Configure the idle timeout settings

Sometimes the link between the PMS and the DV2000/DV4 will stop functioning even though it appears to the VMS that the connection is still present.  This is particularly common when connecting via TCP/IP over the internet.  The TCP connection may be lost somewhere on the internet while still being present on the local network.  So to the local server (PMS or VMS) the link appears fine, but no communication is actually possible.

Even a serial link can get into a state where the server is still connected to the COM port just fine but no message traffic is able to be sent or received.

The DV2000/DV4 provides two features to help address this problem:   idle timeout and polling (keep-alive) messages.  In most cases, you will want to use both features (although polling is only possible if the PMS protocol supports it).

The idle timeout feature works as follows:  if the VMS has not received any input (of any kind) from the PMS for the specified time, it will reset the connection.  In the case of serial or TCP client connections, it will drop the connection and then attempt to reconnect.  In the case of a TCP server link, it will just drop the connection and wait for the PMS to reconnect.

To configure the idle timeout settings, follow these steps:

1.  Using Activity Monitor, stop the voice mail service.

2.  Run the System Configuration application and select Features | Hospitality.

3.  If prompted, select the PMS instance (as shown below).  This dialog is only displayed if you are licensed for more than one PMS instance.  Otherwise, skip to step 4.

4.  Select the PMS property page (in the tree view on the left).

5.  In the section Idle Timeout, check the Restart port if idle for box to enable the idle timeout feature (or uncheck it to disable the feature).

6.  In the same section, use the edit box to specify how long, in minutes, the port can be idle before the VMS will reset the connection.

7.  Click Apply to save the setting without closing the dialog.

8.  If you are finished configuring hospitality settings, click OK to save and close the dialog.

9.  Once you are finished with all configuration changes, close System Configuration.

10.  Using Activity Monitor, restart the voice mail service.