Exam MS-720: Microsoft Teams Voice Engineer Interview Questions

The Exam MS-720: Microsoft Teams Voice Engineer exam is designed for Microsoft Teams Voice Engineers who know how to plan, develop, configure, manage, and troubleshoot integrated communications systems in an enterprise. They should be able to translate business requirements into technical architecture and communication solution concepts. Furthermore, this exam will assess your ability to perform a variety of tasks, such as:

• To begin, set up and configure Microsoft Teams Phone.
• Second, boost network performance.
• Third, create and implement Direct Routing.
• Then, for voice users, configure and use Microsoft Teams Phone.
• Finally, Microsoft Teams Phone monitoring and troubleshooting are available.

What experience do you have with implementing and troubleshooting Microsoft Teams voice solutions?

I can provide information and answer questions about the various components of a Microsoft Teams voice solution, such as Direct Routing and PSTN Calling, call routing and telephony features, device configuration and management, network requirements and Quality of Service (QoS), and voice security and compliance features.

I can also provide information on common issues that may arise during the implementation and deployment of a Teams voice solution and provide guidance on how to troubleshoot these issues, such as voice quality problems, call routing issues, and telephony feature issues.

In general, I have a deep understanding of Microsoft Teams voice solutions and can provide information and guidance on all aspects of implementing and maintaining a high-quality Teams voice solution.

How do you approach the design and deployment of a Microsoft Teams voice solution?

Designing and deploying a Microsoft Teams voice solution involves several steps that need to be planned and executed carefully. A Microsoft Teams Voice Engineer can approach the design and deployment of a Teams voice solution as follows:

1. Assess requirements: Assess the voice requirements of the organization, including the number of users, the telephony features required, and any specific compliance or security requirements.
2. Choose voice solution: Choose between Direct Routing or PSTN Calling for voice services in Microsoft Teams.
3. Network readiness: Ensure that the network infrastructure is ready to support the increased bandwidth requirements of Microsoft Teams voice.
4. Plan the deployment: Plan the deployment of the Microsoft Teams voice solution, including the configuration of devices, call routing, and telephony features.
5. Implement the solution: Implement the Microsoft Teams voice solution, following the deployment plan and best practices.
6. Test the solution: Test the Microsoft Teams voice solution to ensure that it meets the requirements and that voice quality is acceptable.
7. User adoption: Ensure that users are trained and prepared to use the new Microsoft Teams voice solution.
8. Monitor and maintain: Monitor the Microsoft Teams voice solution to ensure that it continues to meet requirements and that voice quality is maintained.

By following these steps, a Microsoft Teams Voice Engineer can design and deploy a high-quality Teams voice solution that meets the needs of the organization and provides a reliable voice experience for users.

What are some of the key considerations when migrating from Skype for Business to Microsoft Teams voice?

Migrating from Skype for Business to Microsoft Teams voice is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. Some of the key considerations when migrating to Microsoft Teams voice include:

1. Network readiness: Ensure that the network infrastructure is ready to support the increased bandwidth requirements of Microsoft Teams voice.
2. User adoption: Ensure that users are trained and prepared to use the new Microsoft Teams voice solution.
3. Call routing: Ensure that call routing is configured correctly to support the new voice solution.
4. Device compatibility: Ensure that existing IP phones and other telephony devices are compatible with Microsoft Teams voice.
5. Direct Routing or PSTN Calling: Determine whether to use Direct Routing or PSTN Calling for voice services in Microsoft Teams.
6. Telephony features: Ensure that telephony features, such as call forwarding and call transfer, are available and configured correctly in the new Microsoft Teams voice solution.
7. User data: Ensure that user data, such as contacts and call history, is migrated from Skype for Business to Microsoft Teams.
8. Compliance and security: Ensure that compliance and security requirements are met for voice services in Microsoft Teams.

By considering these key factors, a Microsoft Teams Voice Engineer can ensure a successful migration from Skype for Business to Microsoft Teams voice and provide a high-quality voice experience for users.

Can you describe your experience with Direct Routing for Microsoft Teams and how it differs from PSTN Calling?

