Why Do Dialed Numbers in CDR Records Have Different Formats?
When working with Avaya systems and analyzing Call Detail Records (CDRs), you might notice that the dialed numbers displayed in the records sometimes appear in unexpected formats. This can be perplexing, especially if you're trying to correlate the information in CDRs with your call flow or user experience.
The reason behind this lies in the way Avaya handles different types of calls and the various formats used for representing phone numbers. This article will explore some common scenarios and the factors that influence how dialed numbers are recorded in CDRs.
Understanding the Different Formats:
1. E.164 Formatting: This is the standard international format for phone numbers, often used in Avaya systems. It starts with a plus sign (+) followed by the country code, and then the national number.
Example: +15551234567
2. National Format: This is the format commonly used within a specific country. It typically excludes the country code and may use various separators (spaces, dashes, etc.) based on the country's standards.
Example: (555) 123-4567 (For the United States)
3. Extension Numbers: In a corporate environment, calls often involve dialing extensions within a PBX system. These extensions may have their own numbering scheme that differs from the standard phone number formats.
Example: 1234 (Extension number within the PBX)
4. Special Characters and Codes: Avaya systems may also use specific characters or codes in the dialed number field to represent various call features or routing information.
Example: 00 (International prefix)
Reasons for Varying Formats in CDRs:
1. Call Origination: The way a call is originated can influence the dialed number format in CDRs. Calls initiated from a PBX system might record the dialed number in the extension format, while calls from external lines will typically use the national or E.164 formats.
2. Routing and Call Processing: Avaya's call routing features can also affect the dialed number format. For instance, if a call is routed through an IVR system, the CDR might record the IVR option dialed by the user instead of the final destination number.
3. Network Interactions: How the Avaya system interacts with external networks, such as PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) or SIP trunks, can impact the format of the dialed number recorded in CDRs.
Tips for Analyzing CDRs:
- Familiarize yourself with your specific Avaya system configuration: Understand how calls are routed and processed within your network.
- Examine the CDR structure: Analyze the different fields within the CDR and their meaning. You'll find specific fields like "Called Number", "Dialed Number", "Originating Number", etc., which provide clues about call processing.
- Consult Avaya documentation: Refer to the technical documentation for your specific Avaya system to understand how dialed numbers are recorded in CDRs and the different formats used.
- Use CDR analysis tools: Several tools are available to extract, filter, and analyze CDR data. These tools can help you decipher the different formats and gain insights into call patterns.
Example Scenario:
Imagine a call originating from an Avaya PBX extension, 1234, to an external number, +15551234567.
- The CDR might record the "Dialed Number" as "1234" because it originated from an extension.
- However, the "Called Number" field might display +15551234567, reflecting the actual dialed number.
Understanding the context of the call, the origination point, and the routing path can help you interpret the different number formats present in the CDR.
Conclusion:
Different formats for dialed numbers in CDRs are common in Avaya systems due to various call routing processes and network interactions. Understanding these variations is crucial for accurately interpreting the information contained within CDRs. By analyzing the call origination, routing, and specific system configuration, you can effectively utilize CDR data to gain valuable insights into your call patterns, user behavior, and system performance.