Chapter 6 AHL
6.7 AHL Protocol
6.7.1 Overview
AHL protocol governs exchanges between a Front Office computer and the OmniPCX. Only basic
exchanges allowing installation or maintenance technicians to make a diagnosis in the most common
cases are described here.
6.7.2 Basic Exchanges
AHL protocol is an unconnected protocol. Data exchanges between the OmniPCX/Front Office
computer comprise data frames and acknowledgement frames.
The first character of each data frame gives the type of frame and its significance.
Each data frame must be acknowledged before the following frame is sent. Acknowledgement may be
negative.
Data frame
Acknowledgement
frame
Front office
PBX computer
Data frame
Acknowledgement
frame
Figure 6.3: AHL frame: example
If the data frame is not acknowledged within a time set in configuration, it is repeated. If, after a certain
number of resends (number set in management), acknowledgement is not received, the link is declared
to be "down" and the frames are held in a buffer (buffer size is set in management). Saturation of this
buffer triggers alarms, the tickets are then printed on the backup printer.
The OmniPCX tests the AHL link at regular intervals by sending a frame to see if it is back in service.
6.7.3 Check-in Exchanges
Guest arrival (check-in) is shown on the OmniPCX by reception of a data frame with the following
structure (in the case where room management mode is used):
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Chapter 6 AHL
58 characters
Guest name
(20 characters max)
Room number
"Guest check-in" code: 'A'
Figure 6.4: Check-in frame
Depending on the value set in management, room number is 5 or 8 digits long.
The OmniPCX acknowledges this frame by sending a response frame with the following structure:
16 characters
Proposed
password
Room number
"PBX reply" code: 'R'
Figure 6.5: Check-in response frame
Depending on the value set in management, room number is 5 or 8 digits long.
If guest management mode is used, the room number of the check-in frame is replaced by a guest
number. In addition, the check-in exchange is followed by a guest/room allocation exchange with the
following structure:
15 characters
Room number
(5 digits max)
Guest number
"Guest/room allocation" code: 'H'
Figure 6.6: Room/Guest allocation frame
Depending on the value set in management, guest number is 5 or 8 digits long.
Each room/guest allocation number receives a response from the OmniPCX with the following
structure:
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Chapter 6 AHL
16 characters
Guest number
"Allocation reply" code: 'R'
Figure 6.7: Allocation response frame
Depending on the value set in management, guest number is 5 or 8 digits long.
6.7.4 Reporting Charging Tickets
Each call made results in a ticket being produced. depending on management, ticket format can be
short or extended.
68 characters
Guest number Cost Number
called
"Ticket" code: 'J'
Figure 6.8: Short format ticket
Depending on the value set in management, guest number is 5 or 8 digits long.
156 characters
Guest number Cost Number
called
"Extended ticket" code:
'K'
Figure 6.9: Extended format ticket
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