Special Dialplan Extensions

Special Asterisk Dialplan Extensions

Here we'll list all of the special built-in dialplan extensions and their usage.

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Other than special extensions, there is a special context "default" that is used when either a) an extension context is deleted while an extension is in use, or b) a specific starting extension handler has not been defined (unless overridden by the low level channel interface).

a: Assistant extension

This extension is similar to the o extension, only it gets triggered when the caller presses the asterisk (*) key while recording a voice mail message. This is typically used to reach an assistant.

e: Exception Catchall extension

This extension will substitute as a catchall for any of the 'i', 't', or 'T' extensions, if any of them do not exist and catching the error in a single routine is desired. The function EXCEPTION may be used to query the type of exception or the location where it occurred.

h: Hangup extension

When a call is hung up, Asterisk executes the h extension in the current context. This is typically used for some sort of clean-up after a call has been completed.

i: Invalid entry extension

If Asterisk can't find an extension in the current context that matches the digits dialed during the Background() or WaitExten() applications, it will send the call to the i extension. You can then handle the call however you see fit.

o: Operator extension

If a caller presses the zero key on their phone keypad while recording a voice mail message, and the o extension exists, the caller will be redirected to the o extension. This is typically used so that the caller can press zero to reach an operator.

s: Start extension

When an analog call comes into Asterisk, the call is sent to the s extension. The s extension is also used in macros.
Please note that the s extension is not a catch-all extension. It's simply the location that analog calls and macros begin. In our example above, it simply makes a convenient extension to use that can't be easily dialed from the Background() and WaitExten() applications.

t: Response timeout extension

When the caller waits too long before entering a response to the Background() or WaitExten() applications, and there are no more priorities in the current extension, the call is sent to the t extension.

T: Absolute timeout extension