BusinessPhone Communication Platform 4.0
Facilities

## Least Cost Routing

Definition
Use
Operation
Capacity
Limitations
Programming
Equipment

## Definition

Least Cost Routing selects the most economic carrier for an entered destination number.

Least Cost Routing calculates the predicted cost for each carrier offering access to the requested destination. The number analysis and the carrier database containing price information are the input data for calculating the predicted cost. Least Cost Routing selects the cheapest carrier that is available.

The selection of a carrier depends on the current traffic situation, the authority of the calling party and the involved trunk, and on the carrier database. Inputs for the selection of a carrier are for example:

- Calling party (extension or trunk, authority to use Least Cost Routing, tenant group, authority to use a carrier)
- Requested destination (entered destination number)
- Available carriers (offer access to the requested destination, free trunks to connect to the carrier) and their cost information
- Predicted call duration

### Glossary

This glossary provides a description of the terms used.

#### Account Code

The Account Code is a number sent to the carrier for identification of the calling extension or extension group for accounting purposes.

#### Authority Code

The Authority Code is a number sent to the carrier for identification of the calling company. The carrier uses the Authority Code for checking the authority of the calling party.

#### Call Cost Profile

The Call Cost Profile relates a Cost Time Scheme and a Cost Level Table to each Destination Number Group supported by a carrier.

#### Carrier

Public and private network operators provide carriers. Examples for carriers are:

- The public network (PTT)
- A carrier selected through the local public switch
- A separate route to a carrier network
- A tie line to an interworking exchange

#### Carrier Access Code

The Carrier Access Code accesses the required carrier via a third party network (e.g. PTT).

#### Class Of Service (COS)

The COS defines the authorisation of extensions and trunks.

#### Command

RASC uses commands to enter data. A command is defined by a command number and a command name. This description uses braces “[…]” for reference to the command number.

#### Cost Level

See Relative Cost Level.

#### Cost Time Scheme

The Cost Time Scheme is a programmable list of 24 hours and three day types. This list defines the Relative Cost Level for the call according to day time and day type. The Cost Time Scheme points at a certain line in the Cost Level Table.

#### Destination Number

The destination number is the telephone number of the called party. You might find the destination number in the public telephone directory.

The user enters this number for access to the required destination (entered destination number). Least Cost Routing may modify that number and send it to the trunk (sent destination number).

#### Destination Number Group

The Destination Number Group contains destination numbers having the same telephone charges.

#### Duration Cost Level

See Relative Cost Level.

#### Internal Access Code

The Internal Access Code is used to seize a trunk. Examples for the Internal Access Code:

- Directory number of a single trunk line or tie line
- Route Access Code (directory number of a route)

#### Least Cost Routing (LCR)

Least Cost Routing finds the cheapest carrier for the required destination.

#### Predigits

The Predigits define the direction of the trunk lines (including tie lines). All trunk lines to the same direction need unique Predigits. The Predigits are used for number analysis.

#### Pulse Cost Level

See Relative Cost Level.

#### Relative Cost Level

The Relative Cost Level is defined by the initial cost and the duration-dependent cost. A Cost Level Table includes up to 16 Relative Cost Levels. Separate Cost Level Tables serve for the billing principles “pulse” and “duration”.

The Call Cost Profile points at a certain Cost Level Table and to a certain Cost Time Scheme.

#### Route Access Code

The Route Access Code seizes a trunk line within a route when entered by an extension.

See Internal Access Code.

#### Tenant

A tenant is an organisation that shares the exchange with other organisations. A tenant uses his own extensions and trunk lines.

[…]

See Command.

## Use

Least Cost Routing always uses the cheapest route available to the desired party. Thus, the customer automatically saves telephone charges without thinking about alternatives.

## Operation

This chapter informs about the basic principles of Least Cost Routing and gives some examples.

### Basic Principles

- You may program for each trunk line and for each extension whether Least Cost Routing shall be used. Incoming calls from trunk lines or tie lines always use Least Cost Routing when required for the outgoing trunk.
- Least Cost Routing analyses the number entered by the extension (or received from an incoming trunk line or tie line). The result is a number of carriers being capable of connecting it to the desired destination.
- Least Cost Routing calculates the predicted cost for possible carriers. The calculation of the predicted cost can be done on the basis of call duration or pulses. Both billing principles take initial cost per call into consideration.
- Least Cost Routing uses the cheapest carrier for setup of the connection to the desired party. If the lines to the cheapest carrier are busy, alternative selections are made. The number of alternative selections is programmable per extension (choices: no / 1 / all alternative carriers). Incoming trunk lines have no alternative choice; they always have to use the cheapest carrier for outgoing calls.
- Least Cost Routing modifies the entered number if this is requested by the carrier’s requirements.
- Least Cost Routing supports the Tenant Function.

