Tutorial / Cram Notes

A dial plan is a named set of normalization rules that translate dialed phone numbers by users into an alternate format (typically E.164) for call authorization and call routing. Teams utilizes dial plans to enable users to dial numbers in a familiar format, regardless of location.

Types of Dial Plans

There are two primary types of dial plans in Microsoft Teams:

  • Service Dial Plans – These are predefined by Microsoft and cannot be modified. They are based on the geographic location of the user and are automatically assigned.
  • Tenant Dial Plans – These are custom dial plans created by the organization to accommodate specific business needs and dialing habits.

Creating Tenant Dial Plans

Tenant dial plans can include one or more normalization rules, allowing you to cater to various dialing behaviors. To create a new tenant dial plan, you can use the Microsoft Teams admin center or PowerShell:

  • In the Teams admin center:
    • Navigate to ‘Voice’ > ‘Dial plan’.
    • Select ‘Add’ to create a new dial plan.
    • Enter a name for the dial plan and add normalization rules as needed.
  • Using PowerShell:
    • Connect to the Teams PowerShell module.
    • Use the New-CsTenantDialPlan cmdlet to create a new dial plan.

Example PowerShell command:

New-CsTenantDialPlan -Identity “ContosoDialPlan” -Description “Custom dial plan for Contoso”

Creating Normalization Rules

Normalization rules define how phone numbers expressed in various formats are translated to a single, standard format. When creating a normalization rule:

  • Define a name for the rule.
  • Specify a pattern to match the dialed number using .NET regular expressions.
  • Determine the translation pattern that converts the dialed number into the standard E.164 format.

Example of a normalization rule in PowerShell:

New-CsVoiceNormalizationRule -Parent “TenantDialPlan” -Name “Local” -Description “Local numbers” -Pattern “^\d{7}$” -Translation “+1425555$1” -InMemory

This example matches any seven-digit number and translates it into a number with a ‘+1425555’ prefix, converting it into an E.164 format.

Assigning Dial Plans to Users

In Microsoft Teams, you can assign dial plans to users based on their location and unique needs. This assignment can be done via the Teams admin center or PowerShell.

Example PowerShell command:

Grant-CsTenantDialPlan -Identity “john.doe@contoso.com” -PolicyName “ContosoDialPlan”

This command assigns the “ContosoDialPlan” to the user with the identity “john.doe@contoso.com”.

Managing Voice Routes

Voice routes are an integral part of dial plans that dictate how calls should be routed based on the dialed number. You need to configure voice routes to work in conjunction with your dial plans.

  • Define voice routes with match patterns similar to normalization rules.
  • Assign voice routes to PSTN usages.
  • Link PSTN usages to voice policies.

Testing Dial Plans

Once you have created and assigned dial plans with their respective normalization rules and voice routes, you must test them to ensure that they are functioning as expected. Use the Test-CsEffectiveTenantDialPlan cmdlet in PowerShell to emulate a call and verify the normalization rule outcome.

Example PowerShell command:

Test-CsEffectiveTenantDialPlan -Identity “john.doe@contoso.com” -DialedNumber “1234567”

This command tests the dial plan assignment for “john.doe@contoso.com” and normalizes the number “1234567” based on that user’s dial plan.

In conclusion, creating and managing dial plans in Microsoft Teams is a critical skill for IT administrators and is a core topic in the MS-700 exam. The thoughtful configuration of dial plans ensures that users can dial numbers in a familiar way while ensuring calls are connected efficiently and correctly. By following the guidance above and leveraging both the Teams admin center and PowerShell, administrators can effectively design and implement a dial plan strategy tailored to their organization’s specific requirements.

Practice Test with Explanation

True or False: In Microsoft Teams, dial plans can be used to normalize phone numbers to a single standard format.

  • A) True
  • B) False

Answer: A) True

Explanation: Dial plans in Microsoft Teams are used to standardize phone numbers to E.164 format, which is a standardized format for phone number structuring.

A dial plan in Microsoft Teams can contain which of the following elements? (Select all that apply)

  • A) Normalization rules
  • B) Tenant dial plans
  • C) User dial plans
  • D) Holiday sets

Answer: A) Normalization rules, B) Tenant dial plans, C) User dial plans

Explanation: A dial plan in Microsoft Teams can contain normalization rules and can be configured at both the tenant and the user level. Holiday sets are not part of dial plans.

True or False: Microsoft Teams does not require a user-level dial plan if a tenant-level dial plan is already in place.

  • A) True
  • B) False

Answer: B) False

Explanation: Microsoft Teams can have both tenant-level and user-level dial plans. User-level dial plans can override tenant-level dial plans for specific users if needed.

Which PowerShell cmdlet would you use to create a new normalization rule for a dial plan in Microsoft Teams?

  • A) New-CsDialPlan
  • B) New-CsVoiceNormalizationRule
  • C) Set-CsDialPlan
  • D) Set-CsVoiceNormalizationRule

Answer: B) New-CsVoiceNormalizationRule

Explanation: The “New-CsVoiceNormalizationRule” cmdlet is used to create new normalization rules within an existing dial plan in Microsoft Teams.

True or False: When a dial plan is assigned to a user, it automatically affects the routing of their outbound calls.

  • A) True
  • B) False

Answer: A) True

Explanation: Dial plans affect how outbound calls are routed as they normalize phone numbers into a consistent format, which is essential for call routing.

Multiple Select: Which of the following are valid scopes for dial plans in Microsoft Teams?

  • A) Global
  • B) Regional
  • C) Service
  • D) User

Answer: A) Global, D) User

Explanation: Dial plans in Microsoft Teams can be scoped at the global level to affect the entire tenant or at the user level to affect individual users.

