Usage Classes

Overview

Classes define the type of usage (e.g. data, sms, long distance call, local call, etc.). The class is determined by the rating engine based on the called/calling number, call direction or any other criteria that is defined in the rating logic (e.g. International, Toll Free, SMS, etc.).

Below you will find an overview of all panels and tabs on this screen followed by guides walking you through actions you can perform.

Prerequisites

The GeoTree will need to be configured if you intend to use the GeoTree as the rater for the class.

The Classes Panel

The Classes panel on the left of this screen allows you to select a class so that you can view or edit its configuration details. Actions are also available which are shown as icons above the Filter text box. Available actions are described below.

Actions

Icon	Description
	Deletes the selected class
	Adds a new class

Classes List

The list on the left of the screen shows the classes that are currently configured in the system. Details in the list indicate the rater used (by Class or by GeoTree) and the unit type the class is configured to use (Data, Time or Count).

When you select a class in the list configuration settings for the selected class will be shown in the Edit Class Panel to the right. These settings are explained in more detail below.

The Edit Class Panel

The information in this panel reflects the currently selected class. From here you can change the class details (fields will display a red left border if a value is required and purple text if the field is read-only and cannot be modified).

Class Fields:

• Name: a unique name for the class (e.g. 'Data', 'SMS' or more granular if needed)

• Rater: indicates how granular the rate deck can be. Rates can be looked up strictly by class or in addition to matching the class the Usage Rate Location (in the GeoTree) can be evaluated to apply a specific rate for a specific location

• Unit Type: indicates how usage for the class is measured. Time, Data or Count (count would be appropriate if you are rating by the message/event, e.g. for an sms class). For existing classes this field cannot be edited, the unit type can only be specified when adding a new class

• Usage Class Type: an optional setting that allows you to categorize the class for reporting and/or mediation purposes. See the usage class type screen help for more information

References tab

This section displays where the selected class is used in the system. By default, the reference data is displayed in a summary format to indicate where the class is in use, however the Entity drop down field can be used to view the exact system objects that the class is configured on.