Overview

This node interacts with the Asterisk PBX system via the Asterisk REST Interface (ARI) to create a new channel (call) to a specified endpoint. It is useful for automating call initiation in telephony workflows, such as dialing a SIP or PJSIP endpoint, setting caller ID, or passing variables to the call context. For example, it can be used to programmatically start calls to users or devices within a telephony system and control call parameters like timeout, context, and dialplan execution.

Use Case Examples

1. Initiate a call to a SIP user with a custom caller ID and timeout.
2. Create a channel to a PJSIP endpoint and pass variables for call routing.
3. Dial an extension with specific dialplan context and priority settings.

Properties

Output

JSON

• id - The unique identifier of the created channel.
• name - The name of the created channel.
• state - The current state of the channel.
• caller
  • number - Caller number information if available.
• connected
  • number - Connected party number information if available.
• dialplan
  • context - Dialplan context used for the channel.
  • extension - Dialplan extension used for the channel.
  • priority - Dialplan priority used for the channel.

Dependencies

• Requires an API key credential for authenticating with the Asterisk REST Interface (ARI).

Troubleshooting

• Ensure the endpoint string is correctly formatted (e.g., PJSIP/1000 or SIP/user) to avoid call initiation failures.
• Verify that the API credentials are valid and have sufficient permissions to create channels.
• Check that the timeout value is reasonable to prevent premature call termination.
• If the call does not connect, verify the dialplan context, extension, and priority settings are correct and exist in the Asterisk configuration.
• Errors related to channel ID conflicts may occur if a custom channel ID is reused; ensure uniqueness.

Links

• Asterisk ARI Channels API - Official documentation for managing channels via the Asterisk REST Interface.