Least-cost routing
The engl. Term Least Cost Router ( LCR) referred to in the telecommunications, a device that performs automatic selection of the cheapest telephone service provider, and in the circuit-switched landline usually call-by -call will be used. The purpose of an LCR is to automate the manual Comparing fee tables.
In Germany, the term collective Manager is a generic name for a least cost router in use, however, these are around the protected brand name of a leading manufacturer LCR.
The LCR can be configured as a hardware option for a telephone system, as a small, analog telephone upstream device or as software; Software -based solutions develop their full scope comfort usually associated with IP telephony (Voice over IP, VoIP) or CTI systems, while hardware -based solutions - can operate maintenance -free after a single configuration - at least in theory.
Least Cost Routing
Least Cost Routing ( LCR) is for both voice and data services (read: narrow-band dial-up internet connections ) are possible; in any case, the LCR device must keep on hand a table with the current tariff information of the relevant provider. In some devices, the number of configurable providers is limited, so that for example only charge information of 16 phone companies can be managed.
Hardware routing
For hardware-based least cost routing usually needs an update contract concluded with the manufacturer of the device to be held over the tariff information up to date, although there is exceptions.
Software routing (Internet)
For software routing for Internet-by -call connections special dialers are used. Given the customary on the Internet-by- call market price spreads and short-term rate changes is absolutely advised here a closer comparison of the daily updated tariff offers in conjunction with the respective software functions. Some vendors of Windows - dialers are supported or receive from sales commissions, what the possible cost savings by limiting access provider. If drinks shareware or free software licenses subject to programs that commercial practice is not common. On the other hand, there are also Internet-by- call providers do not want to have included in the dialers certain tariffs in accordance with terms and conditions.
Mobile
In mobile communications, there are now some providers of special mobile phone software that automates depending on more favorable tariff telephone connections either based on the seller tariff of the SIM card or via the call-through or callback access of the software provider.
Criticism
It is not always ensure that the customer receives current tariff data, and therefore the user can remain seated in particular the Internet - by-call area clearly excessive costs. Regarding mobile LCR providers is criticized that is partially not clearly stated enough to the considerable depending on your wireless service plan cost of packet data connections when setting up a call.