Direct Routing is a feature in Microsoft Teams that allows organizations to use their existing telephony infrastructure to provide voice services within Microsoft Teams. This differs from PSTN Calling, which is a feature that allows users to make and receive traditional phone calls using Microsoft Teams. Here’s how they differ:

1. Infrastructure: Direct Routing requires an organization to have a Session Border Controller (SBC) and telephony infrastructure to route calls to and from Microsoft Teams. PSTN Calling, on the other hand, is provided by Microsoft and does not require any additional infrastructure.
2. Calling features: Direct Routing provides access to a wider range of telephony features and capabilities, including call forwarding, call transfer, and call recording. PSTN Calling provides basic calling capabilities, such as making and receiving calls, but does not include the full range of telephony features.
3. Cost: Direct Routing can be more cost-effective than PSTN Calling, as organizations can use their existing telephony infrastructure and do not need to pay for additional services. PSTN Calling typically requires a subscription to Microsoft’s telephony services.
4. Management: Direct Routing requires an organization to manage their telephony infrastructure and any related services. PSTN Calling is managed by Microsoft and does not require any additional management.

By understanding the differences between Direct Routing and PSTN Calling, a Microsoft Teams Voice Engineer can make informed decisions about the voice services they provide to their organization and ensure a high-quality voice experience for users.

How would you go about configuring and managing Teams devices such as IP phones and conference phones?

Configuring and managing Teams devices, such as IP phones and conference phones, is an important aspect of a Microsoft Teams voice solution. A Microsoft Teams Voice Engineer can follow these steps to configure and manage these devices:

1. Determine device requirements: Identify the requirements for each type of device, such as the number of devices needed and any specific features or capabilities required.
2. Choose the right devices: Select the appropriate devices for each location based on requirements and compatibility with the Microsoft Teams platform.
3. Configure the devices: Configure the devices using the manufacturer’s instructions and the Microsoft Teams device management tools.
4. Manage firmware updates: Ensure that all devices have the latest firmware updates and that updates are managed centrally using device management tools.
5. Monitor device performance: Use device management tools to monitor device performance and identify any issues that may impact voice quality.
6. Troubleshoot issues: Use the Microsoft Teams admin center and other tools to troubleshoot any issues with the devices and resolve any problems.
7. Document the solution: Document the configuration and management of the Teams devices for future reference and to ensure consistent implementation across the network.

By following these steps, a Microsoft Teams Voice Engineer can ensure that Teams devices are properly configured and managed, providing a high-quality voice experience for users.

What is your understanding of Quality of Service (QoS) and how do you ensure it is implemented correctly in a Microsoft Teams voice solution?

Quality of Service (QoS) is a network management technology that ensures voice and video traffic is given priority over other types of network traffic. This helps to ensure a high-quality voice experience for users by reducing network latency, jitter, and packet loss.

To ensure QoS is implemented correctly in a Microsoft Teams voice solution, a Microsoft Teams Voice Engineer should follow these steps:

1. Identify network requirements: Determine the network requirements for voice and video traffic, including bandwidth, latency, and jitter requirements.
2. Configure QoS: Configure QoS on network devices, such as routers and switches, to prioritize voice and video traffic.
3. Monitor network performance: Use network monitoring tools to monitor network performance and verify that voice and video traffic is being given priority.
4. Verify device configurations: Ensure that all devices, such as IP phones and conference phones, are configured to support QoS.
5. Test the solution: Conduct end-to-end testing of the Microsoft Teams voice solution to verify that voice quality is acceptable.
6. Document the solution: Document the QoS implementation for future reference and to ensure consistent implementation across the network.

By following these steps, a Microsoft Teams Voice Engineer can ensure that QoS is properly implemented in a Microsoft Teams voice solution and provide a high-quality voice experience for users.

How would you go about troubleshooting voice quality issues in a Microsoft Teams environment?