### John M. uses a BusinessPhone exchange

John M., one of the many satisfied users, has to make a call to the United States of America. Today is a normal working day. It’s 3:30 PM. John decided not to use his red telephone. The red telephone may give him direct access to Bill C., yet his intelligent ASB 150 02 system telephone offers cost effective connections.

John M. and the configuration of his exchange are used for some examples. John’s ASB 150 02 has access to two carriers and one tie line. The chapter “Information on Carriers” provides more information on the configuration of John’s ASB 150 02 exchange.

#### Information on Carriers

The table below shows the Cost Level Scheme Name and the leading digits of the destination number.

##### Carrier 1: PTT

The PTT charges with respect to the distance of the call.

Cost Level Scheme | Destination Number
PTT A (local calls) | 1...-9...
PTT B (national calls) | 0...
PTT C (long distance) | 00...

##### Carrier 2: Ferrari

The carrier “Ferrari” does not cover all public destination numbers. The PTT network is used to access the carrier “Ferrari”.

Cost Level Scheme | Destination Number
Ferrari A | 01...
Ferrari B | 02...
Ferrari C | 001...

##### Carrier 3: Tie Line “Vie”

A tie line to Ericsson Schrack Vienna is available.

Cost Level Scheme | Destination Number
Tie Line Vie | 0222 81100...

### John M. enters a public telephone number

John lifts the handset and presses the name selection key. In this key, an Internal Access Code and a public telephone number are stored.

ASB 150 02 immediately responses with the dial tone [2034] after receiving the Internal Access Code, although ASB 150 02 does not send the number immediately. Not even a trunk line is seized for John. What does ASB 150 02 do with the entered number?

### Authority Analysis

This analysis checks the authority of the extension and the trunk.

#### Input of the analysis

- The entered Internal Access Code
- The directory number of the extension

#### Database for the analyses

- Does the trunk related to the Internal Access Code require Least Cost Routing [1028]?
- Does the extension have the authority to over-ride Least Cost Routing [0152]?

#### Output of the analysis

- The authority analysis decides whether Least Cost Routing has to be performed.

Example:

John M. has no authority to override Least Cost Routing. The trunk(s) defined by the Internal Access Code require(s) Least Cost Routing. Therefore, Least Cost Routing performs the number analysis (otherwise the number would be dialled as stored in the name selection key).

### Number Analysis

The number analysis uses the entered destination number to find the related Destination Number Group (see also Direct Access to Carriers for information on number modifications before the number analysis).

#### Input for the analysis

- The entered destination number
- The Predigits related to the entered Internal Access Code

#### Database for the analyses

- Destination Number Cross Reference Table [2250]
- Public Destination Number Table [2240]
- Output of the analysis
- A Destination Number Group that represents the entered number

#### Further use of the output

- The Destination Number Group is used for carrier and cost analyses.

#### The number analysis uses the following search order

- The first column of the Destination Number Cross Reference Table is checked first. The analysis stops if a match was found in this table.
- The search continues with the Public Destination Number Table if no match was found in the first column of the Destination Number Cross Reference Table.

#### Destination Number Cross Reference Table

The number analysis searches for a matching destination number in the first column and uses the related Destination Number Group for the carrier analysis.

If in ASB 150 02 there are directly connected lines to more than one network, Least Cost Routing needs the Destination Number Cross Reference Table.

Purpose of the Destination Number Cross Reference Table:

- The table defines Destination Number Groups that can be called via different directions (networks). It is possible to define destination numbers for up to four directions.
- The table shows what has to be dialled by Least Cost Routing in order to reach the same destination via different directions.
- The number analysis checks the first column for a matching destination number and uses the related Destination Number Group for carrier selection.

Note

Attention! The Public Destination Number Table and the first column of the Destination Number Cross Reference Table have to use the same Predigits, e.g. the Predigits for PTT.

