Tutorial / Cram Notes
Understanding the different methods for enabling voice features in Microsoft Teams is crucial for optimal deployment strategies. This involves determining when to use Calling Plan, provided by Microsoft, versus Direct Routing, which allows organizations to connect their own Session Border Controllers (SBC) to Teams. An individual preparing for the MS-700 Managing Microsoft Teams exam needs to evaluate each option’s suitability based on business requirements.
Calling Plan:
This is a Microsoft 365 Phone System feature where Microsoft provides users with a primary phone number and the PSTN services to make and receive calls. Calling Plans are a straightforward choice for businesses that prefer an all-in-one solution from Microsoft. It’s easy to set up and manage directly from the Teams admin center.
Pros:
- Simplified management and billing as it is fully integrated into Microsoft 365 services.
- Quick to deploy and integrates easily with existing Microsoft Teams setup.
- Direct support from Microsoft for the telephony service.
- Predictable costs with per-user pricing models.
Cons:
- Limited to specific geographic locations where Microsoft offers Calling Plans.
- Potentially higher costs for organizations with existing telephony services.
- Less flexibility in carrier selection and contract negotiation.
Scenarios for Using Calling Plan:
- Small to mid-sized businesses looking for an integrated telephony solution without existing PSTN contracts.
- Organizations with a presence in the countries where Calling Plans are available.
- Enterprises requiring a quick rollout of telephony services for remote workers.
Direct Routing:
With Direct Routing, an organization uses an SBC to connect their own PSTN service or uses a third-party carrier with Teams. This approach provides more control over the calling services and can leverage existing telephony infrastructure.
Pros:
- Enables the use of existing PSTN contracts, which can minimize costs.
- Offers more control over call routing and policies.
- Allows for complex scenarios, such as integration with third-party services and compliance recording.
- The company can choose any telephony carrier regardless of geographic location.
Cons:
- More complex to set up and requires specialized knowledge to manage.
- The organization is responsible for maintaining the SBC and telephony infrastructure.
- Potential need for additional hardware investments.
Scenarios for Using Direct Routing:
- Large enterprises with existing SBC and telephony infrastructure looking to retain their PSTN carrier contracts.
- Companies requiring high levels of customization and control over their calling experience.
- Geographically dispersed organizations with offices in locations not covered by Microsoft Calling Plans.
Comparative Table:
Here’s a high-level comparison to assist in decision-making:
| Feature/Requirement | Calling Plan | Direct Routing |
| Geographic Availability | Limited | Global (dependent on SBC) |
| Integration with Microsoft Teams | Native | Requires SBC |
| Carrier Flexibility | Microsoft as Carrier | Any Carrier |
| Pricing Model | Per-user subscription | Variable (carrier-specific) |
| Setup and Management Complexity | Low | High |
| Customization and Control | Limited | High |
| Support and Maintenance | Managed by Microsoft | Organization’s responsibility |
| Required Infrastructure | None specific | Requires SBC |
| Potential for Existing PSTN Contract Utilization | None | High |
Understanding each option fully will guide the right choice for an organization, depending on their specific needs and capabilities. It is also possible to use a combination of both Calling Plan and Direct Routing to tailor the voice solution based on department, geographic location, or other business requirements. Critical in any decision is how the choice aligns with the organization’s overall communication strategy and how it will impact users’ day-to-day activities. Proper evaluation of these factors will contribute to a competent Microsoft Teams voice deployment and administration, a learning outcome for candidates of the MS-700 exam.
Practice Test with Explanation
True or False: Direct Routing allows organizations to use their existing PSTN service with Microsoft Teams.
- Answer: True
Direct Routing enables organizations to connect their own SIP trunks to Microsoft Teams, thereby utilizing their current PSTN service.
True or False: Calling Plan is the only way to make PTSN calls in Microsoft Teams.
- Answer: False
PSTN calls in Microsoft Teams can be made using either the Microsoft Calling Plan or through Direct Routing.
Which feature would you use if you want to have a fully managed PSTN solution provided by Microsoft?
- A) Calling Plan
- B) Direct Routing
- C) Neither
- Answer: A) Calling Plan
The Calling Plan is a Microsoft-managed service that provides a full PSTN service within Teams without the need for on-premises equipment.
Direct Routing requires which of the following components? (Select all that apply)
- A) Session Border Controller
- B) Microsoft Managed PSTN
- C) SIP Trunks from PSTN carrier
- D) Teams-compatible handsets
- Answer: A) Session Border Controller, C) SIP Trunks from PSTN carrier
Direct Routing requires a Session Border Controller (SBC) and SIP trunks from a PSTN carrier to connect the external phone system with Microsoft Teams.
True or False: With Calling Plan, you need to maintain on-premises Voice infrastructure.
- Answer: False
Calling Plan is a cloud-based service provided by Microsoft that doesn’t require an on-premises voice infrastructure.
In which scenario is Direct Routing a better option compared to Calling Plan?
- A) When a fully managed service is preferred
- B) When the enterprise has a global presence with PSTN contracts in place
- C) When a company is small and has no existing PSTN service
- D) When there is a requirement of exclusively using Microsoft-managed services
- Answer: B) When the enterprise has a global presence with PSTN contracts in place
Direct Routing is beneficial for companies that already have PSTN contracts and require a flexible solution that can be used globally.
