Lingo Voice For Microsoft Teams: Direct Routing Explained

Microsoft introduced Direct Routing, a feature that allows organizations to leverage their existing telephony infrastructure with Teams. Lingo utilizes Direct Routing to connect to Microsoft in order to provide Lingo Voice for Microsoft Teams.

What is Direct Routing?

Direct Routing is a feature in Microsoft Teams that enables Lingo to connect to a Session Border Controller (SBC) that in turn connects to the Teams service. In simpler terms, Direct Routing allows users to make and receive calls in Teams using their existing phone numbers and telephony equipment.

Understanding Session Border Controllers (SBCs)

At the heart of Direct Routing lies the Session Border Controller (SBC), a crucial component that facilitates the secure and seamless integration of telephony infrastructure with Microsoft Teams. So, what exactly does an SBC do?

Protocol Translation

SBCs act as intermediaries between the enterprise's telephony infrastructure and the Microsoft Teams service. They perform protocol translation, ensuring that the signaling and media streams between Teams and the telephony equipment are compatible.

Security and Encryption

Security is a top priority in any communication system. SBCs play a vital role in securing voice communication by encrypting signaling and media traffic. This ensures that calls remain confidential and protected from potential security threats.

Network Address Translation (NAT)

SBCs handle NAT traversal, allowing communication between devices on different networks. This is crucial for organizations with diverse network configurations, as SBCs ensure that calls can traverse firewalls and other network boundaries.

Quality of Service (QoS) Management

Maintaining high-quality voice communication requires effective QoS management. SBCs prioritize voice traffic over the network, ensuring a smooth and reliable calling experience for Teams users.

Call Routing and Policy Enforcement

?SBCs are responsible for implementing call routing policies as defined by the organization. This includes determining how inbound and outbound calls are processed, ensuring that calls follow the specified rules and policies.

Lingo Direct Routing Implementation Steps with a Focus on SBCs

Lingo’s implementation of Direct Routing involves several key steps, with specific considerations for SBCs.

Infrastructure Assessment

Lingo ensures its telephony infrastructure, including SBCs, is compatible with Direct Routing. Lingo also assesses the capacity and capabilities of the SBCs will handle Teams integration.

SBC Configuration

Lingo ensures the SBCs will establish a secure and seamless connection between its telephony infrastructure and Microsoft Teams. This involves setting up protocols, encryption, and ensuring proper network traversal.

Routing Policies

Lingo ensures the correct routing policies SBCs that determine how calls are handled . Lingo also ensures SBCs enforce these policies for both inbound and outbound calls.

Teams Configuration

Lingo verifies that users are properly linked to their respective phone numbers, and ensures synchronization between Teams and SBCs.

In Summary

Direct Routing, with its reliance on Session Border Controllers, offers a powerful solution for businesses seeking to integrate voice services seamlessly into Microsoft Teams.

By understanding the critical role that SBCs play in ensuring compatibility, security, and quality, businesses can implement Direct Routing with confidence, creating a unified communication and collaboration environment that meets the needs of their workplace.

To find out more about Lingo Voice for Microsoft Teams, talk with one of our Teams Experts at 866.405.4646 or go to https://www.lingo.com/microsoft-teams-integration/ .