Troubleshooting voice quality issues in a Microsoft Teams environment involves identifying the root cause of the problem and implementing a solution. Here are the steps a Microsoft Teams Voice Engineer can take to troubleshoot voice quality issues:

1. Gather information: Collect information about the issue, including the time and date of the problem, the users affected, and any relevant logs or error messages.
2. Monitor network performance: Use network monitoring tools to identify any issues with network performance, such as high latency, jitter, or packet loss.
3. Check device configurations: Ensure that all devices, such as IP phones and conference phones, are properly configured and have the latest firmware updates.
4. Verify network settings: Ensure that network settings, such as Quality of Service (QoS), are properly configured to prioritize voice traffic.
5. Check for updates: Verify that Microsoft Teams and all related software and firmware are up-to-date.
6. Investigate the cause: Use the Microsoft Teams admin center and other tools to investigate the root cause of the voice quality issue.
7. Implement a solution: Once the root cause has been identified, implement a solution to resolve the voice quality issue.

By following these steps, a Microsoft Teams Voice Engineer can quickly and effectively troubleshoot voice quality issues and ensure a high-quality voice experience for users.

What are some common causes of dropped or failed calls in a Microsoft Teams voice solution and how would you go about resolving them?

There are several common causes of dropped or failed calls in a Microsoft Teams voice solution, including:

1. Network issues: Network congestion, high latency, and low bandwidth can cause calls to drop or fail.
2. Firewall restrictions: Firewall restrictions can prevent the proper flow of traffic, leading to call failures.
3. Device configuration: Incorrectly configured devices can lead to call failures.
4. Microsoft Teams service issues: Outages or maintenance with the Microsoft Teams service can result in call failures.

To resolve these issues, a Microsoft Teams Voice Engineer can follow these steps:

1. Monitor the network: Use tools to monitor network performance and identify any issues that may be causing calls to drop or fail.
2. Review firewall configurations: Ensure that firewall configurations are not blocking necessary traffic for Microsoft Teams.
3. Check device configurations: Ensure that all devices are properly configured and have the latest firmware updates.
4. Monitor the Microsoft Teams service: Stay informed of any outages or maintenance with the Microsoft Teams service and plan accordingly.
5. Troubleshoot: Use the Microsoft Teams admin center and other tools to troubleshoot call failures and determine the root cause.

By proactively monitoring the network, devices, and Microsoft Teams service, a Microsoft Teams Voice Engineer can quickly resolve any issues and ensure a high-quality voice experience for users.

Can you discuss your experience with Microsoft Teams voice security and compliance features such as call recording and data retention policies?

Microsoft Teams provides several security and compliance features for voice communication, including call recording and data retention policies.

Call recording in Microsoft Teams allows for the recording of voice calls, including audio and video, for compliance and business purposes. The recordings are stored in the Microsoft cloud, providing easy access and secure storage.

Data retention policies in Microsoft Teams can be configured to specify how long data is retained in the system, including call recordings. This helps organizations to meet regulatory requirements and manage data privacy.

In addition to these features, Microsoft Teams also provides encryption for voice and video calls, ensuring secure communication and protecting sensitive information. The platform is also compliant with industry standards such as GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2.

It is important for a Microsoft Teams Voice Engineer to understand these security and compliance features and be able to configure and manage them as part of a Microsoft Teams voice solution.

How do you stay current with Microsoft Teams voice updates and new features?

To stay current with Microsoft Teams voice updates and new features, a Microsoft Teams Voice Engineer can follow these steps:

1. Regularly check the Microsoft Teams blog for announcements and updates.
2. Attend Microsoft-sponsored events and webinars related to Teams voice.
3. Subscribe to Microsoft’s newsletter and notifications for Teams updates.
4. Engage with the Microsoft Teams community, including forums and user groups, to stay informed on the latest developments.
5. Participate in hands-on training and certifications to expand one’s knowledge and skills.
6. Read industry publications and whitepapers on Teams voice to stay up-to-date on best practices and emerging trends.
7. Collaborate with peers and attend conferences and trade shows to network and learn from others in the field.

By staying informed and involved in the Microsoft Teams voice ecosystem, a Voice Engineer can ensure they are equipped to support and implement the latest updates and features.

1. What is the role of a voice engineer?

The primary responsibility of voice engineers is to ensure that voice-over-internet protocols are functioning properly. They are in charge of overseeing and maintaining telecommunications infrastructure and software, such as call management systems, VoIP, video conferencing, voice mail, and other telephony and network applications.

