Alternate routing of voice communication in a packet-based network

A directory gatekeeper for routing calls through a network comprising:

• a processor;
• a memory storing a list of routes, wherein each route is associated with at least one of a plurality of resource management gatekeepers;
• wherein the directory gatekeeper is communicably coupled to an inbound gatekeeper, the inbound gatekeeper operable to receive requests to setup data sessions and issue routing requests for determining routes for the requested data session;
• wherein the directory gatekeeper is associated with a plurality of resource zones, each resource zone having an associated resource management gatekeeper and a plurality of outbound gateway resources configured to terminate data sessions received by the inbound gatekeeper;
• and
• wherein the directory gatekeeper is operable to receive routing requests from the inbound gatekeeper for determining routes for the requested data session.