Example of the Destination Number Cross Reference Table:

This Destination Number Cross Reference Table tells us:

- The Predigits “0” is assigned to the trunk lines that access the carrier “PTT”. Therefore, we have to use the same Predigits for the Public Destination Number Table. (Our example uses PTT’s destination numbers for reference purposes. The carrier “Ferrari” uses the same Predigits, because it is accessed via “PTT”.)
- The carrier “tie line Vie” uses the Predigits “9999”. [1015 Predigits for number analysis]
- The destination number “022281100…” is related to the Destination Number Group “249”.
- The same destination may be reached by entering “022281100…” or by seizing the tie line “Vie”.
- Bill’s telephone number (United States “001…”) does not match with the destination numbers in the first column. The number analysis has to check the Public Destination Number Table for “001…”.

#### Public Destination Number Table

Example for a Public Destination Number Table:

Predigits: 0
Destination Number | Destination Number Group | Covered by
1-9 | 0 | PTT A
0 | 10 | PTT B
01 | 11 | PTT B, Ferrari A
02 | 12 | PTT B, Ferrari B
00 | 100 | PTT C
001 | 111 | PTT C, Ferrari C

This table relates public telephone numbers (= public destination numbers) to Destination Number Groups. A Destination Number Group contains public destination numbers having the same Cost Level Scheme, e.g. local calls.

Least Cost Routing checks the entered number against the Public Destination Number Table [2240] if no match has been found in the Destination Number Cross Reference Table. It is not necessary to specify in the Public Destination Number Table any Destination Number Groups that are already specified in the Destination Number Cross Reference Table.

The number analysis searches for a matching destination number. The result is a Destination Number Group that represents the entered destination number. The result is the input for the carrier analysis and the cost analysis.

The Destination Number Group 249 is already specified in the Destination Number Cross Reference Table (destination number = 022281100…). The Destination Number Group 249 is covered by the carriers “PTT B”, “Ferrari B” and “Tie Line Vie”.

John M. calls the United States (the leading digits of the destination number are “001”). Thus, the Destination Number Group is “111”.

### Carrier Analysis

Least Cost Routing checks the Carrier Definition Menu for carriers supporting the Destination Number Groups. The carrier analysis finds all carriers that offer a connection to the Destination Number Group.

#### Input for the analysis

- The Destination Number Group found in the Destination Number Cross Reference Table or in the Public Destination Number Table constitutes the input for the carrier analysis.
- What type of Internal Access Code (Route Access Code or the directory number of a single trunk or tie line) has been entered by John M.?

##### Database for the analysis

- Tenant group [0151] of the extension that has entered the number.
- Which carriers are open for a specific tenant? [8420]
- General Call Cost Profile [8440]. The Call Cost Profile lists all Destination Number Groups that can be accessed by the carrier.
- Tenant-Specific Call Cost Profile [8428] if a tenant has special agreements with a carrier.

#### Output of the analysis

- The output of the analysis is a number of carri-ers (possible carriers) that offer connection to the Destination Number Group. All possible carriers are proposed when John has dialled a Route Access Code. When the user has entered a directory number of a single trunk, Least Cost Routing proposes just those carriers that can be reached via the particular trunk.

#### Further use of the output

- The cost analysis calculates the predicted cost for possible carriers.

Example:

The Destination Number Group for the United States is “111”. The carriers “PTT” and “Ferrari” support this Destination Number Group.

### Cost Analysis

Least Cost Routing starts with the calculation of the predicted cost after a possible carrier has been determined.

#### Inputs, Databases and Outputs

This chapter shows the information required for the Cost Analysis and provides a short description of the output and its further use.

##### Input for the analysis

- Destination Number Group (output of the num-ber analysis)
- Possible carriers (output of the carrier analysis)
- Date
- Time of the day

##### General database for the analysis

- Predicted call duration [2035]
- Daytype table [Maintenance /system /day types] (3 types: dt1 = WORKDAY, dt2 = PARTIAL WORKDAY, dt3 = HOLIDAY)
- Exception Days Table [Maintenance /system /exception days]

#### Carrier-specific database for the analysis

- General Call Cost Profile [8440]
- Cost Time Scheme (list price) [8445].
- Cost Time Scheme (special price) [8450]. This table is useful if tenants have special agreements with the network provider.
- The billing principle [8403] used for the calculation of the predicted cost. You may choose between “Pulses” and “Duration”.
- Pulse Cost Level Table (list price) [8455] if the billing principle is “Pulse”.
- Pulse Cost Level Table (special price) [8460] if the billing principle is “Pulse” and tenants have special agreements with the network provider.
- Duration Cost Level Table (list price) [8465] if the billing principle is “Duration”.

