• Getting Started Remote
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  • Remote Access Setup
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  • Download the CMS Remote Access Setup - Windows Users
  • Download the CMS Remote Access folder to the home desktop below.

    Inside the folder there are instructions on how to set up the Remote Desktop connection and 3CX.

    CMS Remote Access Folder

    • Included files:
      • Remote Setup Instructions
      • Zoom Chat Download Link
      • CMS Remote Help Page Shortcut
      • Remote Desktop Connection Download Link
      • Office 365 Shortcut

     
  • Download the CMS Remote Access Setup - Mac Users
  • Download the CMS Remote Access folder to the home desktop below.

    Inside the folder there are instructions on how to set up the Remote Desktop connection and 3CX.

    CMS Remote Access Folder

    • Included files:
      • Remote Setup Instructions
      • CMS Remote Help Page Shortcut
      • Zoom Chat Download Link
      • Office 365 Shortcut

     
  • Placing a Test Call
    1. Sign into the CMS Remote Desktop.
      • Windows Users: Use the 'CMS Remote Desktop' icon in the CMS Remote folder.
      • Mac Users: Use the connection set up in the Microsoft Remote Desktop app downloaded from the App Store.
    2. Once signed into the Remote Desktop, sign into Infinity Telephone Agent under the _FS login.
      • Signing in under _FS prevents certain call stats from being counted against you, such as On Time, Disc Time, etc.
    3. Inside Infinity Telephone Agent, fetch Account 27.
    4. Before proceeding, dial into your 3CX extension.
    5. In Account 27's Info Page should be a yellow telephone icon next to CMS Main Line. Double click on the yellow phone icon.
    6. Press F6 to bring up the dial menu. The number for the CMS Main Line will appear in the box.
    7. When 3CX is dialed in and you are ready to test, click dial to test calling into the main line.
      • For assistance dialing into 3CX, see Dialing into 3CX in the Remote Audio Help (3CX) section below.

     
  • Remote Login Checklist
  • Click here to download a PDF of the Remote Login Checklist.

    This is to assist with ensuring that all remote equipment and processes are followed before working remote.

     
  • Internet Connection Troubleshooting
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  • Restart the Computer or Laptop
  • Restarting the PC can help refresh the internet connection for the PC.

    • Windows: Click the Start ( ) button, then or Shutdown and choose Restart.
    • MacOS: Click the button and choose Restart.

    If restarting the PC doesn't help fix the issue, refer to Power-cycle the Modem and Router below.

     
  • Power-cycle the Modem and Router
  • Power-cycling the modem and router can help refresh the internet connection.

    1. Unplug the power cable to the modem.
    2. Unplug the power cable to the router.
    3. Wait 30 seconds.
    4. Plug in the power cable to the modem.
    5. Plug in the power cable to the router.
    6. Wait 60 seconds.

    It may take a couple minutes for the internet connection to be re-established. If problems persist, refer to Contacting Internet Service Provider.


    We will not be able to assist if the modem connects to the internet service via satellite, antenna, or cell service hotspot. Remote privileges will be revoked if found during troubleshooting.
     
  • Checking the Cabling and Disabling Wifi
  • Cable Connections
    The entirety of the internet connection from the internet provider to the PC being used must be hardwired. Check that all the cables are plugged in properly between all the devices being used to connect.

    • Modem
    • Router
    • Computer - If the cables are not plugged in, the computer may default to its Wifi connection if available or have no connection at all.

    Wifi Connection
    Ensure that the wifi on your computer has been turned off, as wireless connections are not to be used while working remote and a faulty ethernet connection can default to wifi. Using an ethernet connection ensures that packet loss and bandwidth fluctuations common on WiFi networks do not cause jitter, which could drop the Remote Desktop connection.


    If any portion of the connection being used is wireless, assistance will not be given to resolve connection problems until a direct connection with an ethernet cable is made.

     
  • Disabling Wireless Internet Devices
  • The entirety of the internet connection from the internet provider to the PC being used must be hardwired. If any portion of the internet connection is wireless, it must be replaced with a hard wired connection to prevent jitter, which could drop the Remote Desktop connection. This includes being wired into wireless network extenders or using a satellite/cellular service provider.


    If any portion of the connection being used is wireless, assistance will not be given to resolve connection problems until a direct connection with an ethernet cable is made.

     
  • Checking Internet Connectivity and Speed
  • Internet connectivity can be checked by visting Is My Internet Working?


