Numbers, also known as DIDs or DDIs, are normal telephone numbers that external callers can use to call into the system from the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network). Naturally, these numbers must be allocated and routed to the system by a carrier. Blocks of numbers in each area code you wish to offer service should be ordered from providers. These can then be loaded into the system for customers to choose.

Customers may choose from any spare numbers on the system, and can choose to route the number they have picked to a telephone line, hunt group, feature, etc. The system owner and resellers may choose how much customers must pay for numbers in rate plans.

If a user (calling from a SIP telephone, calling card, etc) calls a number that is configured in the system, the call is normally routed within the system, rather than going to a carrier and back. This is called "shortcut routing". The customer or customers (if the called number belongs to a different customer) are still billed the same amount for the outbound and inbound calls as if the call had gone to the carrier and back.

To load a new range of numbers

1. Log in to the Enswitch web interface.
2. If you haven't already done so, make an inbound group and optionally any number classes for the route.
3. Go to System » Inbound groups.
4. Click on the group you wish to add the numbers to.
5. Click the "Add numbers" link.
6. Choose whether to add a single number, a range of numbers, or a text file containing one number per line.
7. Enter the number, start and end numbers, or the file, and default group, class, and region (if configured).
8. If you wish to immediately assign the numbers to a customer, choose a customer, and set whether you want to charge them for the numbers.
9. If the carrier delivers calls using a called number that is not the number that your customers will use, enter a starting alias. Please consult your Enswitch vendor before doing this.
10. Click the "Add" button.
11. In the edit inbound group page, click the "Numbers" button.
12. Click on any numbers you which to set the customer, number class, or alias for.
13. Edit the number.
14. Click the "Save" button.
15. Repeat for any other numbers as desired.