# Time Router

The Time Router module directs calls to different destinations based on the time and day of the week. Perfect for managing business hours, holidays, and special schedules.

:::tip[Common Uses]
- Business hours routing
- After-hours handling
- Weekend schedules
- Holiday management
- Lunch break routing
- Special event scheduling
:::

![Time Router module](/docs/phone-system-guide/modules/img/time-router-module.jpg)

:::note
Notice the green and red sockets on the right side:
- Green (Yes): Routes calls during defined time intervals
- Red (No): Routes calls outside defined time intervals
:::

## Setting It Up {#setting-it-up}

![Time Router configuration interface](/docs/phone-system-guide/modules/img/time-router-create.png)

Configure your Time Router with these settings:

1. **Name**: Give your router a descriptive name (e.g., "Business Hours" or "Weekend Router")

2. **Time Schedule**: Pick one of the schedules you created under [Time Schedules](../main-menu/time-schedules.md) in the main menu. The router then follows that schedule's days, hours, exceptions and time zone.

3. **Use dedicated time intervals**: Switch this on to define the hours directly in the router instead. The Time Schedule dropdown is disabled and two more settings appear:
   - **System Time Zone**: System (uses the time zone set under Settings > General) or a specific time zone for this router
   - **Dedicated time intervals**: Click "Add Time Interval", select the days of the week and set the start and end times (24-hour format). Add as many intervals as you need

![Time interval configuration](/docs/phone-system-guide/modules/img/time-router-interval.png)

:::tip[Multiple Intervals]
You can create several time intervals for flexible routing. For example:
- Monday-Friday: 8:00-17:00
- Saturday: 9:00-13:00
:::

## Practical Example {#practical-example}

![Time Router usage example](/docs/phone-system-guide/modules/img/time-router-example.jpg)

This example shows:
1. During business hours (green path):
   - Calls route to the [Sales Queue](./queue.md)
2. Outside business hours (red path):
   - Calls go to an after-hours [voicemail](./voicemail.md)

## Time Management Options {#time-management-options}

The phone system offers two ways to manage time-based routing:

1. **Time Router Module**:
   - Part of your call flow
   - Specific to one routing scenario
   - Flexible interval configuration
   - Immediate routing control

2. **Time Schedules** (Main Menu):
   - Organization-wide schedules
   - Applies to multiple users
   - Manages exceptions (holidays)
   - Controls all contact methods for users

:::tip[When to Use Each]
- Use Time Router for specific call flow routing
- Use Time Schedules for organization-wide time management
:::

## Best Practices {#best-practices}

1. **Time Zone Management**:
   - Consider caller locations
   - Account for daylight saving
   - Use system time zone for consistency

2. **Schedule Planning**:
   - Include buffer times
   - Plan for holidays
   - Consider lunch breaks
   - Account for early/late calls

3. **Routing Strategy**:
   - Set appropriate after-hours handling
   - Configure holiday routing
   - Plan emergency bypasses
   - Test across time boundaries

4. **Multiple Intervals**:
   - Group similar time patterns
   - Keep intervals organized
   - Document special cases
   - Review regularly

:::warning
Calls without a matching path (no connection from the appropriate socket) will be terminated. Always ensure both Yes (green) and No (red) paths are properly configured.
:::

## Advanced Tips {#advanced-tips}

| Feature | Description | Example Use |
|---------|-------------|-------------|
| Multiple Intervals | Several time windows | Different weekend hours |
| Timezone Selection | Local or system time | International business |
| Yes/No Logic | Dual routing paths | Business/after hours |

Connect Time Router with other modules like:
- [Ring Groups](./ring-group.md) for team availability
- [Voicemail](./voicemail.md) for after-hours messages
- [Queue](./queue.md) for business hours handling
- [Audio Playback](./audio-playback.md) for time-based messages