    Verify the internet connection speeds by visiting Speedtest.
    1. Below the GO button on the right hand side will be the location of the server that the connection is being tested with, change the server by selecting 'Change Server'.
    2. A window will appear with a Search to set the server location. Search for Columbus, OH and select the Columbus, OH - Spectrum option.
    3. Press GO to start the Speedtest.
    The speeds should be at least 25Mbps download and 3Mbps upload.

    We will not be able to assist in resolving problems unless the internet connection meets required speeds.

     
  • Disable VPN (Virtual Private Network)
  • VPNs (Virtual Private Network) such as NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN, encrypt the user's internet connection and routes it through an intermediary server, sometimes causing issues with connecting to services. As such, if you are using a VPN, it will need to be disabled while remoting into CMS.


    Due to VPNs having varying settings, IT will not assist in disabling the VPN. Please consult the VPN provider's documentation for assistance.
     
  • Contacting Internet Service Provider
  • If the computer has been confirmed to be completely wired, the internet speeds meet requirements, and all equipment has been rebooted, call the Internet Service Provider to see what may be causing an interruption in service. If needed, a technician may need to be requested to inspect the physical hardware of the connection.

    If the issue interferes with the shift start time, please notify the supervisor on duty.

     
  • 3CX and Audio Troubleshooting
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  • Dialing into 3CX
  • To dial into 3CX, dial 5-###, with ### being your station number.

    • If unsure of the station number, it can be found in the upper left hand corner of the Infinity Telephone Agent window. It is the number inside of the [##] brackets before the agent initials.
    • If still unsure of what number to dial, fetch account 27 and press F7 to open the script. Find your name and press the button labeled 'Click to Pull Agent Info' to pull the number to dial.


    If dialing in does not work, see 3CX Call Quality and Disconnects for troubleshooting.
     
  • Headset Connection
  • Check to make sure the headset is fully plugged in.

    If the headset is plugged in and is not working, move it to a different USB port.


    CMS does not recommend wireless headsets for taking calls due to the unstable nature similar to wireless internet connections.
     
  • 3CX Web Client
  • The 3CX Web Client is the easiest method of using 3CX, as it only requires logging in through an internet browser.

    To sign in:

    1. Access the 3CX Web Client portal on the home desktop.
      • A link is included in the Remote Access Folder.
      • Do not open the link inside the Remote Desktop.
      • Google Chrome is required to use the 3CX Web Client. If it's not downloaded, it can be found here.
    2. Log in using the credentials sent in the Welcome to 3CX email.
    3. Once logged in, dial the extension into the 'Enter Name or Number' field.
      • The first time the web client is used to dial in, there will be a Chrome pop up that requests to allow or deny microphone. Click allow.

     
  • 3CX Desktop App - Windows Users
  • The 3CX desktop app is only available for Windows users and is no longer supported for Macs. IT recommends using the Web Client first and the Desktop App as a backup.

    Navigate to the 3CX Wiki and follow the instructions to set up 3CX.


    The Wiki can only be accessed while connected through the Remote Desktop.
     
  • 3CX Call Quality and Disconnects
  • Call quality and disconnects are typically caused by an inconsistent network connection. Please try the following:

    • If dialed in, disconnect from the 3CX call and dial back in.
    • If using the 3CX Web Client, close the browser and reopen the page.
    • If using the 3CX Desktop App, try closing the app and reopening.
    • Follow the steps listed in the Internet Connection Troubleshooting section.
    • For Windows users, see Changing 3CX Apps above to see if changing to the other 3CX application works.
      • CMS recommends using the 3CX Web Client for best possible results, attempting to switch should be a last resort.

     
  • Changing 3CX Apps - Windows Users
  • In some cases when both the 3CX Windows app and 3CX Web client are available, changing to the other application may resolve any issues.

    Follow the setup instructions for the 3CX Web Client or 3CX Desktop App depending on which would be needed.

     
  • Disable VPN (Virtual Private Network)
  • VPNs (Virtual Private Network) such as NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN, encrypt the user's internet connection and routes it through an intermediary server, sometimes causing issues with connecting to services. As such, if you are using a VPN, it will need to be disabled while remoting into CMS.


    Due to VPNs having varying settings, IT will not assist in disabling the VPN. Please consult the VPN provider's documentation for assistance.
     
