
standard device or a system phone) as long as the REN of the two devices
together does not exceed 2.0. (System phones have 0.0 REN.) For example,
you can connect a standard phone and an answering machine to the same
extension. An extension with two devices connected to it is called a
combination extension. You cannot connect two system phones on one
extension. The PARTNER II Communications System Installation guide
provides installation instructions.
*REN is a measure of the power it takes to ring a phone. The typical home phone line handles 4.0–5.0 RENs;
each extension jack in your system handles up to 2.0 RENs.
1-10 Overview