Duration Cost Level Table (special price) [8470] if the billing principle is “Duration” and tenants have special agreements with the network provider.

##### Carrier and tenant-specific database for the analysis

- Tenant-Specific Call Cost Profile [8428] if tenants have special agreements with a carrier.
- Cost per metering pulse [8423] if the billing principle is “Pulse”.
- Discount factor [8425] if the billing principle is “Duration”.

#### Output of the analysis

The result of the analysis is a breakdown of costs of the possible carriers.

#### Further use of the output

The breakdown of costs is the input for the carrier selection.

#### The designers’ way of thinking…

A table is the most popular way to arrange numbers. Yes, there is no doubt about it. But tables have some disadvantages. A table is composed of only three dimensions: lines, columns and values. A table is as flat as a piece of paper.

Therefore, we decided to invent the 4-dimension table, a table that has really four dimensions. How did we manage that? We put one table behind the other. Quite simple!

Mankind always wants to make steps ahead. And so do we. As soon as we had climbed the step to the 4-dimension table, we wanted more.

We decided to introduce tables (1) that point at two other tables (2 and 3). The current day type points at one column of table 2 and the current time points at one row of table 2. The number found in table 2 by means of day type and time points at a certain line in table 3. And a flag determines whether table 3a or table 3b shall be used.

All tables (1, 2, 3a, 3b) have a second table – we use these additional tables if a tenant has special agreements with a network provider (special price).

So we ended up in x-dimension tables and – most important – we introduced a new dimension of user-friendly data maintenance. In some cases you have just to edit the pointer(s) to adapt the carrier-specific data to new requirements.

##### In other words

Table 1 is the Call Cost Profile (tenant-specific or general) [8428 or 8440]. Table 2 is the Cost Time Scheme (list price or special price) [8445 or 8450]. Table 3a is the Pulse Cost Level Table (list price or special price) [8455 or 8460]. Table 3b is the Duration Cost Level Table (list price or special price) [8465 or 8470]. The flag is the billing principle [8403].

The Destination Number Group is stated in one row of the Call Cost Profile if the carrier supports that Destination Number Group. The Call Cost Profile [8428 or 8440] points at one of the Cost Time Scheme Tables [8445 or 8450] and at one of the Cost Level Tables (list price or special price, pulse or duration) [8455, 8460, 8465 or 8470]. The current day type points at one column of the Cost Time Scheme Table and the time points at one row of the Cost Time Scheme Table. Day type and time find the Relative Cost Level in the Cost Time Scheme Table. The Relative Cost Level points at a certain row of the Cost Level Table. Each line of the Cost Level Table defines initial cost and duration-dependent or pulse-dependent cost. The flag “billing principle” [8403] determines whether the Pulse Cost Level Table (list price or special price) [8455 or 8460] or the Duration Cost Level Table (list price or special price) [8465 or 8470] shall be used.

If the carrier charges the tenant his list price, the Destination Number Group will be found in the General Call Cost Profile [8440]. The General Call Cost Profile points at the Cost Time Scheme (list price) [8455] and the Cost Level Table (list price, pulse or duration) [8455 or 8465].

If a tenant has special agreements with a network provider, the Destination Number Group will be found in his own Tenant-Specific Call Cost Profile [8428]. This Tenant-Specific Call Cost Profile points at a Cost Time Scheme Table (special price) [8460] and at a Cost Level Table (special price, pulse or duration) [8460 or 8470].

#### Procedures of the Cost Analysis

##### Call Cost Profiles

When searching possible carriers, the Call Cost Profile is checked for the required Destination Number Group. The Tenant-Specific Call Cost Profile [8428] is checked first. The search continues with the General Call Cost Profile [8440] if the Destination Number Group has not been found in the Tenant-Specific Call Cost Profile.

Example:

Call Cost Profile Carrier No.: 1 Name: Ferrari
Destination Number Group | Cost Time Scheme | Cost Level Table
11 | 0 | 0
12 | 0 | 1
111 | 2 | 2
249 | 0 | 1

The table above shows the Call Cost Profile for the carrier “Ferrari”.

