‍What is Microsoft Teams Direct Routing?

Direct Routing for Microsoft Teams is one of three methods provided by Microsoft that allows organizations to connect their existing communication infrastructure to Microsoft Teams Phone, enabling users to make and receive external phone calls through the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). The other methods are Operator Connect and Calling Plans.

Direct Routing requires a Microsoft-certified session border controller (SBC), such as the platforms in the award-winning AudioCodes Mediant SBC family, to connect the Microsoft Teams environment to the PSTN. When an incoming call is received, the SBC mediates the session with Microsoft Teams Phone, passing the call through to the Teams client and ultimately to the intended recipient. Similarly, outgoing calls are routed from the Teams client through the SBC and then to their destination via the PSTN.

Direct Routing allows users to seamlessly receive and make calls on Microsoft Teams by connecting the platform with the PSTN through an approved partner. This solution offers companies the flexibility to integrate Microsoft Teams with their existing telephony systems, enabling the inclusion of critical communication functions such as 911, fax, reception phones, and other services via the SBC. Additionally, Direct Routing supports the use of any PSTN trunk with Microsoft Phone System, providing interoperability between customer-owned telephony equipment, including third-party private branch exchanges (PBX), analog devices, and Microsoft Phone System.

Key Benefits of Microsoft Teams Direct Routing?

• Cost-Effective Solution: Reduce telephony costs by leveraging your existing communication infrastructure instead of investing in new hardware or services.
• Flexible Deployment: Integrate Microsoft Teams with your preferred PSTN provider, offering greater flexibility and control over your telephony environment.
• Enhanced Call Management: Utilize a Microsoft-certified SBC to ensure secure and reliable call routing between Microsoft Teams and the PSTN.
• Seamless User Experience: Enable your users to make and receive external calls directly within the Microsoft Teams platform, enhancing communication and collaboration.
• Scalability: Easily scale your telephony solution to accommodate growing business needs, ensuring that your communication infrastructure evolves with your organization.
• Global Reach: Extend your Teams-based communication globally by connecting to the PSTN, allowing users to connect with external contacts worldwide.
• Security and Compliance: Maintain high security and compliance standards with certified SBCs that ensure secure voice communication across your network.