Least Cost Router

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The Engl. The term Least Cost Router ( LCR ) in telecommunications refers to a device that automatically selects the cheapest telephone provider , with call-by-call usually being used in the circuit-switched fixed network . The point of an LCR is to automate the manual comparison of fee tables.

In Germany, the term tariff manager is also used as a generic name for least cost router , but this is the protected brand name of a leading LCR manufacturer.

The LCR can be designed as a hardware add-on for a telephone system , as a small device upstream of the analog telephone or as software ; Software-based solutions develop their full range of convenience mostly in connection with IP telephony ( Voice over IP , VoIP ) or CTI systems, while hardware-based solutions - at least in theory - can work maintenance-free after a one-time configuration.

Least Cost Routing

Least Cost Routing (LCR) is possible for both voice and data services (read: narrowband - dial-up - Internet access ); in any case, the LCR device must keep a table with the current tariff information of the relevant providers in stock.

Hardware routing

Hardware-based Least Cost Routing usually requires an update contract to be concluded with the device manufacturer to keep tariff information up-to-date, although there are exceptions.

Software routing (internet)

Special dial-in programs are used for software routing for Internet-by-call connections . In view of the price spreads and short-term tariff changes that are common on the Internet-by-call market , a closer comparison of the current tariff offers in connection with the respective software functions is absolutely advisable. Some providers of Windows dial-up programs are supported by access providers or receive sales commissions from them , which limits the possible cost savings. This business practice is not common in the case of paid shareware or programs that are subject to free software licenses . On the other hand, there are Internet-by-call providers who do not want certain tariffs to be included in the dial-up programs in accordance with the terms and conditions .

Cellular

In the mobile communications sector , some providers now offer special mobile phone software that, depending on the cheaper tariff, automatically establishes telephone connections either via the provider tariff of the SIM card or via the software provider's call-through or callback access.

criticism

It is not always guaranteed that the customer will receive current tariff data and thus the user can be left with significantly excessive costs, especially in the Internet-by-call area. With regard to mobile communications LCR providers, it is criticized that in some cases the costs of packet data connections, which are considerable depending on the mobile communications tariff, when establishing a call are not pointed out clearly enough .

See also

Web links