If you’re using Microsoft Teams for communication and collaboration, you may have heard of Direct Routing. Direct Routing is a feature that allows users to connect Microsoft Teams to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and make and receive external calls from within the Teams app. This can be a powerful tool for organizations looking to streamline their communications and reduce costs. In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into Direct Routing on Microsoft Teams and provide a comprehensive overview for beginners.
- What is Direct Routing on Microsoft Teams? Direct Routing is a feature in Microsoft Teams that enables users to make and receive phone calls using their existing PSTN or telephony infrastructure. This allows users to use Microsoft Teams as a phone system, with all the features and capabilities of a traditional PBX, including call routing, call forwarding, voicemail, and more.
- How Does Direct Routing Work? Direct Routing uses Session Border Controllers (SBCs) to connect Microsoft Teams to the PSTN. SBCs are devices that sit at the edge of a network and act as a gateway between different networks. They provide a secure connection between the Teams app and the PSTN, allowing users to make and receive external calls from within Teams.
- What are the Benefits of Direct Routing on Microsoft Teams? There are several benefits to using Direct Routing on Microsoft Teams, including:
- Cost savings: Direct Routing can be less expensive than traditional phone systems, as it allows organizations to leverage their existing telephony infrastructure.
- Increased productivity: By integrating phone calls into Teams, users can streamline their communications and reduce the need to switch between multiple apps and devices.
- Enhanced collaboration: Direct Routing allows users to easily connect with external parties, improving collaboration and increasing efficiency.
- How Do You Set Up Direct Routing on Microsoft Teams? Setting up Direct Routing on Microsoft Teams requires a few steps, including:
- Configuring your telephony infrastructure: You’ll need to have a supported telephony infrastructure in place, such as a SIP trunk or ISDN PRI line.
- Deploying SBCs: You’ll need to deploy SBCs to provide a secure connection between Teams and the PSTN.
- Configuring Teams: You’ll need to configure Teams to use Direct Routing, which involves setting up a new voice routing policy and associating it with users.
- What are the Requirements for Direct Routing on Microsoft Teams? To use Direct Routing on Microsoft Teams, you’ll need:
- A Microsoft 365 or Office 365 subscription with a Phone System and a Calling Plan or Direct Routing add-on.
- A supported telephony infrastructure, such as a SIP trunk or ISDN PRI line.
- SBCs deployed at the edge of your network to provide a secure connection between Teams and the PSTN.
- An understanding of networking and telephony concepts.
- How Much Does Direct Routing on Microsoft Teams Cost? The cost of Direct Routing on Microsoft Teams varies depending on a number of factors, including your existing telephony infrastructure, the number of users, and the calling plan you choose. However, Direct Routing can be a cost-effective option compared to traditional phone systems, as it allows you to leverage your existing infrastructure and avoid expensive hardware and maintenance costs.
- What are Some Best Practices for Using Direct Routing on Microsoft Teams? Here are some best practices to keep in mind when using Direct Routing on Microsoft Teams:
- Ensure your telephony infrastructure is configured correctly and meets Microsoft’s requirements: Direct Routing requires a properly configured telephony infrastructure to function correctly. You’ll need to make sure your infrastructure supports SIP trunking and that it meets Microsoft’s requirements for connectivity and bandwidth. Additionally, you should have a plan in place for monitoring and troubleshooting any issues that arise.
- Deploy SBCs at the edge of your network to provide a secure connection between Microsoft Teams and your telephony infrastructure: Session Border Controllers (SBCs) are essential for providing a secure connection between Microsoft Teams and your telephony infrastructure. They help to protect your network from security threats and provide a secure boundary for voice traffic. When deploying SBCs, it’s important to ensure they’re properly configured and deployed at the edge of your network.
- Use a separate network for voice traffic: To ensure the best quality of service for your voice traffic, it’s recommended to use a separate network for voice traffic. This helps to prevent congestion on your main network and ensures a consistent quality of service for your voice calls.
- Optimize your network for voice traffic: In addition to using a separate network for voice traffic, it’s important to optimize your network for voice traffic. This includes configuring Quality of Service (QoS) settings to prioritize voice traffic over other types of traffic and ensuring that your network has sufficient bandwidth to support voice traffic.
- Test and monitor your Direct Routing deployment: Before deploying Direct Routing to your users, it’s important to thoroughly test your deployment to ensure it’s working correctly. Once your deployment is live, you should also have a plan in place for monitoring and troubleshooting any issues that arise.
By following these best practices, you can help to ensure a successful deployment of Direct Routing on Microsoft Teams and provide your users with a reliable and high-quality voice calling experience. If you’re interested in learning more and would like to know how to connect your favorite telecommunications service to Microsoft Teams, Contact Us.