##### Cost Time Scheme Tables

The Cost Time Scheme Table informs about the Relative Cost Level. The Relative Cost Level may depend on the day type (WORKDAY, PARTIAL WORKDAY, HOLIDAY) and on the time of the day. The Cost Time Scheme Table points at a line (Relative Cost Level 0-15) of the Cost Level Table.

Use the Cost Time Scheme (list price) [8445] for price information related to the General Call Cost Profile and the Cost Time Scheme (special price) [8450] for the definition of tenant-specific Relative Cost Levels.

Example:

Cost Time Scheme List Price Carrier No: 1 Name: Ferrari Scheme No: 2 Name: Long Distance (USA)
Hour | Rel.cost level | Hour | Rel.cost level
dt1 | dt2 | dt3 | dt1 | dt2 | dt3
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 2 | 1 | 0
1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 2 | 1 | 0
2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 2 | 1 | 0
3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 2 | 1 | 0
4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 2 | 1 | 0
5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 2 | 1 | 0
6 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 18 | 2 | 1 | 0
7 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 19 | 1 | 0 | 0
8 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 20 | 1 | 0 | 0
9 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 21 | 1 | 0 | 0
10 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 22 | 1 | 0 | 0
11 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 23 | 0 | 0 | 0

The table shows the Cost Time Scheme for Destination Number Group 111 (United States). It may be seen that different Relative Cost Levels apply to day type and time of the day.

##### General Call Cost Profile

Use the General Call Cost Profile to define cost information that is the same for all tenants (list price).

The General Call Cost Profile relates to each Destination Number Group a Cost Time Scheme (list price) [8445] and a Cost Level Table (list price, pulse or duration) [8455 or 8465].

##### Tenant-Specific Call Cost Profile

Use the Tenant-Specific Call Cost Profile to define tenant-specific cost information (special price). This may be the case if a tenant has special agreements with the network provider.

The Tenant-Specific Call Cost Profile relates to each Destination Number Group a Cost Time Scheme (special price) [8450] and a Cost Level Table (special price, pulse or duration) [8460 or 8470].

##### Cost Level Tables

The calculation of the costs can be based on “pulses” or “duration”. The Billing principle [8403] determines whether the Pulse Cost Level Tables or the Duration Cost Level Tables will be used for the calculation.

Each table consists of 16 lines (Relative Cost Level 0-15). The value of the Call Cost Profile points at the table, the value of the Cost Time Scheme Table (dependent on day type and time) points at the line (Relative Cost Level) of the Cost Level Table.

Summary:

- The Cost Time Scheme tells when a certain Relative Cost Level applies.
- The Cost Level Table contains 16 Relative Cost Levels that inform on the initial cost and the duration-dependent cost.

##### Pulse Cost Level Table

The Pulse Cost Level Table defines initial pulses and pulse frequency.

##### Duration Cost Level Table

The Duration Cost Level Table defines initial cost and cost per second.

##### Example for a Duration Cost Level Table

Below, you may see the Duration Cost Level Table No. 2 for the carrier “Ferrari”. This carrier uses the billing principle “duration” [8403]. In this table, three Relative Cost Levels (0–2) are defined.

##### Calculation of the Predicted Cost

Least Cost Routing uses a supposed call duration [2035 Predicted call duration] for the calculation of the predicted cost. The cost analysis calculates the cost for each carrier that offers a connection to the requested destination.

##### Calculation using the billing principle “pulse”

This calculation uses also the cost per metering pulse. The cost per metering pulse [8423] can be defined for every tenant using the carrier.

The following formula calculates the predicted cost:

Cost = (Inital_Pulses + Pulse_Frequency * Predicted_call_duration) * Pulse_Cost_LCR

##### Calculation using the billing principle “duration”

The calculation can be adapted to tenant-specific requirements. You can define a discount factor [8425] for every tenant using that carrier.

The following formula calculates the predicted cost:

Cost = (Inital_Cost + Cost/second * Predicted_call_duration) * Discount_factor_LCR_%

### Carrier Selection

Least Cost Routing selects a carrier according to the breakdown of costs and the availability of trunk lines to the carriers.

#### Input

- Price breakdown of possible carriers (by means of a cost analysis)
- Which carriers can be reached by use of available (not busy, outgoing) trunk lines

#### Database

- Internal Access Code [8401] that is used to set up calls to the carrier.
- Are the Routing Choices [0154] limited? (Not allowed to use an alternative choice/Allowed to use one alternative choice/Allowed to use all alternative choices).

