Table Of Contents

An Overview of the Cisco Unified IP Phone

Understanding the Cisco Unified IP Phone 7905G and 7912G

What Networking Protocols Are Used?

What Features are Supported on the Cisco Unified IP Phone 7905G and 7912G?

Feature Overview

Configuring Telephony Features

Configuring Network Features Using the Cisco Unified IP Phone

Providing Users with Feature Information

Overview of Configuring and Installing the Cisco Unified IP Phone 7905G and 7912G

Configuring Cisco Unified IP Phones in Cisco Unified CallManager

Checklist for Configuring the Cisco Unified IP Phone in Cisco Unified CallManager

Installing Cisco Unified IP Phones

Checklist for Installing the Cisco Unified IP Phone

Unlocking and Locking Configuration Options

An Overview of the Cisco Unified IP Phone

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The Cisco Unified IP Phone provides voice communication over an Internet Protocol (IP) network. It functions much like a traditional analog telephone, allowing you to place and receive phone calls and to access features such as mute, hold, transfer, and speed dial. In addition, because the phone is connected to your data network, it offers enhanced IP telephony features, including access to network information and customizeable features.

This manual describes the Cisco Unified IP Phone 7905G and 7912G. The Cisco Unified IP Phone 7905G and 7912G include softkeys and an phone screen. The Cisco Unified IP Phone 7912G adds an internal Ethernet switch.

All phone models support G.711, G.729, G.729a, G.729b, and G.729ab audio compression.

A Cisco Unified IP Phone must be configured and managed like other network devices.

This chapter includes the following topics:

•Understanding the Cisco Unified IP Phone 7905G and 7912G

•What Networking Protocols Are Used?

•What Features are Supported on the Cisco Unified IP Phone 7905G and 7912G?

•Overview of Configuring and Installing the Cisco Unified IP Phone 7905G and 7912G

•Unlocking and Locking Configuration Options

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Caution Using a cell, mobile, or GSM phone, or two-way radio in close proximity to a Cisco Unified IP Phone might cause interference. For more information, refer to the manufacturer's documentation of the interfering device.

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Understanding the Cisco Unified IP Phone 7905G and 7912G

The Cisco Unified IP Phone 7905G and 7912G are basic IP phones that address the voice communication needs of employees who engage in low to medium telephone use. The phones provide a pixel display and dynamic softkeys for easy access to a core set of business features. They support a maximum of two calls and one directory number, and inline power for receiving power through and Ethernet connection. The Cisco Unified IP Phone 7912G includes an integrated 10/100 Ethernet switch for connecting a PC.

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Note The hardware updated version of the Cisco Unified IP Phone 7912G (CP-7912G-A) offers IEEE 802.1Q VLAN-based switching of packets received from the attached PC and from the network port (upstream switch). This allows the phone to operate more efficiently in networks which may be subject to large amounts of broadcast, multicast and/or unknown unicast traffic.

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Figure 1-1 shows the main components of the Cisco Unified IP Phone 7905G and 7912G.

Figure 1-1 Cisco Unified IP Phone 7905G and 7912G Features

1	Phone screen	Displays features such as the time, date, phone number, caller ID, call status, and softkey tabs.
2	Cisco Unified IP Phone series type	Indicates your Cisco Unified IP Phone model number.
3	Softkeys	Enable you to engage any of the functions displayed on the corresponding phone screen tabs. Softkeys point to feature options that are displayed along the bottom of the phone screen. Softkey functions change depending on the status of the phone (for example if the phone is active or idle).
4	Navigation button	Allows you to scroll through text and select features displayed on the phone screen. Also provides access to speed dial numbers when there are no text or features to scroll through.
5	Menu button	Displays a menu that provides access to a voice messaging system, phone logs and directories, settings, and services.
6	Hold button	Places the active call on hold, resumes a call on hold, and switches between an active call and an incoming call or an active call and a call on hold.
7	Keypad	Works exactly like the keypad on a traditional telephone.
8	Volume button	Increases or decreases volume for the handset and speaker. Also controls the ringer volume (if on-hook).
9	Handset	Functions like a traditional handset. The light strip at the top of the handset blinks when the phone rings and remains lit to indicate a new voice message (depending on your voice messaging system).
10	Footstand	Allows the phone to stand at a convenient angle on a desk or table.

What Networking Protocols Are Used?

