[Asterisk-Users] Extensions to solve three way calling problem

[Eric Wieling aka ManxPower]

PHP Mechanic wrote:
>  > Threeway calling is similar. You can make a small impromptu conference
> 
>> that way with 2 internal phones and an external or 3 internal phones or
>> even 1 internal and 2 external calls on separate phone lines. All of
>> these are mixed inside of asterisk and the PSTN is non the wiser.
> 
> 
> Thanks for clearing this up for me. The thing that still get's me is 
> that the pstn is a little bit wise. It can perform the following:
> 
> 1. Establish a call with the first person. You can call them or they can 
> call you.
> 2. Press Flash/Recall on phone to put the first person on hold.
> 3. Wait until you hear the dial tone.
> 4. Dial the number of the second person.
> 5. Wait until you hear the second line ringing.
> 6. Press Flash/Recall and talk to the first person (they will hear the 
> ringing tone too).
> 
> Can I make asterisk play ball with my telco?

Asterisk is a PBX, not a glorified multi-line phone.

Asterisk can do all of those things, but will do so internally and if 
you want 2 calls to the PSTN, it will use two lines to the PSTN.  This 
is the way PBXs work.

If you want Asterisk to use the three-way calling features of your PSTN 
lines then you'll have to do some horrible dialplan hacks, as has been 
discussed in this thread.  Spend the extra money per month and get a 
VoIP provider with unlimited local calling for your second line.