VICIdial Dial Timeout: Complete Optimization Guide

Quick Reference

Setting Name

dial_timeout

Default Value

30

Recommended

20 to 30 seconds

Impact Level

High

Location in VICIdial

Admin > Campaigns > [Campaign] > Dial Settings

What Dial Timeout Does

The Asterisk-level timeout in seconds for outbound dial attempts. This is separate from call_timeout and controls how long Asterisk waits for a SIP response before abandoning the attempt. Should generally match or be slightly higher than call_timeout.

Center Size Recommended Value Notes
10–25 Agents 20 to 30 seconds Start conservative, monitor for 48 hours before adjusting
25–100 Agents 20 to 30 seconds Scale gradually — larger operations amplify effects of misconfiguration
100–500 Agents 20 to 30 seconds Consult ViciStack optimization team for enterprise-scale tuning

How to Change This Setting

  1. 1 Go to Admin > Campaigns
  2. 2 Select campaign
  3. 3 Find Dial Timeout setting
  4. 4 Enter integer seconds value
  5. 5 Should match or slightly exceed call_timeout value
  6. 6 Submit and verify in Asterisk logs

Common Problems

Mismatched with call_timeout causes inconsistent timeout behavior

Too low causes premature hang-up before carrier routes the call

Too high wastes system resources on zombie channels

call_timeout Call Timeout Campaign drop_action Drop Action Campaign wait_for_silence Wait for Silence Campaign amd_type AMD Type Campaign

ViciStack Module

How ViciStack Optimizes Dial Timeout

ViciStack's Dialer Tuning & Auto-Configuration module automatically monitors and optimizes dial_timeout based on real-time performance data from your operation. Instead of manual tuning, ViciStack continuously analyzes call outcomes, agent performance, and contact rates to recommend and implement optimal values — often catching configuration drift before it affects your numbers.

Learn About Dialer Tuning & Auto-Configuration →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does dial_timeout do in VICIdial? +
The Asterisk-level timeout in seconds for outbound dial attempts. This is separate from call_timeout and controls how long Asterisk waits for a SIP response before abandoning the attempt. Should generally match or be slightly higher than call_timeout.
What is the recommended value for dial_timeout? +
The recommended range for dial_timeout is 20 to 30 seconds. The out-of-box default is 30. Note that optimal values vary by operation size, campaign type, and carrier — use ViciStack's automated tuning to find your exact optimal configuration.
Can ViciStack automatically optimize dial_timeout for me? +
Yes. ViciStack's Dialer Tuning & Auto-Configuration module monitors dial_timeout continuously and alerts you when the value drifts outside optimal range. On qualifying plans, ViciStack can automatically adjust this setting based on real-time performance data — no manual intervention required.

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