Cisco Unified IP Phones support several industry-standard and Cisco networking protocols for voice communication. Table 1-1 provides an overview of the networking protocols that the Cisco Unified IP Phone 7905G and 7912G support.

Table 1-1 Supported Networking Protocols on the Cisco Unified IP Phone 

Networking Protocol	Purpose	Usage Notes
Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP)	CDP is a device-discovery protocol that runs on all Cisco-manufactured equipment. Using CDP, a device can advertise its existence to other devices and receive information about other devices in the network.	The Cisco Unified IP Phone uses CDP to communicate information such as auxiliary VLAN ID, per-port power management details, and Quality of Service (QoS) configuration information with the Cisco Catalyst switch.
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)	DHCP dynamically allocates and assigns an IP address to network devices. DHCP enables you to connect an IP phone into the network and have the phone become operational without you needing to manually assign an IP address or configure additional network parameters.	DHCP is enabled by default. If disabled, you must manually configure the IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and an TFTP server on each phone locally. Cisco recommends that you use DHCP custom option 150. With this method, you configure the TFTP server IP address as the option value. For additional supported DCHP configurations, refer to Cisco Unified CallManager System Guide.
HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP)	HTTP is the standard way of transferring information and moving documents across the internet and the World Wide Web.	The Cisco Unified IP Phones use HTTP for the XML services and for troubleshooting purposes.
Internet Protocol (IP)	IP is a messaging protocol that addresses and sends packets across the network.	To communicate using IP, network devices must have an assigned IP address, subnet, and gateway. IP addresses, subnets, and gateways identifications are automatically assigned if you are using the Cisco Unified IP Phone with Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). If you are not using DHCP, you must manually assign these properties to each phone locally.
Real-Time Transport (RTP)	RTP is a standard for transporting real-time data, such as interactive voice and video, over data networks.	Cisco Unified IP Phones use the RTP protocol to send and receive real-time voice traffic from other phones and gateways.
Skinny Client Control Protocol (SCCP)	SCCP includes a messaging set that allows communications between call control servers and endpoint clients such as IP Phones. SCCP is proprietary to Cisco Systems.	Cisco Unified IP Phones use SCCP for call control.
Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)	TCP is a a connection-oriented transport protocol.	Cisco Unified IP Phones use TCP to connect to Cisco Unified CallManager and to access XML services.
Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP)	TFTP allows you to transfer files over the network. On the Cisco Unified IP Phone, TFTP enables you to obtain a configuration file specific to the phone type.	TFTP requires a TFTP server in your network, which can be automatically identified from the DHCP server. If more than one TFTP server is running in your network, you must manually assign a TFTP server to each phone locally.
User Datagram Protocol (UDP)	UDP is a connectionless messaging protocol for delivery of data packets.	Cisco Unified IP Phones receive and process UDP messages.

Related Topics

•Understanding the Phone Startup Process, page 2-4

•Understanding Interactions with Other Cisco IP Telephony Products, page 2-2

•Modifying DHCP Settings, page 4-13

•Configuring IP Settings, page 4-17

•Configuring TFTP Options, page 4-29

What Features are Supported on the Cisco Unified IP Phone 7905G and 7912G?

The Cisco Unified IP Phone 7905G and 7912G function much like traditional analog phones, allowing you to place and receive telephone calls. In addition to traditional telephony features, the Cisco Unified IP Phones include features that enable you to administer and monitor the phone as a network device.

This section includes the following topics:

•Feature Overview

•Configuring Telephony Features

•Configuring Network Features Using the Cisco Unified IP Phone

•Providing Users with Feature Information

Feature Overview

Cisco Unified IP Phones provide traditional telephony functionality, such as call forwarding and transferring, redialing, speed dialing, conference calling, and voice messaging system access. Cisco Unified IP Phones also provide a variety of other features. For an overview of the telephony features that the Cisco Unified IP Phone 7905G and 7912G support, see the "Telephony Features Using Cisco Unified CallManager Administration" section on page 5-2.

Like other network devices, you must configure the Cisco Unified IP Phones to prepare them to access Cisco Unified CallManager and the rest of the IP network. Using DHCP, you have fewer settings to modify, but you can choose to assign a static IP if your network requires it. For instructions on configuring the network settings on the Cisco Unified IP Phones, see Chapter 4, "Configuring Network Settings on the Cisco Unified IP Phone."

