Conference Rooms
Conference Rooms enable multiple callers to join a single call. This document explains how to create and manage conference rooms in OPBX.
What are Conference Rooms?
Conference Rooms provide:
- Multi-party audio conferencing
- PIN protection (optional)
- Dedicated conference numbers
- Support for multiple simultaneous participants
- No reservation required
Creating a Conference Room
Step 1: Create the Conference Room
- Navigate to Conference Rooms in the main menu
- Click Create Conference Room
- Enter a Name (e.g., "Weekly Team Meeting")
- Configure settings:
- PIN Protection - Optional security code
- Max Participants - Limit (if applicable)
- Announcements - Entry/exit notifications
- Save the conference room
Step 2: Create the Extension
Conference rooms need an extension to be accessible:
- Go to Extensions
- Click Create Extension
- Select type Conference Room
- Choose your conference room
- Assign an extension number (e.g., 400)
- Save
Step 3: Assign a DID (Optional)
For external access, assign a phone number:
- Go to DID Numbers
- Select or add a phone number
- Set routing type to Conference Room
- Select your conference room
- Save
Joining a Conference
Internal Access
Employees can join by dialing the extension:
Dial: 400
Result: Connected to conference
External Access
External callers dial the DID number:
Dial: +1-555-0400
Result: Connected to conference
With PIN Protection
If PIN is enabled:
Dial: +1-555-0400
Prompt: "Please enter the conference PIN"
Enter: 1234
Result: Connected to conference
Conference Room Features
PIN Protection
Secure your conference with a PIN:
- 4-6 digit code
- Required for entry
- Prevents unauthorized access
- Can be changed anytime
Participant Management
During a conference:
- See participant count
- Hear entry/exit announcements (if enabled)
- Mute/unmute participants (if supported)
- End conference (moderator)
Moderator Features
Some plans include moderator controls:
- Mute all participants
- Remove participants
- Lock the conference (prevent new joins)
- Record the conference
Conference Room Use Cases
Recurring Team Meetings
Setup:
- Extension: 400
- Name: "Engineering Team"
- PIN: None (internal use)
- Schedule: Weekly standups
Client Conference Line
Setup:
- DID: +1-555-0400
- Name: "Client Conference"
- PIN: 1234
- Usage: Client calls with PIN
Project War Room
Setup:
- Extension: 450
- DID: +1-555-0450
- Name: "Project Alpha War Room"
- PIN: 9999
- Usage: Emergency project discussions
Managing Conference Rooms
Editing Settings
To modify a conference room:
- Navigate to Conference Rooms
- Select the room to edit
- Change settings:
- Name
- PIN
- Announcement options
- Save changes
Changing Extension
To change the extension number:
- Go to Extensions
- Find the conference extension
- Edit and change the number
- Update any documentation
Deleting a Conference Room
To remove a conference room:
- Go to Conference Rooms
- Select the room
- Click Delete
- Confirm deletion
Deleting a conference room:
- Removes the conference permanently
- Frees up the extension number
- Does not affect past call records
Best Practices
Security
- Use PINs for sensitive meetings
- Change PINs regularly
- Don't share conference numbers publicly
- Monitor participant count
Organization
- Name rooms clearly - Include purpose/team
- Document extension numbers
- Share PINs securely
- Set clear usage guidelines
Moderation
- Designate a moderator for large conferences
- Start on time
- Use mute when not speaking
- End promptly
Troubleshooting
Cannot Join Conference
Problem: Callers can't connect to the conference.
Solutions:
- Verify extension/DID is correct
- Check conference room is active
- Verify PIN is correct (if protected)
- Check extension status is active
Poor Audio Quality
Problem: Choppy or delayed audio in conference.
Solutions:
- Check network connectivity
- Reduce number of participants
- Ask participants to mute when not speaking
- Use a dedicated conference DID
Unauthorized Access
Problem: Unknown participants in conference.
Solutions:
- Enable PIN protection
- Change the PIN
- Lock the conference during meetings
- Monitor participant list
Limitations
Current Limitations
- Maximum participants based on plan
- No video conferencing (audio only)
- No screen sharing
- Recording depends on plan/availability
Next Steps
- Call Recording - Record your conferences
- Reporting - View conference usage
- DID Numbers - Assign external numbers
Related Documentation:
- Extensions - Extension types
- Call Routing - Routing concepts