Cisco Voice over IP (CVoice) (Authorized Self-Study Guide) (2nd Edition)

The North American telephone network is designed around a ten-digit numbering plan that consists of three-digit area codes and seven-digit telephone numbers, as shown in Figure 5-13. For telephone numbers that are located within an area code, the PSTN often uses a seven-digit dial plan. Features within a CO-based PBX, such as Centrex, allow the use of a custom five-digit dial plan for customers who subscribe to that service. PBXs are more flexible and allow for variable-length dial plans containing 3 to 11 digits.

Dial plans contain specific dialing patterns for a user who wants to reach a particular telephone number. Dial plans also contain access codes, area codes, specialized codes, and combinations of the numbers of digits dialed.

Dial plans require knowledge of the customer network topology, current telephone number dialing patterns, proposed router and gateway locations, and traffic-routing requirements. If the dial plans are for a private internal voice network that is not accessed by the outside voice network, the telephone numbers can be any number of digits.

Typically, companies that implement VoIP networks carry voice traffic within the least expensive systems and paths. Implementing this type of system involves routing calls through IP networks, private trunks, PBXs, key systems, and the PSTN. The numbering plan to support the system is scalable, easily understood by the user, and transportable between all of the system components. The use of alternate path components reduces instances of call failure. Finally, the numbering plan conforms to all applicable standards and formats for all of the systems involved.