In Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM), Automated Alternate Routing (AAR) is a feature that allows organizations to automatically reroute calls when the primary call path is unavailable. AAR is particularly useful in scenarios where network congestion, outages, or other issues prevent calls from being routed over the primary call path. In this article, we will discuss the importance of AAR and how it is used in CUCM.
AAR allows organizations to automatically reroute calls to an alternate destination when the primary destination is unavailable. For example, if a call cannot be routed over the primary call path due to network congestion or outages, AAR can be used to automatically reroute the call over an alternate call path. The alternate call path can be defined by the organization and can include a range of destinations, such as another location, a backup network, or a mobile phone number.
AAR can be configured in CUCM using a range of criteria, including time of day, day of week, and call volume. For example, an organization may wish to reroute calls to a backup location during peak call times or when network congestion is detected. Similarly, an organization may wish to reroute calls to a mobile phone number when an employee is not available at their desk.
AAR can also be configured to play a message to callers when their call is being rerouted. This message can be customized to provide information to the caller about the reason for the rerouting and the expected wait time. This helps to ensure that callers are aware of the rerouting and the potential delay in reaching their intended destination.
In summary, AAR is a critical feature of Cisco Unified Communications Manager that enables organizations to automatically reroute calls when the primary call path is unavailable. By providing an alternate call path, AAR ensures that calls can be routed reliably and efficiently, even in scenarios where network congestion or outages occur. By configuring AAR effectively, organizations can provide their users with a high-quality calling experience, even in challenging network environments.