The Least Cost Routing, or LCR, unit from GemaTech is the first primary rate ISDN router with all the functionality of existing analogue routers - and more.
With an install time of less than 10 minutes, downtime of less than 10 seconds and no on-site programming the LCR is the first ISDN-30 router to fully support all types of ISDN-30 call including voice, data and video-conferencing.
Using sophisticated signal processing technology the LCR can route calls over any network and is cost effective for all ISDN-30 customers. Not just those with a problem.
GemaTech`s LCR has all the routing features you need to capture the most profitable calls. For example, you can use LCR to route your customer`s long-distance or international calls via you, while routing their local calls via the default carrier.
GemaTech`s secure call recording products (SVR and SVRLITE) are trunk side voice recording products which record all incoming and/or outgoing calls incorporating a number of unique selling points including full duplex (stereo) recording. Supervisors and/or managers have the ability to monitor and manage these calls by listening in, live, and also locating past recordings quickly and easily from anywhere in the world using a standard web browser and being able to play it back, in stereo, from the laptop.
Least Cost Router
The GemaTechTM Least Cost Router (LCR) is an intelligent unit which monitors all of your customers` telephone traffic and ensures that telephone calls are routed across your network in the most appropriate manner. Suitable for customers with 6 or more lines (delivered via an ISDN-30 connection) the GemaTech LCR can also log all calls into and out of the customer site providing output for full local statistical reporting and customer calling details.
Using the latest sophisticated digital technology this is achieved without expensive, difficult to install, computers whilst still allowing complete remote control and configuration of Customer Premises Equipment (CPE). With an install time of less than 10 minutes, and full remote download of configuration information, the LCR massively reduces the cost of connecting new customers whilst keeping service disruption to an absolute minimum (typically a service break of less than 30 seconds).
The LCR sits between the customers existing phone system, normally a Private Branch Exchange (PABX), and the connection to the existing direct operator. When the customer makes a call the LCR looks at its destination then decides how to route it:
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If the call is to be least cost routed using a single stage call set up access code (1XXX or 1XXXX), then as an option, any existing least cost routing codes can be removed, and the desired code added before the call is routed on.
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If the call is to be least cost routed via a free phone or local access number, a two-stage call set up is initiated and the call re-routed accordingly. A two stage call can be triggered either as the default for all calls or as a fall back should a call using a single stage access code fail.
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An exclusion table allows undesirable traffic, e.g.: local calls, to be routed using the existing carrier.
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If the call fails to complete because of network problems then the LCR automatically tries alternative methods. E.g.: a call which detected network problems using an access code can try a free phone set up and failing this a direct call.
All calls that go through the LCR, including calls not re-routed and calls not competed, either incoming or outgoing, are logged to record:
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Calling ID
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Number dialed
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Routing used
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Time & Date of call
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Duration
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Type of call (voice, data, videoconference etc)
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Error/performance statistics
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Time to answer incoming calls
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Cost Centre Code (if provided)
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Trunk/Channel number
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Sub Address or MSN
This call log is provided as an LCR output for direct connection to a local call-logging platform. In later releases of the LCR software these logs will be stored onboard the LCR and down-loaded for remote analysis or made available directly to the customer as a web page on a corporate Intranet providing local, on-demand call statistics and analysis.
To simplify the management and maintenance of remotely located LCR units, GemaTech provide a Management Interface for the Network Database, Elements and Remotes ``MINDER``. The MINDER is normally located at the operators network operations centre or at the installer`s site.
Based on a Windows NT Server, MINDER maintains a database of each LCR its location, CLI, serial number and unique configuration table. Using MINDER the operator can remotely monitor, configure and control remote units without the expense of site visits. Any changes made to the LCR configuration are operational immediately (for all subsequent calls) and do not require re-booting of the unit.
The LCR can be configured to report in to the MINDER for a status check on a regular basis and the MINDER can alert the operator when a unit fails to report in. The MINDER can also be configured to regularly poll each unit for a status update.
