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Conference Calls

  • What is the parent_call_uuid attribute of the Call method?

    You can use the parent_call_uuid attribute of the Call method to specify the call_uuid of the first leg (parent call) and to add a new participant to the same conference as the first participant. It's useful in reducing the delay in bringing a new member to a conference and enhancing the call quality of each conference participant.

    You can also use the error_if_parent_not_found attribute to control the behavior of the parent_call_uuid parameter. If error_if_parent_not_found is set to true and the parent_call_uuid is not found, the call is not initiated and an error is returned. If set to false, the call will be started by ignoring any error with the parent_call_uuid. The default value is false.

    Note: This parameter is honored only for single calls and not for bulk calls. During bulk calls, several participants are likely to enter from different regions. If all participants get added to the same conference as the first leg (parent call), they might experience latency in the call audio.

  • How can I make a conference call using Plivo?

    You can start a conference call in three ways: 

    • During an outbound call
    • During an inbound call
    • By moving participants from a bridged call to a conference call

    During an outbound call

    You can use the Call method to trigger an outbound call to a number or a SIP endpoint. When the dialed party answers the call, the answer_URL of the method must return a Conference XML element. In this example, the Conference element puts the dialed party in the conference room My Room.

    <Response>

    <Conference>My Room</Conference>

    </Response>

    During an inbound call 

    During an inbound call to a Plivo DID, the answer_URL of the application attached to the DID should return a Conference XML element, as shown above.

    From a bridged call to a conference call

    The participants of a normal call can be transferred from a bridged call to a conference call with the help of our transfer a call method. We have documentation on how to retrieve the call_UUID of a particular live call or of all ongoing calls.

    What's the maximum number of participants allowed in a single conference?

    A maximum number of 20 participants or members are allowed in a single conference room.

  • How can I debug a conference call from my dashboard logs?

    Start by finding the call UUID of each participant in the conference call. You can find a call UUID through the console at Voice > Logs. Click on the timestamp of the call you want to debug to see the call UUID.

    Screenshot_-_2020-04-08T003124.441.png 

    Alternatively, you can use the Call method to request call detail records (CDR), which include call UUID information.

    Use the call UUID

    After getting the call UUID, navigate to https://console.plivo.com/voice/logs/debug/ and enter the call UUID in the search field. This will surface call details like these: 

    Screenshot_-_2020-04-08T003146.324.png

    Screenshot_-_2020-04-08T003204.364.pngYou can also check the XML document used on the call to handle the call flow to debug the call.

  • How can I manage participants on a conference call?

    Here are some of the actions you can take to manage participants on a conference call using the conference member API.

  • How can I manage a conference call with a moderator or an administrator?

    To host a moderated conference call, set the call to start only when the moderator joins by using the attribute startConferenceOnEnter="true". You can also set the call to end when the moderator hangs up with the attribute endConferenceOnExit="true".

    For the moderator, the XML should be as shown below.

    <Response>
    <Conference startConferenceOnEnter="true" endConferenceOnExit="true">My Room</Conference>
    </Response>

    For other participants, use the following XML.

    <Response>
    <Conference startConferenceOnEnter="false" waitSound="https://yourdomain.com/waitmusic/">My Room</Conference>
    </Response>