For each of these services, you need to complete and submit a Customer Service Order Request form (Excel or PDF). Instructions are included at the bottom of this form.

How do I modify the software features of my telephone extension?

To request any of the available software features, please complete and submit a Customer Service Order Request form (Excel or PDF). Instructions are included at the bottom of this form.

How long does it take for a service order to be completed?

From the day the Customer Service Order Request Form is received, please allow 15 business days.

What is a port?

A port provides dial tone for each telephone set or "station." Every port is distinguished by a "port number," which is the unique identifier for that telephone station on the switchboard.

How do I learn the port number of my telephone extension?

Port numbers are obtained by dialing #*119 from the extension in question. You will hear cabinet, shelf, lot, circuit and corresponding numbers, e.g., 02.2.03.1.

Can I order a longer cord for my telephone or ethernet service?

Longer telephone cords, receiver cords, and ethernet cables are available from Telecommunications Services. Telephone and receiver cords cost $7 and ethernet cabling costs $10. To place an order, please complete and submit a Customer Service Order Request form (Excel or PDF). Please note that when you fill out the form, identify the cord or cable that you wish to purchase in the "Details of User Request" section.

What does the installation rate for telephone lines cover?

Each telephone line installation rate includes two hours of field engineer time. If additional time is needed, there will be a charge of $45 per hour.

Can my department supply its own telephone?

Departments can supply their own telephone, however, the Office of Telecommunications does not recommend this. The Office cannot guarantee functionality with the switchboard and will not conduct repairs on outside telephone sets.

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Voice Mail

What is voice mail initialization?

Voice mail initialization is the process through which you personalize your voice mailbox, including your greeting and password.

How do I initialize my voice mailbox?

You can initialize your voice mailbox by following a series of quick and easy steps.

How can I retrieve my voice mail messages?

You can retrieve your voice mail messages from any of the following:

Your desk
1. Use the shortcut by pressing *5.
2. After hearing your name, enter your personal password.
A campus phone
1. Press 19595.
2. After hearing the welcome message, press the pound (#) key.
3. Enter your five-digit mailbox number. You will hear your name.
4. Enter your password.
An off-campus phone
Dial 215 204-9595. After hearing the welcome message, press the pound (#) key. Enter your five-digit mailbox number. You will hear your name. Enter your password.

Are there any shortcuts for navigating through my voice mailbox?

Yes, the following shortcuts are available on the system:

Pressing 1-1 allows a message to be heard from the beginning.
Pressing 3-3 places the caller at the end of the message.
Pressing 5 for envelope information will give the details of the message, specifically the date, time, duration and even the origin of the call if it was placed from on-campus.
Pressing 6 enables the caller to send a copy of a message to another subscriber on the voice mail system.
Pressing 3-3-9 saves the message to the archives quickly.
Pressing 3-3-7 erases the message quickly.
NOTE: If you erase a message, it cannot be retrieved.
Pressing # allows the caller to skip a message, while ## allows the caller to move into archived messages.
Pressing 8 enables the reply to the message received from another subscriber on the voice mail system. Without ever having to dial an extension, your response is returned to the sender.
Pressing 8-8 replies to a voice mail message by automatically calling the sender of the message.

How do I record/change my personal greeting?

To record/change your personal greeting, perform the following:

1. Enter the voice mail system by dialing 19595 (on-campus) or 215-204-9595 (off-campus).
2. Press the pound (#) key to indicate that you have a mailbox on the system.
3. When you are prompted, enter your five-digit mailbox extension and personal password.
4. Then, do the following:

Select 4 for personal options.

Select 3 for greetings.

Select 1 for personal greeting.

Select 2 to record a personal greeting.

Select 1 to record a greeting for when you are unable to answer your phone.

Select 2 to record a greeting for when you are currently on the phone.

5. Record the greeting and press # when finished.

How do I record an extended absence greeting?

To record an extended absence greeting, do the following:

1. Enter the voice mail system by dialing 19595 (on-campus) or 215-204-9595 (off-campus).
2. Press the pound (#) key to indicate that you have a mailbox on the system.
3. When you are prompted, enter your five-digit mailbox extension and personal password.
4. Then, proceed as follows:

Select 4 for Personal Options.

Select 3 for Greetings.

Select 2 for Extended Absence Greeting.

Record the greeting and press # when finished.

Re-record your name by following the steps below.

Select 4 for Personal Options.

Select 3 for Greetings.

Select 3 for Record Your Name.

Record your name and press # when finished.

How do I change my personal password?

To change your personal password, do the following:

1. Enter the voice mail system by dialing 19595 (on-campus) or 215-204-9595 (off-campus).
2. Press the pound (#) key to indicate that you have a mailbox on the system.
3. When you are prompted, enter your five-digit mailbox extension and personal password.
4. Then, proceed as follows:

Select 4 for Personal Options.

Select 2 for Administrative Options.

Select 1 for General Options.

Select 1 for Passwords.

Select 1 for Personal Password.

To hear the current password, press 0.

Enter a password containing between six and fifteen digits and then press # when finished.

What do I do if I've forgotten my personal password?

If you forget your personal password, send a memo (with the appropriate authorizing signature) requesting your password to be reset and include your name, department, and telephone extension. You can fax the memo to 215-204-8655. You can also send the memo to:

Telecommunications
c/o Voice Mail Services
The TECH Center, 3rd fl. (286-99)
12th St. & Montgomery Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19122

What is a zero-out point?

Each department must have a "zero out point" or telephone extension where calls are routed in the event of an emergency. Your "zero out point" should be an employee in your department who does not have a mailbox, such as a secretary or receptionist.

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Network Services

What is an IP Address?

An I.P. address is a unique identifier for a networked computer. Networks using the TCP/IP protocol route messages based on the IP address of the destination.

What is a name server?

A name server resolves a computer name with its I.P. Address to allow for network translation.

What is a proxy server?

A proxy server is a process through which the retrieval of requested World Wide Web URLs is expedited. A local cache stores certain URLs. If the requested URL is found in the cache, it is returned immediately. Otherwise, the URL is retrieved from the remote server, a copy is saved in the cache, and the URL is returned to the requester.

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(Updated 07/12/2007)