True or False: Calling Plan is typically more flexible than Direct Routing because it allows you to use any SIP trunk provider.
- Answer: False
Calling Plan is a Microsoft-managed service with less flexibility in terms of SIP trunk providers, whereas Direct Routing allows you to connect with any SBC and SIP trunk provider.
Direct Routing is often used by organizations that have:
- A) Strict compliance requirements
- B) No existing relationship with a PSTN carrier
- C) Very limited telephony usage
- D) A preference for capex over opex
- Answer: A) Strict compliance requirements
Organizations with strict compliance requirements may prefer Direct Routing as it can offer more control over call routing and data residency.
True or False: Microsoft Calling Plan requires you to purchase and configure a Session Border Controller (SBC).
- Answer: False
Microsoft Calling Plan is a cloud-based service that does not require the purchase or configuration of a Session Border Controller, which is needed for Direct Routing.
When leveraging Calling Plan, what does a business rely on for voice calling?
- A) Its own network infrastructure
- B) Microsoft’s network infrastructure
- C) A third-party telecom provider’s infrastructure
- D) A combination of A and C
- Answer: B) Microsoft’s network infrastructure
When using Calling Plan, a business relies on Microsoft’s network infrastructure for its voice calling needs.
True or False: Direct Routing can only be used with Microsoft Teams in countries where Microsoft Calling Plan is available.
- Answer: False
Direct Routing is often used as an alternative to Calling Plan, especially in countries where the Microsoft Calling Plan is not available.
A benefit of using Direct Routing over Calling Plan is the ability to:
- A) Use Microsoft’s customer support exclusively
- B) Have a predictable cost per user, per month
- C) Utilize existing telephony contracts with carriers
- D) Avoid any technical configuration or maintenance
- Answer: C) Utilize existing telephony contracts with carriers
Direct Routing allows organizations to make use of their existing telephony contracts with carriers, providing a cost-effective solution that leverages current investments.
Interview Questions
What is Calling Plan in Microsoft Teams?
Calling Plan is a service in Microsoft Teams that provides a telephone service for users who want to make and receive calls from their Teams client.
What is Direct Routing in Microsoft Teams?
Direct Routing is a feature in Microsoft Teams that allows users to make and receive calls through their own telephony infrastructure.
What is Phone System in Office 365?
Phone System is a feature in Office 365 that allows users to make and receive calls using the internet, in addition to other features such as voicemail, call forwarding, and more.
What is Cloud Voice in Microsoft Teams?
Cloud Voice in Microsoft Teams is a feature that allows users to make and receive calls using the internet, instead of traditional telephone lines.
When should I use Calling Plan in Microsoft Teams?
You should use Calling Plan in Microsoft Teams if you want a simple and easy-to-use telephone service that is integrated with Teams.
When should I use Direct Routing in Microsoft Teams?
You should use Direct Routing in Microsoft Teams if you have an existing telephony infrastructure and want to integrate it with Teams.
What are the advantages of using Calling Plan in Microsoft Teams?
Some advantages of using Calling Plan in Microsoft Teams include ease of use, scalability, and availability in many countries.
What are the advantages of using Direct Routing in Microsoft Teams?
Some advantages of using Direct Routing in Microsoft Teams include more control over call quality, the ability to use existing infrastructure, and potentially lower costs.
How do I set up Calling Plan in Microsoft Teams?
To set up Calling Plan in Microsoft Teams, you need to purchase a Calling Plan license, assign the license to users, and configure the appropriate settings in Teams.
How do I set up Direct Routing in Microsoft Teams?
To set up Direct Routing in Microsoft Teams, you need to have an existing telephony infrastructure, a Session Border Controller (SBC), and a Direct Routing configuration in Teams.
What are the costs associated with Calling Plan in Microsoft Teams?
The costs associated with Calling Plan in Microsoft Teams vary depending on the country and plan, but generally include a monthly fee per user.
What are the costs associated with Direct Routing in Microsoft Teams?
The costs associated with Direct Routing in Microsoft Teams vary depending on the SBC and telephony infrastructure, but generally include setup and maintenance costs.
What are some limitations of Calling Plan in Microsoft Teams?
Some limitations of Calling Plan in Microsoft Teams include a lack of advanced telephony features, potential costs for international calls, and potential latency or call quality issues.
What are some limitations of Direct Routing in Microsoft Teams?
Some limitations of Direct Routing in Microsoft Teams include the need for an existing telephony infrastructure and SBC, potential complexity in setup and maintenance, and potential security concerns.
Can I use both Calling Plan and Direct Routing in Microsoft Teams?
Yes, you can use both Calling Plan and Direct Routing in Microsoft Teams, depending on your organization’s needs and setup.
Great post! Understanding the difference between Calling Plan and Direct Routing can be pretty pivotal for managing costs and capabilities.
Can someone highlight the primary scenarios where Direct Routing is more beneficial than Calling Plan?
Appreciate the breakdown!
I think this blog could use a bit more detail on the security implications of using Calling Plan versus Direct Routing.
From a cost perspective, are there any hidden charges associated with either Calling Plan or Direct Routing that we should be aware of?
Thank you, this really helped clarify things for me.
When is it advisable to use both Calling Plan and Direct Routing?
Direct Routing seems more complex but offers greater flexibility. Would you say it’s worth the extra effort for most organizations?