2. Define Operator Connect.

Operator Connect is another option for connecting Teams and Phone Systems to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).

3. What do you understand by Direct Routing?

The process of connecting Microsoft Teams to the PSTN is referred to as direct routing (traditional phone network). Although Teams is primarily use for internal communications, Microsoft has created a way for the platform to function as a full-fledged business phone system (PBX).

4. Explain network.

A network in information technology as the connection of at least two computer systems via a cable or a wireless connection. The most basic network consists of two computers connected by a cable. This is peer-to-peer network. In this network, there is no hierarchy; both participants have equal privileges. Each computer has access to the other device’s data and can share resources such as disc space, applications, or peripheral devices (printers, etc.).

5. Define network topology.

The arrangement of the elements of a communication network is network topology. The term “network topology” refers to the arrangement of various types of telecommunication networks, such as command and control radio networks, industrial fieldbusses, and computer networks.

6. Explain the different types of network topology.

The different types of network topologies are:

• P2P Topology
• Bus Topology
• Ring Topology
• Star Topology
• Tree Topology
• Mesh Topology
• Hybrid Topology

7. What is porting?

The process of adapting software to achieve some form of execution in a computing environment other than the one for which a given programme was originally designed is known as porting.

8. Explain compliance recording in Voice Engineer.

Compliance recording is the legally mandated process of capturing (recording) phone calls in accordance with local, national, and international regulations. Many companies have used call recordings to improve their commercial goals; the primary goal of call recording is contact centre compliance.

9. Define inbound calls in Voice Engineer.

Inbound calling occurs when customers or prospects contact your company. Because you don’t know what the customer or prospect needs until you speak with them, this type of support is commonly referred to as reactive support: they call, you respond.

10. What are outbound calls in Voice Engineer?

An outbound call in voice engineer is one that is initiated by a call centre agent on behalf of a call centre or client to a customer. Outbound calls are typically made to prospective customers with the goal of selling, generating leads, telemarketing, or raising funds.

11. What do you understand by call queues?

The virtual waiting room is represented by call queues. When people call in, they are frequently not routed to an agent right away because they are already busy. They sequence customer calls and provide the ability to organise and segment them.

12. Explain custom Music-on-Hold.

Music on hold (MOH) is a business practise that involves playing recorded music to fill the silence that would otherwise be heard by phone callers who have been placed on hold. It is especially common in customer service situations.

13. What exactly is an EPS licence?

Licensing for Event Per Second (EPS) On the raw, inbound event stream, the EPS licence is processed in real-time, twice per second.

14. Explain Location-Based Routing (LBR).

Location-Based Routing is a feature that allows you to restrict toll bypass based on policy and the user’s geographic location when making or receiving a PSTN call. The purpose of location-based routing is to provide a mechanism to prevent toll bypass.

15. What do you understand by Local Media Optimization (LMO)?

• Controlling the flow of media traffic between Team clients and customer Session Border Controllers (SBCs).
• Keeping media within corporate network subnet boundaries.
• Allowing media streams between Teams clients and SBCs even if the SBCs are behind corporate firewalls with private IP addresses and are not directly visible to Microsoft.

15. Explain network gateway.

A gateway is a telecommunications network node that connects two networks that use different transmission protocols. Gateways serve as a network’s entry and exit point because all data must pass through or communicate with the gateway before being route.

16. Define Direct Routing.

The process of connecting Microsoft Teams to the PSTN is refer to as direct routing (traditional phone network). Although Teams is primarily use for internal communications, Microsoft has a way for the platform to function as a business phone system (PBX).

17. How to deploy Common Area Phones?

A common area phone is typically place in a lobby or another area where many people can make a call, such as a reception area, lobby, or conference phone. Accounts associated with a Common Area Phone licence are use to sign in to common area phones. The TeamsIPPhone policy must also be properly configure in order for the phone to provide a common area user experience.

18. What exactly is signalling, and what is the distinction between CAS and CSS?

Signaling is a method of exchanging information for the establishment and control of a telecommunication circuit, as well as network management. Common channel signalling (CAS) uses a dedicated channel for signalling, whereas Channel Associated Signaling (CAS) sends signalling information to multiple bearer channels. As a result, these bearer channels share a signalling channel.