The Cisco Unified IP Phone 7905G and 7912G can integrate with the corporate Lightweight Directory Access Protocol 3 (LDAP3) standard directory to enable users to search for co-workers contact information directly from their IP phones. For information about configuring this feature, see the "Configuring the Corporate Directory" section on page 5-13.

Because the Cisco Unified IP Phone is a network device, you can obtain detailed status information about it. This information can assist you in troubleshooting problems that users might encounter when using their IP phones. See Chapter 7, "Troubleshooting the Cisco Unified IP Phone" for tips on using this information.

Related Topics

•Configuring Network Settings on the Cisco Unified IP Phone, page 4-1

•Configuring Features, Services, Templates, and Users, page 5-1

•Troubleshooting the Cisco Unified IP Phone, page 7-1

Configuring Telephony Features

You can modify additional settings on the Cisco Unified IP Phone from the Cisco Unified CallManager Administration application. Use this web-based application to set up phone registration criteria and calling search spaces, to configure corporate directories, and to modify phone button templates, among other tasks. For more information, see Chapter 5, "Configuring Features, Services, Templates, and Users."

In some places, this manual provides partial instructions for procedures that involve Cisco Unified CallManager Administration. These instructions are intended to point you to the appropriate page in the Cisco Unified CallManager application and to provide some initial guidance.

For more information about the Cisco Unified CallManager Administration application, refer to Cisco Unified CallManager documentation, including Cisco Unified CallManager Administration Guide. You can also use the context-sensitive help that is available within the application. Access context-sensitive help by choosing Help > For this screen from the main menu bar.

You can access the complete Cisco Unified CallManager documentation suite at this location:

http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/voice/c_callmg/index.htm

Related Topic

•Telephony Features Using Cisco Unified CallManager Administration, page 5-2

Configuring Network Features Using the Cisco Unified IP Phone

You can locally configure features such as DHCP, TFTP, and IP settings on the phone itself. You can also obtain statistics about a current call or firmware versions on the phone.

For more information about configuring features and viewing statistics from the phone, see Chapter 4, "Configuring Network Settings on the Cisco Unified IP Phone" and see "Viewing Status, Statistics, Model and Firmware Information on the Cisco Unified IP Phone."

Related Topics

•Configuring Network Settings on the Cisco Unified IP Phone, page 4-1

•Troubleshooting the Cisco Unified IP Phone, page 7-1

Providing Users with Feature Information

If you are a system administrator, you are likely the primary source of information for Cisco Unified IP Phone users in your network or company. To ensure that you distribute the most current feature and procedural information, familiarize yourself with Cisco Unified IP Phone documentation. Make sure to visit the Cisco Unified IP Phone web site:

http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/voice/c_ipphon/index.htm

From this site, you can view and order various user guides, including wallet cards. For complete ordering information, see the "Obtaining Documentation" section on page xvi.

In addition to providing documentation, it is important to inform users of available Cisco Unified IP Phone features—including features specific to your company or network—and of how to access and customize those features, if appropriate.

For a summary of some of the key information that phone users need their system administrators to provide, see "Providing Information to Users Via a Website."

Related Topic

•Providing Information to Users Via a Website

Overview of Configuring and Installing the Cisco Unified IP Phone 7905G and 7912G

When deploying a new IP telephony system, system administrators and network administrators must complete several initial configuration tasks to prepare the network for IP telephony service. For information and a checklist for setting up and configuring a complete Cisco Unified IP telephony network, refer to the "System Configuration Overview" chapter in the Cisco Unified CallManager System Guide.

After you have set up the IP telephony system and configured system-wide features in Cisco Unified CallManager, you can add IP phones to the system.

The following topics provide an overview of procedures for adding Cisco Unified IP Phones to your network:

•Configuring Cisco Unified IP Phones in Cisco Unified CallManager

•Installing Cisco Unified IP Phones

Configuring Cisco Unified IP Phones in Cisco Unified CallManager

To add phones to the Cisco Unified CallManager database, you can use:

•Auto-registration

•Cisco Unified CallManager Administration

•Bulk Administration Tool (BAT)

•BAT and the Tool for Auto-Registered Phones Support (TAPS)

For more information about these choices, see the "Methods for Adding Phones to the Cisco Unified CallManager Database" section on page 2-9.

For general information about configuring phones in Cisco Unified CallManager, refer to the "Cisco Unified IP Phone" chapter in the Cisco Unified CallManager System Guide.