  • 3CX Troubleshooting Wiki
  • Click here for troubleshooting basic 3CX issues. This contains troubleshooting for:

    • Correcting Audio Settings in 3CX
    • Reconfiguring 3CX
    • Forgot Password for Web Client
    • Blocked/Blacklisted by 3CX from logging in

    The Wiki can only be accessed while connected through the Remote Desktop.

     
  • Remote Audio Troubleshooting Wiki
  • Follow the instructions in the Remote Audio Troubleshooting Wiki to make sure the PC audio settings are configured correctly.

    The Wiki covers troubleshooting for confirming the PC sound is not muted and other home desktop audio settings.


    The Wiki can only be accessed while connected through the Remote Desktop.

     
  • Remote Desktop Troubleshooting
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  • Remote Desktop Not Connecting
  • If the Remote Desktop cannot be connected to:

    1. Check to make sure the credentials are correct as stated below in Remote Credentials.
    2. Using the instructions listed in the Internet Connection Troubleshooting above to ensure the internet connection is working properly.
    3. Use the instructions in the Re-download the Remote Desktop Connection section below to see if a new remote connection file helps.
    4. If checking those portions did not work, please escalate to Supervisor.
     
  • Remote Credentials
  • Check to make sure the credentials to log in are correct, such as the username being cms\firstname.lastname and using the correct password.

    • Be sure to use the \ for this and not /. The key is normally located above the Enter Key.
    • Check to make sure there are no spaces around the username or password.
     
  • Re-download the Remote Desktop Connection
    1. Navigate to the CMS RDP Web Access site to re-download the remote desktop connection.
    2. For Domain\user name, sign in using your name formatted as CMS\Firstname.Lastname.
      • Be sure to use the \ for this and not /. The key is normally located above the Enter Key.
    3. Once signed in, click the blue monitor icon labeled 'CMS' to download the Remote Desktop connection file. It will download as "cpub-CMS-CMS-CmsRdsh" and can be renamed to "CMS Remote Desktop" to help with identifying.
     
  • Account Lockout
  • After 6 unsuccessful attempts to sign in with incorrect credentials, the account will be locked out and the Remote Desktop application will notify with a warning "As a security precaution, the user account has been locked because there were too many logon attempts."

    Please escalate to a Supervisor.

     
  • Repeated Rejected Login Attempts
  • Please escalate to a Supervisor.

     
  • Repeated Disconnects
  • Refer to the Internet Connection Troubleshooting portion above to verify your internet connection is stable.

     
  • Second Monitor Management
  • For instructions on setting up and managing a second monitor, refer to the Second Monitor Management Wiki.


    The Wiki can only be accessed while connected through the Remote Desktop.
     
  • Checking Monitor Size and Resolution
  • CMS' software requires a minimum monitor size of 15 inches and a resolution height above 864 pixels.

    If needing to check the size of your monitor and its resolution, visit the CMS Check Monitor Size Tool.
    For information on changing monitor resolution, follow the links below:

     
  • All Other Issues
  • If any issues are experienced while working within Remote Desktop, please notify the Supervisor. At their discretion, they may ask to attempt re-logging into the Remote Desktop.

     
     
  • Mac Troubleshooting
  • This guide is specifically for Mac/Windows compatibility, please check the other troubleshooting guides in case one addresses the issue.


    Macs require changing settings in order to be compatible with Windows when working remote.

    Follow the instructions in the Mac Troubleshooting Wiki to see what settings may need configured.
    The Wiki can only be accessed while connected through the Remote Desktop.

     
  • Equipment Failures
  • As CMS does not manage equipment for remote agents and only assists with software issues related to working remote, please seek outside assistance for hardware and peripheral issues with services such as:

     
  • Expired Password / Change Password
    • Expired Password
      • Call in and request to speak with the Inbound Supervisor to reset the password.

    • Change Password
      • Outside CMS Remote Desktop
        • Navigate to the CMS Change Password site to change password.
        • For Domain\user name, format it as CMS\Firstname.Lastname.
      • Inside CMS Remote Desktop
        • The password can be changed by pressing the Ctrl + Alt + End keys. This will bring up an options screen and 'Change a password' will be one of the choices.
          • For Mac keyboard users, the key combination is FN + Control + Option + Delete.

     
  • Check For Maintenance or System Issues
  • Visit the CMS Status Page to check if there is planned maintenance or a system issue.


    The CMS Status Page can only be accessed while connected through the Remote Desktop.