Tutorial / Cram Notes
A dial plan consists of a series of normalization rules that define how phone numbers dialed in various formats are interpreted and routed to their destinations. These rules are crucial for ensuring that calls are routed correctly to and from the Teams environment.
Types of Dial Plans
Microsoft Teams allows for different types of dial plans:
- Service Number Dial Plan: Automatically assigned by Microsoft to all users based on their service location.
- Tenant Dial Plan: Custom dial plans created by administrators that apply to all users in a tenant.
- User Dial Plan: Custom dial plans that can be assigned to individual users.
Normalization rules within these dial plans allow the system to recognize various formats of phone numbers, such as local, long-distance, international, and extensions.
Normalization Rules
Normalization rules define the pattern to match the input digits and the translation pattern that converts the number to the standard E.164 format. They are defined using regular expressions.
Example of a Normalization Rule:
Description | Pattern | Translation | Example Usage |
---|---|---|---|
Local Number | ^\d{7}$ |
+1425555$1 |
5551234 → +14255551234 |
Long Distance Number | ^\d{10}$ |
+1$1 |
425551234 → +1425551234 |
International Number | ^011(\d+)$ |
+$1 |
011442071838750 → +442071838750 |
In these examples:
^
asserts the position at the start of a line.\d
matches any digit.{7}
specifies exactly 7 digits.$
indicates the end of a line.$1
is a backreference to the contents of the first capturing group.
Applying and Testing Dial Plans
When managing dial plans, it is important to apply them to the correct users or groups. PowerShell commands, such as Grant-CsTenantDialPlan
, are used to associate dial plans with users.
Administrators can also test normalization rules to ensure that they are structured properly. The Test-CsEffectiveTenantDialPlan
command can simulate how a dialed number is interpreted by the dial plan rules.
Considerations When Designing Dial Plans
- Number Formats: Understand the local, national, and international dialing formats.
- User Requirements: Determine the calling behavior for different users or groups.
- Regulatory Compliance: Consider legal and regulatory requirements for number formatting.
Conclusion
A well-structured dial plan is vital for successful voice communications in Microsoft Teams. Professionals preparing for the MS-700 exam must gain proficiency in interpreting and managing dial plans to ensure smooth and efficient call routing. By understanding number patterns, creating effective normalization rules, and thoroughly testing dial plans, administrators play a crucial role in optimizing Teams voice solutions.
Practice Test with Explanation
True or False: A dial plan in Microsoft Teams is a set of normalization rules that translate dialed phone numbers into an alternate format for call authorization and call routing.
- True
Explanation: Dial plans in Microsoft Teams consist of normalization rules that standardize phone number formats for proper routing and authorization.
Multiple Select: Which of the following elements can be included in a dial plan in Microsoft Teams? (Select all that apply)
- a) Normalization rules
- b) Voice policies
- c) Access numbers
- d) Tenant usage reports
Answer: a) Normalization rules, b) Voice policies, c) Access numbers
Explanation: Dial plans include normalization rules, voice policies, and access numbers. Tenant usage reports are not part of a dial plan but are used for tracking usage and activity.
True or False: You cannot modify the default dial plan provided by Microsoft Teams.
- False
Explanation: Although Microsoft Teams provides a default dial plan, administrators can modify it or create custom dial plans to meet organizational needs.
Single Select: What is the primary purpose of normalization rules in a Teams dial plan?
- a) To provide voicemail services
- b) To regulate user call permissions
- c) To transform phone numbers into a single standard format
- d) To enable call encryption
Answer: c) To transform phone numbers into a single standard format
Explanation: Normalization rules within a dial plan are used to convert dialed phone numbers into a standardized E.164 format for proper call routing.
True or False: Dial plans in Microsoft Teams are only applicable to users enabled for Direct Routing.
- False
Explanation: Dial plans in Microsoft Teams apply to all users enabled for voice features, including those using Microsoft Calling Plans or Direct Routing.
Multiple Select: What are the components that you might need to configure in a dial plan? (Select all that apply)
- a) Normalization rules
- b) PSTN usages
- c) Call queues
- d) Auto attendants
Answer: a) Normalization rules, b) PSTN usages
Explanation: A dial plan comprises normalization rules and PSTN usages. Call queues and auto attendants are separate features in Microsoft Teams for call handling but not components of a dial plan.
Single Select: What can you use to test normalization rules in Microsoft Teams?
- a) Teams admin center
- b) PowerShell
- c) Skype for Business admin center
- d) Dial plan tester in the Teams admin center
Answer: d) Dial plan tester in the Teams admin center
Explanation: The Dial plan tester in the Teams admin center is specifically designed to test normalization rules within a dial plan.
True or False: Each user in Microsoft Teams can have only one dial plan assigned to them.
- True
Explanation: A user in Microsoft Teams can only be assigned one dial plan, which applies to their location or user-specific requirements.
Single Select: Which PowerShell cmdlet is used to view the effective dial plan for a specific Teams user?
- a) Get-CsEffectiveTenantDialPlan
- b) Get-CsUserDialPlan
- c) Get-CsOnlineDialPlan
- d) Get-CsOnlineUser
Answer: a) Get-CsEffectiveTenantDialPlan
Explanation: The Get-CsEffectiveTenantDialPlan cmdlet is used to view the effective dial plan that applies to a specific user in Teams.
True or False: Normalization rules within a dial plan in Microsoft Teams can include regular expressions for pattern matching.
- True
Explanation: Normalization rules use regular expressions to define patterns for translating and standardizing phone numbers.
Multiple Select: When creating a new dial plan in Microsoft Teams, which of the following are mandatory fields? (Select all that apply)
- a) Name
- b) Description
- c) External access prefix
- d) Simple pattern recognition
Answer: a) Name, c) External access prefix
Explanation: When creating a dial plan, you must provide a Name for identification and an External access prefix for outbound dialing. Descriptions and simple pattern recognition are optional.
True or False: After creating or modifying a dial plan in Microsoft Teams, the changes are immediately effective for all users.
- False
Explanation: Changes to a dial plan may take some time to propagate and become effective for all users. These are not immediate and can take several hours to take effect.
I’ve been looking into dial plans for the MS-700 exam, and I’m finding it confusing to interpret the normalization rules. Any tips on how to approach this?
Thanks for the post! Really helpful.
What should I focus on when it comes to normalization rules and voice routing policies?
In my experience, the test and analyze tool is essential for verifying your dial plan configurations. Has anyone else had issues with this?
What are the common pitfalls when setting up dial plans for the first time?
Can someone explain how transforming a dialed number into an E.164 format works?
I’m unclear about the difference between dial plans and voice routing policies. Can anyone break it down?
Any advice on configuring voice policies for a multi-national organization?