Related Topic

Checklist for Configuring the Cisco Unified IP Phone in Cisco Unified CallManager

Checklist for Configuring the Cisco Unified IP Phone in Cisco Unified CallManager

Table 1-2 provides an overview and checklist of configuration tasks for the Cisco Unified IP Phone 7905G/7912G in Cisco Unified CallManager Administration. The list presents a suggested order to guide you through the phone configuration process. Some tasks are optional, depending on your system and user needs. For detailed procedures and information, refer to the sources in the list.

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Note You can specify additional configuration settings using profile files stored on the TFTP server. For more information, see "Additional Configuration Methods and Parameters."

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Table 1-2 Checklist for Configuring Cisco Unified IP Phone 7905G/7912G in Cisco Unified CallManager 

Task	Purpose	For More Information
1. Gather the following information about the phone: •Phone Model •MAC address •Physical location of the phone •Name or user ID of phone user •Device pool •Calling search space and location information (if used) •Directory number (DN) and partitions to assign to the phone •Cisco Unified CallManager user to associate with the phone •Phone usage information that affects softkey template, phone features, IP Phone services, or phone applications	Provides list of configuration requirements for setting up phones. Identifies preliminary configuration that you need to perform before configuring individual phones, such as phone softkey templates.	Refer to the Cisco Unified CallManager System Guide, Cisco Unified IP Phone chapter. See the "Telephony Features Using Cisco Unified CallManager Administration" section on page 5-2.
2. Add and configure the phone by completing these required fields in the Phone Configuration window: •Phone type •Description (user name or ID) •MAC address •Device pool •Partition •Calling Search Space •Product Specific Configuration •Softkey template (if customized)	Adds the device with its default settings to the Cisco Unified CallManager database.	Refer to the Cisco Unified CallManager Administration Guide, Cisco Unified IP Phone Configuration chapter. For information about Product Specific Configuration fields, refer to "I" Button Help in the Phone Configuration window.
3. Add and configure the directory number on the phone by completing these required fields in the Directory Number Configuration window. •Directory number •Partition •Multiple Calls and Call Waiting •Call Forwarding and Pickup (if used) •Voice Messaging (if used)	Adds primary and secondary directory numbers and features associated with directory numbers to the phone.	Refer to the Cisco Unified CallManager Administration Guide, Cisco Unified IP Phone Configuration chapter: "Adding a Directory Number" section "Creating a Cisco Unity Voice Mailbox" section. See the "Telephony Features Using Cisco Unified CallManager Administration" section on page 5-2.
4. Customize softkey templates (optional).	Adds, deletes, or changes order of softkey features that display on the user's phone to meet feature usage needs.	Refer to the Cisco Unified CallManager Administration Guide, Softkey Template Configuration chapter. See the "Configuring Softkey Templates" section on page 5-14.
5. Configure speed-dial (optional).	Adds speed-dial numbers. Note Users can change speed-dial settings on their phones by using Cisco Unified IP Phone User Options.	Refer to the Cisco Unified CallManager Administration Guide, Cisco Unified IP Phone Configuration chapter, "Configuring Speed-Dial Buttons" section.
6. Configure Cisco Unified IP Phone services and assign services (optional).	Provides IP Phone services. Note Users can add or change services on their phones by using the Cisco Unified IP Phone User Options.	Refer to the Cisco Unified CallManager Administration Guide, Cisco Unified IP Phone Services Configuration chapter. See the "Setting Up Services" section on page 5-14.
7. Assign services to phone (optional).	Provides access to an IP phone service or URL.	Refer to the Cisco Unified CallManager Administration Guide, Cisco Unified IP Phone Configuration chapter, "Adding a Cisco Unified IP Phone Service to a Phone Button" section.
8. Add user information by configuring required fields: (optional). •Name (last) •User ID •Password (for User Options web pages) •PIN (for use with Extension Mobility and Personal Directory	Adds user information to the global directory for Cisco Unified CallManager. Note To search for a user in the Corporate Directory, add user information to Cisco Unified CallManager	Refer to the Cisco Unified CallManager Administration Guide, Adding a New User chapter. See the "Adding Users to Cisco Unified CallManager" section on page 5-15.
9. Associate a user with a phone (optional).	Provides users with control over their phone such as forwarding calls or adding speed-dial numbers or services. Note Some phones, such as those in conference rooms, do not have an associated user.	Refer to the Cisco Unified CallManager Administration Guide, Adding a New User chapter, "Associating Devices to a User" section.

