FAQs

Question 1

What is direct routing?

Accepted Answer

Direct Routing for Microsoft Teams is a flexible, accessible and cost-effective alternative to Microsoft Calling Plans, allowing your organisation to make calls within Microsoft Teams.

Question 2

How does Direct Routing work?

Accepted Answer

Teams Direct Routing uses a Session Border Controller (SBC) to ensure the secure transfer of data between public and private networks. The SBC is located at the border between networks, providing a PSTN (Public switched telephone network) connection to Teams users. This is what ensures external calls can be made and received on any device using Microsoft Teams.

To effectively route calls between the MSP’s network and the Microsoft phone setup, a cloud-based certified SBC needs to be configured. From here, outgoing calls are transmitted to the Microsoft phone system which then sends calls to the SBC. With direct routing, the incoming call is delivered to the Microsoft phone system and any other device using Teams.

Question 3

What is required to enable direct routing?

Accepted Answer

To enable direct routing and enable full voice capability, you will need several elements. These include:

Microsoft 365 or Office 365 licence including Teams
Microsoft Phone System add-on
An internet connection

Our experienced teams at Nasstar can support you in fulfilling these requirements and successfully implementing them into your technology stack.

Question 4

Is this a cheaper alternative to Microsoft calling plans?

Accepted Answer

Compared to calling plans, where minutes are allocated per user per month, direct routing plans are available in a range of different pricing formats to suit your needs. This could mean that the direct routing solution you choose could offer cost efficiencies for your business, allowing you to save money while futureproofing your telephony solution.

Question 5

Is Direct Routing easy to set up?

Accepted Answer

Direct routing is not difficult to set up when you partner with an experienced MSP like Nasstar. We will be with you every step of the way, ensuring the solution is built and integrated based on your unique business needs. You’ll be able to leverage Nasstar’s support and guidance throughout your journey, ensuring you get the most out of your solution.

Question 6

Do I need PowerShell experience to provision users?

Accepted Answer

You do not need PowerShell experience to provision users for direct routing. We’ve partnered with iPILOT, an award-winning SaaS platform, to manage and deploy direct routing. The iPILOT platform is so intuitive, that PowerShell experience is not required.

Question 7

How does Direct Routing enhance the functionality of Microsoft Teams?

Accepted Answer

Direct Routing enhances the functionality of Microsoft Teams in several different ways, enabling your business and Teams users to experience multiple benefits. Here are some of the key ways that direct routing enhances Microsoft Teams:

Enhanced flexibility – by connecting your existing telephony hardware to Microsoft Teams, you can reduce your additional capital outlay.
Improves flexible working – direct routing ensures a seamless calling experience through Teams.
Delivers cost efficiencies – when compared to Microsoft Calling Plans, you can maximise your Teams licence investment and save money on your telephony solution.
Increased scalability – as your business grows, direct routing enables you to add new users and devices as you need them.
Improved decision-making – with online advanced and comprehensive call statistics with direct routing, you can make more informed decisions.
Easy management – simplify your phone system administration with seamless integration.
Improved security – with end-to-end encryption and industry compliance, you can ensure greater data integrity and confidentiality.

Question 8

Can Direct Routing for Microsoft Teams be used with existing telephony infrastructure?

Accepted Answer

With Direct Routing, businesses can connect their SBC to almost any telephony trunk. You can also interconnect with third-party PSTN equipment, depending on what systems you’re using. At Nasstar, we can help you determine whether your existing telephony infrastructure is suitable for direct routing integration or support you in finding another viable solution.

Contact us for more information on Teams Direct Routing or other services.

Microsoft Teams Direct Routing

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