In order to know how you want your calls to ring, you will need to know what hunt groups or ring groups are.
Hunt Groups
With hunt groups, the client themselves are the one who manages how the call is being received.
The client will select an option that calls a group of extensions based on an initial characteristic, such as department. Then, they wait on hold in a queue until the next available associate is available.
In other words, hunt groups are responsible for directing the call to a certain group, which will then ring each extension in the group. So how does this work? The first extension is always in charge of receiving the calls.
If the user is busy and does not answer within the first three rings, then the call is directed to the next extension. Alternatively, this can be described as “hunting” for the next available extension to based on how the group is configured.
A good example of this would be calling a sales department. A person must dial the sales department number. If the extension is busy, then it could be answered by any other extension in the department next until someone answers the phone. Each phone rings one at a time.
Ring Groups
Unlike hunt groups, ring groups ring all members of the group simultaneously. This means all lines will ring at the same time, and the first person who picks up the phone is the one who answers the call.
Ring groups are very useful for when a mass amount of calls are being received. Also, this allows each of your customers to receive the same priority when they make a call.
A very clear example of this is a call center software. When a customer calls, all phones ring at the same time until an agent answers the call.
Types of Call Distributions
- Hunt: If the first phone to ring isn’t answered, then the next phone extension in the group will ring. This is also referred to as linear distribution.
- Memoryhunt: If the first extension does not answer the call, then both the first and second extension will ring. If the second extension does not answer, then the first, second and third extension will ring. This continues until someone in the group answers the call.
- Firstavailable: If the first extension does not answer the call, then the call is rejected.
- Firstnotonphone: If the first extension is busy, then the call is transferred to the next extension in the group. If the first extension simply isn’t busy and also does not answer, then the call is rejected.
In the event that all extensions are busy or does not answer, the caller is sent to voicemail. You can also set up a time period that determines how long a caller waits on hold until they are passed to the next extension.
Manage Calls
Incoming calls can be managed quickly by using call management techniques, even when lines are busy. Calls are routed to employees who have the skills necessary to deal with their request. That way, the caller will receive the exact assistance they need.
One of the best tools for your business is phone call management. is a virtual PBX phone system. Features such as voicemail and hunt groups can help significantly reduce the amount of lost calls.
Because there are no installation fees or additional hardware involved you can save a significant amount of money. You will also make more money by never losing a potential customer again.
Currently, one of the best options is the It offers great advantages such as: detailed information on received and issued calls, custom greetings, and customizable menu options. This gives your company a more professional image whenever someone makes a call.
You can configure certain calls based on their origin or time of call, such as changing the language. You can answer calls to multiple extensions from one device. Customize the music whenever a caller is on hold. All of this, now available through Fonvirtual. Keep in touch with your customers and never miss a call again.