Installing Cisco Unified IP Phones

After you have added the phones to the Cisco Unified CallManager database, you can complete the phone installation. You (or the phone users) can install the phone at the users's location. The Cisco Unified IP Phone Installation Guide that ships in the box with each phone provides directions for connecting the phone handset, cables, and other accessories.

After the phone is connected to the network, the phone startup process begins and the phone registers with Cisco Unified CallManager. To finish installing the phone, configure the network settings on the phone depending on whether you enable or disable DHCP service.

If you used auto-registration, you need to update the specific configuration information for the phone such as associating the phone with a user, changing the softkey template, or directory number.

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Note Before you install a phone, even if it is new, upgrade the phone to the current firmware image. For information about upgrading, refer to the Readme file for your phone, which is located at:
http://www.cisco.com/pcgi-bin/tablebuild.pl/ip-7900ser

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Related Topic

Checklist for Installing the Cisco Unified IP Phone

Checklist for Installing the Cisco Unified IP Phone

Table 1-3 provides an overview and checklist of installation tasks for the Cisco Unified IP Phone 7905G/7912G. The list presents a suggested order to guide you through the phone installation. Some tasks are optional, depending on your system and user needs. For detailed procedures and information, refer to the sources in the list.

Table 1-3 Checklist for Installing the Cisco Unified IP Phone 7905G/7912G 

Task	Purpose	For More Information
1. Choose the power source for the phone: •Power over Ethernet (PoE) •External power supply	Determines how the phone receives power.	See the "Providing Power to the Cisco Unified IP Phone" section on page 2-7.
2. Assemble the phone, adjust phone placement, and connect the network cable.	Locates and installs the phone in the network.	See the "Network and Access Ports" section. See the "Mounting the Phone to the Wall" section.
3. Monitor the Phone StartUp Process.	Verifies that phone is configured properly.	See the "Verifying the Phone Startup Process" section.
4. Configure these network settings on the phone by choosing Settings > Network Configuration. Note Unlock the phone settings before making these changes from the phone. To enable DHCP: •Set DHCP Enabled to Yes. •To use an alternate TFTP server, set Alternate TFTP Server to Yes Enter IP address for TFTP Server 1. To disable DHCP: •Set DHCP Enabled to No. •Enter static IP address for phone. •Enter subnet mask. •Enter default router IP addresses. •Enter domain name where phone resides. •Set Alternate TFTP Server to Yes Enter IP address for TFTP Server 1.	Using DHCP—The IP address is automatically assigned and the Cisco Unified IP Phone is directed to a TFTP Server. Note Consult with the network administrator if you need to assign an alternative TFTP server instead of using the TFTP server assigned by DHCP. Without DHCP—You must configure the IP address, TFTP server, subnet mask, domain name, and default router locally on the phone.	See the "Configuring Startup Network Settings" section. See the "Configuring Network Settings on the Cisco Unified IP Phone" section on page 4-1.
5. Make calls with the Cisco Unified IP Phone.	Verifies that the phone and features work correctly.	Refer to the Cisco Unified IP Phone Guide 7905G/7912G.
6. Provide information to end users about how to use their phones and how to configure their phone options.	Ensures that users have adequate information to successfully use their Cisco Unified IP Phones.	See "Providing Information to Users Via a Website."

Unlocking and Locking Configuration Options

To prevent users from making changes that could affect the operation of a phone, Configuration options in the Network Configuration menu and in the Security Configuration menu are locked by default. You must unlock these options before you can change them and perform many of the procedures that are described in this manual.

When options are inaccessible for modification, a locked padlock icon appears on the Network Configuration Menu. When options are unlocked and accessible for modification, an unlocked padlock icon appears on this menu, as shown below.

To unlock or lock options in the Network Configuration menu or in the Security Configuration, press **# before you display the menu or while the menu i s displayed. This action either locks or unlocks the options, depending on the previous state.

Make sure to lock options after you have made your changes.

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Caution Do not press **# to unlock options and then immediately press **# again to lock options. The phone will interpret this sequence as **#**, which will reset the phone. To lock options after unlocking them, wait at least 10 seconds before you press **# again.

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Related Topics

•Configuration Methods, page 4-2

•Accessing Network Settings through a Phone Configuration Web Page, page 4-2

•Accessing Network Configuration Settings through the Network Configuration Menu, page 4-4