19. What are some of the drawbacks of using VoIP?

While VoIP is far superior to traditional telephony, it does have some drawbacks:

• Some VoIP services are unavailable during power outages, and the service provider may not provide backup power.
• Not all VoIP services provide direct access to emergency services via 9-1-1. Directory assistance/white page listings may or may not be provided by VoIP providers.

20. What Is VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol)?

VoIP is an abbreviation for Voice Over Internet Protocol or Voice Over IP. VoIP is a method of sending voice (analog data) over the Internet (digital data) to an end-user who receives the message.

21. How Does Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Work?

A VoIP gateway converts analog voice data into digital data packets, which are then sent over a broadband Internet connection to a VoIP server, which forwards the message to the intended recipient.

22. What basic VoIP setup equipment is require?

The following items are require for general VoIP setup:

• Broadband connection
• VoIP phone
• Nexton soft-switches
• Router
• Audiocodec
• Astric server

23. What exactly is PVDM in voice engineer?

PVDM is an abbreviation for Packet Voice DSP (digital signal processor) Module, which allows Cisco Integrated Services Routers to provide high-density voice connectivity, conferencing, and transcoding capabilities in Cisco IP Communications solutions.

24. What is a VoIP gateway, and what are its basic features?

A VoIP gateway acts as a link between an IP network and the public switched telephone network (PSTN). It converts analog telephony signals to digital telephony signals.

VoIP gateways have the following capabilities:

• Management of call routing, packet processing, and control signaling
• Compression/decompression of voice and fax
• External controller interfaces, such as those with a soft switch, billing system, or network management system.

25. What exactly is SLRG and why do we use it?

Standard Local Route Groups (SLRG) eliminate the pairing of the gateway and the Route Pattern, resulting in a more flexible method of selecting a PSTN gateway.

Since it reduces the number of route patterns that must be created per country, it can save a significant amount of administrative overhead, especially for organizations with a large number of sites.

26. What is the fundamental distinction between VoIP and POTS (Plain Old Telephone System) dial-peers?

VoIP dial peers use IP protocol to route calls to other VoIP systems, whereas POTS dial peers use analog (FXS, FXO) or digital (E1/T) local ports to legacy PBX systems.

27. What is the distinction between a Transaction, a Dialog, and a Session?

• A transaction is a fundamental unit of message exchange between SIP user agents. It consists primarily of a request-response cycle.
• A peer-to-peer relationship between two use agents is refer to as a dialogue. It is typically create through successive generations of SUCCESSFUL final response.
• A session is the exchange of media between two or more endpoints.

28. What will you do if you hear a crackling sound on your VoIP line while speaking?

This is common with analogue phones, which produce a crackling sound when you speak, but it is not common with VoIP providers or internet connections, as digital systems do not produce sounds like this. It’s only possible that it’s from the person on the other end of the line, who is also using an analogue phone line. But if it happens with different people, it’s most likely your phone.

29. What are the primary distinctions between the G711 and G729 codecs?

G729 is a compressed audio codec that tolerates packet loss and jitter better than G711. Next, G729 consumes 33 Kbps of bandwidth, while G711 consumes 87 Kbps. G729 is compress but still sounds very good in poor network conditions, whereas G711 only sounds better in good network conditions.

30. Is it possible to set up trunking between Cisco and Avaya PBX?

QSIG PRI trunking configuration can be use to connect Cisco and Avaya PBXs. Q signalling (QSIG), an ISDN communications protocol base on the Q.931 standard, is use for signalling between digital PBXs.

Tips for Interview Preparation for Exam MS-720: Microsoft Teams Voice Engineer Interview

• Research: Before an interview, review relevant technologies.
• Updated Resume: Read your resume thoroughly; do not copy and paste it. You must understand your own strengths and weaknesses.
• Professional Certifications: Certifications are one of the best ways to demonstrate the technical skills listed on your resume. This allows a new employer to quickly assess your level of knowledge.
• Regularly Updated LinkedIn Profile: Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date and that your work experience, qualifications, and project details match those on your resume.