##### Output of the Analysis

The output of the carrier selection depends on the availability of a trunk line and on the Routing Choices.

- Trunk line to the cheapest carrier is available: Least Cost Routing selects the cheapest carrier.
- No trunk line is available to set up a call to the cheapest carrier: the next carrier is selected if the Routing Choices [0154] allow one or all alternative selections. The user receives a busy tone if no alternative choices are allowed.
- No trunk is available to select the second cheap-est carrier: One of the other carriers (according to the price breakdown) is selected if the Routing Choices allow all alternative selections. Other-wise, a busy tone is sent to the calling extension (or to the calling trunk).

  Available carrier | Routing choices | Selected carrier
  Cheapest carrier | (unimportant) | Least Cost Routing selects the cheapest carrier.
  2nd cheapest carrier | One alternative choice or all alternative choices allowed. | Least Cost Routing selects the 2nd cheapest carrier.
  No alternative choice allowed. | No carrier selected. The extension (or the calling trunk) receives busy tone.
  Other carrier(s) than the cheapest and the 2nd cheapest | All alternative choices allowed. | Least Cost Routing selects the cheapest of the available carriers.
  No alternative choice or one alternative choice allowed. | No carrier selected. The extension (or the calling trunk) receives busy tone.

### Destination Number Modifications [8410]

The originally entered number needs modification to match with the carrier’s requirements. The command 8410 defines the number of leading digits to be deleted from a destination number, and which Carrier Access Code has to be used instead of it.

The result of this modification is the originally entered number with deleted leading digits. This number is used for the arrangement of the number to be sent (called “B-number”).

Example:

The number does not need any modification if the carrier PTT is selected and the user has entered a PTT telephone number.

### Number Arrangement [8415]

The number arrangement adds information to the modified destination number, so that the number matches with the carrier’s requirements.

#### Input

- Destination number Modifications [8410]
- Account Code [8421]
- Authority Code [8422]
- Arranging number to send [8415]

#### Output

The number received by the carrier may contain the following components:

##### B-number

This number is the result of the Destination number modifications [8410].

##### External Access Code

The Carrier Access Code is named External Access Code in this menu.

##### Authority Code

The carrier uses the Authority Code [8422] to prove that the caller is allowed to access his network. (Some carriers use the Authority Code for accounting purposes as well.)

##### Account Code

The carrier uses the Account Code to identify the calling extension group (i.e. tenant).

##### Own extension number

Some carriers use the extension number of the caller to prepare detailed call cost reports.

##### Change-to-DTMF

This number component changes the dialling method to DTMF.

##### Wait for proceed-to-send tone

ASB 150 02 waits for a dial tone.

##### Delay time

ASB 150 02 waits the specified time.

##### Example

The carrier PTT does not need newly arranged numbers if the user has entered a PTT telephone number.

### Sending of the Modified Telephone Number

#### Input

- Internal Access Code [8401]
- Predigits for carrier access [8402]
- Arranged Destination Number [8415]

#### Output

ASB 150 02 uses the Internal Access Code [8401] to seize a line and transmits the number as specified in Number Arrangement [8415].

Least Cost Routing uses only lines with the same Predigits, as specified in “Predigits for carrier access“ [8402]. This Predigit may be used for an additional number conversion for carriers that do not use a Carrier Access Code (except the PTT), e.g. tie lines, direct lines to other carriers than the PTT. The information provided by the Destination Number Cross Reference Table is used if the number conversion is necessary.

### Least Cost Routing Options

#### Dial tone after Entering the Internal Access Code

Least Cost Routing needs the desired destination number for analysis. Therefore, it is possible to generate a dial tone [2034] after having received the Internal Access Code. This encourages the user to enter the remaining digits of the destination number.

#### Calling Least Cost Routing

Extensions may have the authority category Override Least Cost Routing [0152]. Using the function Calling Least Cost Routing it is nevertheless possible to benefit from Least Cost Routing. When selecting the Least Cost Routing Directory Number [5623] prior to the Internal Access Code and the desired directory number, the call is subjected to the function Least Cost Routing.

The default directory number for calling Least Cost Routing is “no number programmed”.

#### Direct Access to Carriers

The Number Analysis examines whether the dialled directory number starts with a Carrier Access Code. What happens if somebody dials the directory number of a specific carrier? Least Cost Routing examines if the extension has the authority category Direct Carrier Access LCR [0153].