What is the main purpose of a normalization rule within a dial plan in Microsoft Teams?

  • A) To assign extension numbers to users
  • B) To translate phone numbers into a single standard format
  • C) To redirect calls to voicemail
  • D) To provide call queue functions

Answer: B) To translate phone numbers into a single standard format

Explanation: Normalization rules are used to translate dialed phone numbers into a standard E.164 format so that they can be properly routed.

True or False: Microsoft Teams supports adding custom dial plans through the Microsoft Teams admin center.

  • A) True
  • B) False

Answer: A) True

Explanation: Admins can create and manage custom dial plans for their organization through the Microsoft Teams admin center.

How are short dialing sequences, such as extension dialing, handled in Microsoft Teams dial plans?

  • A) They are not supported in Microsoft Teams.
  • B) They require a separate extension dialing plan.
  • C) They are incorporated using normalization rules within the dial plans.
  • D) They are automatically recognized without the need for normalization rules.

Answer: C) They are incorporated using normalization rules within the dial plans.

Explanation: Short dialing sequences like extension dialing are handled using normalization rules, which are part of the dial plan in Microsoft Teams to translate the short sequence into a routable number.

Multiple Select: Which of the following actions can be performed using the “Set-CsDialPlan” PowerShell cmdlet in Microsoft Teams?

  • A) Create a new dial plan
  • B) Modify an existing dial plan
  • C) Delete a dial plan
  • D) View details of a dial plan

Answer: B) Modify an existing dial plan

Explanation: The “Set-CsDialPlan” cmdlet is designed to modify the settings of an existing dial plan in Microsoft Teams. It is not used for creating, deleting, or viewing dial plans.

True or False: A user can be assigned to more than one dial plan at a time in Microsoft Teams.

  • A) True
  • B) False

Answer: B) False

Explanation: A user can only be assigned to one dial plan at a time in Microsoft Teams. If a user-level dial plan is assigned, it takes precedence over the tenant-level dial plan.

When configuring a dial plan in Microsoft Teams, which of the following is NOT a part of the configuration process?

  • A) Defining the normalization rules
  • B) Allocating phone numbers to users
  • C) Selecting the countries and regions
  • D) Customizing the dial-in conferencing settings

Answer: D) Customizing the dial-in conferencing settings

Explanation: Customizing the dial-in conferencing settings is not a part of the dial plan configuration process. Dial plans focus on normalizing and translating dialed numbers for call routing.

Interview Questions

What is a dial plan in Microsoft Teams?

A dial plan in Microsoft Teams is a collection of normalization rules that define how phone numbers should be dialed.

How can I create a dial plan in Microsoft Teams?

You can create a dial plan in Microsoft Teams by using the Teams admin center or PowerShell.

What is normalization in the context of dial plans in Microsoft Teams?

Normalization is the process of converting a phone number to a standard format that can be dialed from within Microsoft Teams.

How can I create a normalization rule in a dial plan?

You can create a normalization rule in a dial plan by defining a pattern that matches the phone number you want to normalize, and specifying the format to which it should be converted.

What is a route in a dial plan?

A route in a dial plan is a set of instructions that define how calls should be routed based on the dial plan rules.

Can I apply a dial plan to specific users or groups in Microsoft Teams?

Yes, you can apply a dial plan to specific users or groups in Microsoft Teams by using the Teams admin center or PowerShell.

What is the difference between a user-level dial plan and a tenant-level dial plan?

A user-level dial plan applies to a specific user, while a tenant-level dial plan applies to all users in a tenant.

How can I assign a dial plan to a user in Microsoft Teams?

You can assign a dial plan to a user in Microsoft Teams by using the Teams admin center or PowerShell.

What is the purpose of normalization rules in a dial plan?

Normalization rules help ensure that phone numbers are dialed correctly by standardizing the format of the numbers.

How can I test a dial plan in Microsoft Teams?

You can test a dial plan in Microsoft Teams by using the Test-CsDialPlan cmdlet in PowerShell.

Can I use a third-party dial plan with Microsoft Teams?

Yes, you can use a third-party dial plan with Microsoft Teams as long as it meets the requirements for interoperability.

What is a location-based routing policy in Microsoft Teams?

A location-based routing policy is a policy that allows administrators to control how calls are routed based on the geographic location of the caller and the callee.

How can I create a location-based routing policy in Microsoft Teams?

You can create a location-based routing policy in Microsoft Teams by using the Teams admin center or PowerShell.

What is the purpose of a dial plan in Microsoft Teams?

The purpose of a dial plan in Microsoft Teams is to ensure that phone numbers are dialed correctly and calls are routed properly.

How can I troubleshoot issues with a dial plan in Microsoft Teams?

You can troubleshoot issues with a dial plan in Microsoft Teams by using diagnostic logs and the Teams admin center.

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Brielle Lévesque
1 year ago

Understanding dial plans is crucial for MS-700 certification. Any tips on creating efficient ones?

Kaia Furuhaug
2 years ago

Can someone explain how to use normalization rules in Teams?

Marilena Colin
1 year ago

What’s the difference between tenant dial plans and user dial plans?

OÄŸuzhan Kuday
7 months ago

I struggled with calling policies in MS-700. Any recommendations?

August Olsen
2 years ago

Thanks for posting this blog. Found it very useful!

Lucas Mortensen
1 year ago

What are PSTN usage records and how are they applied?

Nicoline Larsen
1 year ago

This guide could be improved. Some steps weren’t clear enough.

Mehmet Pektemek
1 year ago

Do dial plans affect call quality in Teams?

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