Microsoft Teams direct routing is currently one of the most talked-about technologies in the Unified Communications space. It ensures that all the information transferred is safe and secure. But is it efficient?
To put it simply, have you ever been curious if the media is transferred through an optimal path? Well, most of the time, the media takes the longer route to reach the end-user. But times have changed, and Media Bypass is now available for Microsoft Teams Direct Routing. Let us learn more about this interesting feature. In this blog, we will discuss the following:
What is media bypass?
Source: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoftteams/direct-routing-plan-media-bypass
Media bypass enables you to shorten the path of the media to go directly to the end-user. This is done by removing the intermediate servers from the media path whenever possible. To put it simply, media bypass can improve voice quality and reduce data loss.
Now, let us look at the technicalities of why media bypass is necessary.
Why is media bypass necessary?
Media bypass can reduce the number of hops during transfer and increase call quality by reducing latency, needless translation, packet loss, and the number of points of failure. Reducing the load on the Mediation Server can also improve scalability and reduce the number of Mediation Servers required.
Now that we have a basic understanding of media bypass let us look at the working procedure.
Media bypass working basics
Direct Routing with media bypass enables companies to shorten the path of media traffic. Media bypass in Teams uses protocols and SBC to use the most direct media path. This helps organizations ensure that traffic flows directly between the client and the SBC instead of through the Microsoft Phone System.
Now we will discuss something that many of us frequently ask – configuring media bypass. While it might be a bit technical, its knowledge will undoubtedly help better understand the media bypass procedure.
How to configure media bypass?
The following steps need to be taken to configure media bypass:
Microsoft Teams direct routing media bypass is a setup that lets voice flow directly between Teams users and SBC. Let us investigate the technicalities of Direct Routing with and without media bypass.
Direct routing with media bypass
In this case, the media goes directly to the SBC, which could be on the same site or on the same network as the Teams user.
Media bypass with direct routing uses protocols like Interactive Connectivity Establishment (ICE) on the Teams client and ICE light on the SBC.
Direct routing without media bypass
Without media bypass, when a Teams client uses Direct Routing, the media flow is between the SBC, the Microsoft cloud, and the Teams client.
This means the media goes out to the internet, which may not be an optimal route, and adds increased hops.
The Media Bypass feature is also available in other unified communication platforms like Skype for business. Let us investigate that now.
What is media bypass in skype for business?
Media Bypass in Skype is pretty much like that of Teams wherein the Mediation Server is removed from the media path whenever possible. Some of the advantages include improved calling, reduction in data loss, and improved scalability.
Enterprises familiar with the media bypass in Skype for Business may find the Teams version trickier. Let us look at how Microsoft Teams media bypass differs from the Skype version.
How does media bypass for Teams differ from skype?
Microsoft Teams users need to have access to the public IP address of their SBC. This makes direct routing using media bypass harder to implement.
Additionally, the setup does not work with the web-based Teams client or with Skype for Business phones. Also, Microsoft Teams media bypass is only available to customers using direct routing. But with Skype, the setup is simpler and easier to implement.
The Microsoft Teams direct routing configuration with media bypass could be helpful in large offices, improving audio quality and safeguarding against overburdening a company's network. However, there are certain constraints as well. So, let us look at some of the pros and cons of Microsoft Teams media bypass.
Pros and Cons of Teams direct routing with media bypass
Pros:
It helps to shorten the path of media traffic.
It helps in optimal data transfer by reducing the number of intermediate points.
It increases the call quality by reducing latency.
It reduces packet loss while transfer, thereby reducing data transfer failure.
Cons:
The setup is difficult to implement compared to Skype for Business.
The navigation options are trickier compared to Skype for Business.
How can I enable direct routing with media bypass?
You can use media bypass if you have Microsoft Teams phones and access to the public IP of your SBC. You cannot use media bypass for Teams Web clients. Additionally, SBC and the client must be in the exact location.
Additionally, in case of any queries, our team of experts at Falkon Systems will be happy to help you figure out the nitty-gritty details of direct routing and media bypass in MS Teams.
Conclusion
Direct routing with media bypass enables Microsoft Teams clients to shorten the path of media traffic and helps in better performance compared to Direct routing without media bypass. Using media bypass, data is kept between the SBC and the client instead of sending it via the Microsoft Phone System. This provides better audio quality, prevents data loss, and reduces traffic on the company's network.
All in all, Direct Routing with media bypass can be an adequate choice for organizations to ensure better communication capabilities and enhanced data security.