What is Direct Routing in MS Teams

So, what is Direct Routing? Direct Routing allows you to connect your existing phone infrastructure to Microsoft Teams or connect your telephony services into MS Teams. Helping us get more features, more control and more resilience.

Image source: Google

Why should you get Direct Routing?

• Greater Control
• Not reliant on Microsoft
• Extra Functionality

What do we need to set up Direct Routing?

• Microsoft-approved Certified Border Session Controller
• Office 365 E3 or lower + phone system + Audio Conferencing
• Office 365 E5 license or higher

Difference between Microsoft calling plans and Direct Routing

Phone system is connected to the PSTN in two ways. Via Calling plans or Direct Routing.

• In Microsoft calling plans, PSTN direct access available with O365 plans (“calling plans”).
• Microsoft is the carrier
• Flat Rate Per Month Per Seat. Good for 25 or fewer seates

Where as in

• Direct routing PSTN access available with enterprise’s PSTN carrier of choice.
• Microsoft is not the PSTN provider — SIP Trunks and Session Border controller (SBC) is required.
• Flexibility with SIP trunking and SBCs. Good for 25 or more seats.