##### Extension does not have COS Direct Carrier Access LCR

Least Cost Routing uses the table Detecting Carrier Access Codes [8405] to change the dialled Carrier Access Code into a Public Destination Number. Then, a Number Analysis is executed.

##### Extension has COS Direct Carrier Access LCR

The carrier is seized. Least Cost Routing arranges the number [8415 Arranging number to send] according to the carrier’s requirements.

## Capacity

#### Destination Number Groups

The number of Destination Number Groups amounts to 250.

#### Destination Number Cross Reference Table [2250]

The Destination Number Cross Reference Table has 200 lines. It is possible to analyse up to 16 digits.

#### Public Destination Number Table [2240]

The Public Destination Number Table has a capacity of 1000 numbers. It is possible to analyse up to 10 digits.

#### Carriers

Least Cost Routing handles up to 8 different carriers.

#### Detecting Carrier Access Codes [8405]

You may specify up to 16 Carrier Access Codes and the related public destination numbers.

#### Destination Number Modifications [8410]

Per carrier, up to 16 Carrier Access Codes together with the necessary modifications can be defined. Each Carrier Access Code can have up to 10 digits.

#### Tenant Groups

The system offers a multi tenant facility supporting up to 16 tenant groups.

#### General Call Cost Profile [8440]

Each carrier has its own General Call Cost Profile. 250 Destination Number Groups can be specified in one General Call Cost Profile.

#### Tenant-Specific Call Cost Profile [8428]

Each carrier has up to 16 Tenant-Specific Call Cost Profiles. 250 Destination Number Groups can be specified in one Tenant-Specific Call Cost Profile.

#### Cost Time Scheme (list price) [8445]

Up to 32 Cost Time Schemes (list price) are available for each carrier.

#### Cost Time Scheme (special price) [8450]

Up to 4 Cost Time Schemes (special price) are available for each carrier.

#### Day types

Three different types of days are available for the calculation of the predicted cost. A number of 24 exception days can be created to define special holidays.

#### Pulse Cost Level Table (list price) [8455]

Up to 44 Cost Level Tables (list price) are available for each carrier. Each Cost Level Table covers up to 16 Relative Cost Levels. A Relative Cost Level is defined by initial pulses (0-255) and pulse frequency (up to 10 characters including decimal point).

#### Pulse Cost Level Table (special price) [8460]

Up to 16 Cost Level Tables (special price) are avail-able for each carrier. Each Cost Level Table covers up to 16 Relative Cost Levels. A Relative Cost Level is defined by initial pulses (0-255) and pulse frequency (up to 10 characters including decimal point).

#### Duration Cost Level Table (list price) [8465]

Up to 44 Cost Level Tables (list price) are available for each carrier. Each Cost Level Table covers up to 16 Relative Cost Levels. A Relative Cost Level is defined by initial cost and cost per second. (Initial cost and cost per second: up to 10 characters including decimal point.)

#### Duration Cost Level Table (special price) [8470]

Up to 16 Cost Level Tables (special price) are available for each carrier. Each Cost Level Table covers up to 16 Relative Cost Levels. A Relative Cost Level is defined by initial cost and cost per second. (Initial cost and cost per second: up to 10 characters including decimal point.)

#### Account Code [8421]

The Account Code can have up to 5 digits. An Account Code is available for each tenant having access to a carrier.

#### Authority Code [8422]

The Authority Code can have up to 16 digits. An Authority Code is available for each tenant having access to a carrier.

## Limitations

None

## Programming

You may change the parameters for the following commands if Least Cost Routing has been installed by a technician. Contact your supplier for installation of Least Cost Routing.

### Date and Time

6101 |  | Set year month day

6102 |  | Day of week

6103 |  | Set hour minute second

6104 |  | 12h mode, display?

### Extension Parameters

0151 |  | Tenant group

0152 |  | Override LCR?

0153 |  | Direct carrier access LCR ?

0154 |  | Limit routing choices LCR

### System Data

2024 |  | Initiate public Dialtone at LCR

2034 |  | Initiate dial tone at LCR

### Directory Numbers

5623 |  | LCR directory number

### Carrier Definition Menu

8420 |  | Carrier open for tenant

8421 |  | Account code

8422 |  | Authority code

## Equipment

A CPU-D3 or later version is mandatory for Least Cost Routing.

Revision: C © Ericsson Enterprise 2003