Installation guide

Hunt Groups Routing Calls
4
ShoreTel 14.2 Planning and Installation Guide 73
Hunt Groups
Hunt groups allow you to route calls to a list of extensions. Hunt groups can be accessed through an
extension, DID, and/or DNIS. Hunt groups are supported by ShoreTel Voice Switches and remain
available even when connectivity to the Headquarters server is lost. A single switch can host up to 8
hunt groups and a maximum of 16 hunt group extensions per switch. A hunt group can be used as the
backup destination for an operator or workgroup, so that basic hunting occurs even when the operator
or workgroup is not reachable. To maximize reliability, assign hunt groups to a switch close to the
majority of the members and/or trunks associated with the hunt group.
Hunt groups can be used for:
 Backup Routing for a workgroup
Hunt groups can be used when the workgroup server is not reachable because of a network
outage or admission control. When the hunt group is set to offer each member a single call at a
time, then call offering is similar to a workgroup.
 Hunt Group as a Call Forward Destination
In a small office where individuals generally receive calls directly, users may want someone in the
office to answer calls when they are unable to answer. Hunt groups can provide alternate
destinations in this case.
 Distribution of Calls to Backup Operators
A hunt group can provide backup operators for the primary operator who handles calls to a main
company number.
 Common Line Monitoring
A hunt group can enable users to monitor a phone line. For example, multiple operators can
monitor a line and answer calls at the same time.
Direct All Calls to an Auto Attendant
You can direct all inbound calls to the auto attendant, and prompt the calling party to route the call,
based on menu options. Auto attendant answering is typically used by smaller companies and smaller
locations that do not choose to use direct inward dial (DID) numbers. Refer to Figure 5 for an
illustration of auto attendant call flow.