{{Short description|Methodology of distributing phone calls from a single telephone number}} In [[telephony]], '''line hunting''' (or '''hunt group''') is the method of distributing phone calls from a single [[telephone number]] to a group of several phone lines. Specifically, it refers to the process or [[algorithm]] used to select which line will receive the call.
Hunt groups are supported by some [[Private branch exchange|PBX]] phone systems. Also, some phone companies will provide this feature for a small fee (see also: [[Centrex]]). In the tariffs of some telephone companies, one may obtain hunting for free, but forward on busy is a charged service.
==Multi-line hunting== ''Multiline hunting'' (sometimes MLH, ''line hunting'' or MHG, ''multiline hunting group'') is a [[feature (software design)|feature]] that allows multiple [[telephone line]]s going into a business to act as a single group, called a ''hunt group''. This type of fallback is a somewhat more complex form of [[call forwarding]]. If the line called is busy, the call goes to the next available line. Only if no lines in the group are open does the [[calling party]] get a [[busy signal]].
==Linear hunting== In ''linear hunting'', calls are always delivered to the lowest-numbered available line. This is also referred to as ''serial hunting'' or ''terminal hunting''. It resembles ''busy/no-answer call forwarding''. Calls are always delivered to the first line, unless it is busy—then the second, third, and remaining lines are considered in succession.
This configuration is most often found on multi-line phones found at small businesses. For [[automatic call distributor]] systems with high call volumes, this is usually the least preferable method, because calls will arrive at destinations that are in the process of completing the previous call, and depending on the circumstances, may be the least prepared to take the call.
Linear hunting can also cause problems in automated equipment that answers calls, particularly if a destination extension fails on a lower-numbered line. This extension will disrupt a disproportionately high percentage of the incoming calls, whereas circular hunting will spread that disruption evenly throughout all the calls, minimizing the possibility for a major disruption.
==Circular hunting== In ''circular hunting'', the calls are distributed "round-robin". If a call is delivered to line 1, the next call goes to 2, the next to 3. The succession throughout each of the lines continues even if one of the previous lines becomes free. When the end of the hunt group is reached, the hunting starts over at the first line. Lines are skipped only if they are still busy on a previous call.
Circular hunting is a good way to distribute calls to electronic answering equipment such as fax machines.<ref>Louisiana State University Office of Telecommunications, [http://test002.lsu.edu/ocsweb/otchome.nsf/$Content/Station+Hunting?OpenDocument Station Hunting] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090311134639/http://test002.lsu.edu/ocsweb/otchome.nsf/$Content/Station+Hunting?OpenDocument |date=2009-03-11 }} description, retrieved September 2007</ref>
==Most-idle hunting== In ''most-idle hunting'', calls are always delivered to whichever line has been idle the longest. This considers the length of time that the calltaker has been busy versus available. This is typically used in call centers where the calls are being answered by people, to distribute the load evenly.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hunt Group Methods & Descriptions|url=http://theavayaengineer.wordpress.com/2012/03/01/hunt-group-types/|work=The Avaya Engineer|accessdate=31 January 2013|date=3 January 2012}}</ref>
==See also== {{Portal|Telephones}} * [[Anycast]] * [[Call forwarding]] * [[Call whisper]] * [[Follow-me]]
==References== <references/>
[[Category:Calling features]]