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Frequently Asked Questions for the MOREnet Dialing Plan
Q: Why should I use the MOREnet Dialing Plan?
A: Although use of the plan is voluntary, the MOREnet dialing plan will ease integration issues as voice, data and video networks converge. Even though the technology may change from PSTN to IP to videophone, the idea of a single terminal number (i.e., a phone number) still exists. The challenge is to tie the PSTN (using E.164 addresses), the IP network (using IP addresses, e-mail addresses and host.domain names) and the video network (using a variety of addressing systems) together into a single, coherent, interoperable, easy-to-use system. International standards bodies have been trying to create a unified systems for some time, and, based on the number of trials and development arenas, the proposed standard (ENUM) is close to production value.
Q: When can I start using the MOREnet Dialing Plan?
A: You may begin using the plan at any time. MOREnet's Video Operations group will be migrating to the dialing system over the next year, and you will receive notices as this migration occurs.
Q: Do I need to register my E.164 numbers with MOREnet?
A: No, only the codecs you wish to connect to MOREnet resources (such as the MCU) need to be registered.
Q: How do I register my number with MOREnet?
A: Go to http://www.more.net/technical/video/newuser/siteinfo/form-codecsitecontact.html and submit your information using the online form.
Q: Why can't I use my existing number?
A: You can, but using your existing numbers will limit you to receiving calls from endpoints that have your information in their gateways. This is not a scalable solution, and there is nothing to keep two organizations from choosing the same number for devices, causing a conflict in the network. Some system to ensure unique numbers are assigned is required.
Q: Why don't you use the ViDe numbering system?
A: The ViDe numbering system is designed around an IP-centric videoconferencing network. While such a design is perfectly acceptable for video-only networking, it may not be the best solution for MOREnet and its customers who are moving toward highly-integrated networks where video, IP voice and the PSTN converge. Eventually, users will need to make a call, and they won't want to care if the other end is a PSTN phone, and IP phone, a video phone or something else entirely. The MOREnet Dialing Plan positions MOREnet and its customers to take advantage of ENUM and integration. The MOREnet Dialing Plan will interoperate with the ViDe plan and does not keep an organization from using ViDe's services. The MOREnet Dialing Plan does not take away the ability of current customers to dial the MOREnet MCUs through the single 46986 service prefix. If adopted, it would make dialing video devices through telephone-like E.164 numbers possible throughout Missouri.
Q: How do I get an E.164 number assigned?
A: E.164 numbers are assigned by the telephone companies. If you are purchasing services directly from the phone company, purchase the numbers from them. In Missouri, expect to pay $1 per month, per number or $32 for a block of 100 numbers.
If your organization has a PBX or Centrex service, you may
be able to have spare numbers assigned to you by the system administrator. Most
systems have additional numbers reserved for expansion, so it may be easy to acquire
a small block of numbers for the video systems.
Regardless of the source of the numbers, be aware that these are publicly dial-able numbers. Anyone using the PSTN can dial the number and be routed to your organization. This does not mean that anyone can dial your codecs. A PSTN gateway connected to an ISDN service to support dial-in (or out) service is required. However, you may wish to have an intercept recording on your numbers to let callers know that they have reached a video device and direct them to your video help desk.
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