This page contains instructions on how to add a new cost to the channel. |
In VoipNow, there are three distinct methods that you can use to set up the costs associated with a channel:
.csv
formatTo automate the process, you can copy the costs previously defined for another channel. This feature is particularly useful if you have just created a new channel and you want to copy the area codes defined for an existing one. You will be able to manually add other costs or edit current costs after cloning.
To copy costs that have already been defined for another channel:
Importing costs from another channel must be done carefully because this operation can affect the way in which VoipNow routes calls. Let us assume that you have manually defined the cost for area code |
The Clone Channel Costs function will only replicate the costs for area codes that are not already defined for the current channel (e.g. Let us assume that you have manually defined the cost for the area code 011
. You will import the costs from a channel that has defined area codes 01
and 011
. VoipNow will replicate the cost for area code 01
, but will not overwrite the cost for area code 011
).
Uploading a cost file is a risky operation because it replaces all the costs currently associated with the channel. You should disable the channel before performing this operation. |
To upload a cost file:
.csv
file. This field is not required. If you leave the text box empty, VoipNow assumes that the field separator is ',' (comma).This is an example of a valid cost file. Each line of the <Area code>, <Cost>, <Charge interval>, <Description>, <Network>, <Setup cost>, <Maximum charge> The following record is valid: 0033, 0.02, 60, Description, MobiCom, 8, 4999 This cost rule signifies that for calls prefixed with the Other examples of valid records: 043, 0.02, 60, Cheap land calls, LandTel, 0, 150 |
If you want to manually define channel costs for various destinations, use the controls displayed below:
Cost <cost> <currency> / <charging_interval> seconds for call to area code <area_code>. Setup cost <amount> <currency>. Maximum charge per call <max_amount>. Network code <network_code>. Description <text> |
Where:
You can use the +/- buttons to add or remove several call costs at the same time.
If you do not add costs for all destinations, the system will not be able to route all calls. |
Cost |
If the calls to the area code are charged with The setup cost can be used at determining the best cost for routing a call. Let us assume that we have two channels with the following call costs: Channel #1 Channel #2 Taking into consideration the Average call duration parameter that was defined in the Unified Communications → Settings → Zero Priority → Charging tab, VoipNow can compute the cost for each channel and determine the most cost effective alternative to route the call using the following formula: min((setup_cost/average_call*charging_interval + call_cost)/charging_interval*average_call) For this example, if the average_call duration is 180 seconds, the results are: Channel #1 Channel #2 In conclusion, the cost of an average length call is smaller for Channel #1, even if the setup fee is bigger. VoipNow will route the calls around the average length and longer through the channel with the best cost. |
A call to the area code is charged with Normally, this call would be charged with If you do not fill in the <max_amount> box, the call will be charged with the defined cost for its entire length. For the example above, the call will be charged |
voipnow300_channels/channels_cost |