Zetafax Server > Least Cost Routing > Configuring Least Cost Routing

Configuring Least Cost Routing

Least Cost Routing is configured using the Zetafax Server Configuration program. To open the LCR configuration dialog:

•Launch the Zetafax Configuration program (Start menu, Programs submenu, Zetafax submenu).

•In the right pane, click Server Settings .

•In the right pane, double-click on Least Cost Routing of faxes.

Overview

To configure the Zetafax LCR module on a given fax server you will need to carry out the following steps, which are described in greater detail later in this section. See the Related topics for more information.

•Configure dialing properties to inform the Zetafax Server how to handle different types of telephone numbers.

•Configure your Zetafax Server to use LCR.

•Set up links to other Zetafax Servers.

•Provide information about the destinations of your faxes.

•Set up rules for routing your faxes to other Zetafax Servers on the network.

It is important that you proceed through the set up in this order. The final stage of setting up rules for routing faxes requires that links to remote servers have been set up, and that some categories for fax destinations have already been defined.

If changes are made to fax destinations and the properties of links to remote servers after routing rules have been set up, you may need to adjust the currently configured routing rules.

LCR rollout strategy

Configuring multiple Zetafax Servers to perform LCR can be a complex operation. We recommend that when setting up a link on your LCR network, you carry out the following steps:

•Use the Zetafax Configuration program to create the link between the two sites.

•Use the Zetafax Server program to ensure that the link is operational and is 'online'.

•Add a single rule, routing all faxes for a single specified user (the network administrator) over the link.

•Send a fax over the link.

•Configure routing rules for this link to apply for a single, specified user (the network administrator).

•Send several test faxes to ensure that the Zetafax Server rules function as intended and that faxes which are meant to go over the link do so. Equally, you should ensure that faxes which are meant to be sent locally are sent locally.

•Enable the routing rules for all network users.

This will ensure minimum disruption to your Zetafax users' faxes while you configure LCR.

Requirements for LCR

Before you proceed to configure Least Cost Routing rules between two or more Zetafax Servers, the servers must be able to communicate using one or more (for multiple links) of the following methods.

Basic link requirements

LAN connection moving files between shared folders (protocol independent). WAN connection moving files between shared folders (protocol independent).

WAN connection using email.

Email connection over the Internet using a MAPI compliant email system (not POP3/SMTP).

Email link requirements

The following email systems are supported:

•Microsoft Exchange 2003 or later.

•Lotus Notes v5 and later.

•Other MAPI compliant email systems.

The Zetafax Servers on an LCR network communicate using email accounts created for their own exclusive use. It will also be necessary to install client software on the Zetafax Server computer for whichever email system you are using.