First Published: April 27, 2016

Last Updated: October 24, 2018

Introduction

These release notes contain information about new and changed functionality for Cisco IP Communicator Release 8.6.6.

View the release notes for previous versions of Cisco IP Communicator here: http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/sw/voicesw/ps5475/prod_release_notes_list.html.

Access the latest software upgrades for all versions of Cisco IP Communicator here: http://www.cisco.com/cgi-bin/tablebuild.pl/ip-comm.

These release notes describe new features, requirements, restrictions, and caveats for Cisco IP Communicator. These release notes are updated for every major and maintenance release, but not for patches or hot fixes.

Cisco recommends that you review this document for issues that might affect your system before installing Cisco IP Communicator.

What's New

Release 8.6.6

The following updates have been added to Release 8.6.6:

  • Recording Tone Volume—This release includes the ability to set Recording Tone Volume.

    The feature includes Recording Tone Local Volume and Recording Tone Remote Volume. These settings are configured in Cisco Unified Communications Manager’s Phone Settings page in the Product Specific Configuration Layout table.

    This feature requires Cisco Unified Communications Manager Release 11.5(1) or later. Certificates used on Cisco Unified Communications Manager must use 512-bit, 1024-bit, or 2048-bit keys.

  • This release also includes a number of fixes to functionality, see Resolved Caveats

Release 8.6.5

The following features have been added to Release 8.6.5 of Cisco IP Communicator:
  • Cisco IP Communicator now supports Microsoft Windows 10.

    Note

    Due to changes to Microsoft Internet Explorer on Microsoft Windows 10, if users set Microsoft Internet Explorer as their default browser on Microsoft Windows 10, user must uncheck Enable Protected Mode in Internet Explorer Security settings. If users do not disable Protected Mode, they will not be able to start the Cisco Unified CM Self-Care portal from the Cisco IP Communicator Preferences menu.

  • Cisco IP Communicator now supports Cisco Unified Communications Manager Release 10.5.2.

  • Cisco IP Communicator Release 8.6.5 contains numerous fixes to functionality. See Resolved Caveats.

Release 8.6.4

Release 8.6.4.3

Release 8.6.4.3 has the same features and functionality as Release 8.6.4. Release 8.6.4.3 contains additional fixes to functionality. See Resolved Caveats.

Release 8.6.4.2

Release 8.6.4.2 has the same features and functionality as Release 8.6.4. Release 8.6.4.2 contains additional fixes to functionality. See Resolved Caveats.

Release 8.6.4

The following features have been added to Release 8.6.4 of Cisco IP Communicator:

  • Cisco IP Communicator now supports Microsoft Windows 8.1 Pro and Microsoft Windows 8.1 Enterprise (32-bit and 64-bit architectures).

  • Cisco IP Communicator now supports Cisco Unified Communications Manager Release 10.5.1

  • Cisco IP Communicator now supports Cisco Unified Communications Manager Release 10.0.x.

  • Cisco IP Communicator Release 8.6.4 contains numerous fixes to functionality. See Resolved Caveats.

Release 8.6.3

The following features have been added to Release 8.6.3 of Cisco IP Communicator:

  • Cisco IP Communicator now supports Microsoft Windows 8 Pro and Microsoft 8 Enterprise (32-bit and 64-bit architectures).

    Note

    Cisco IP Communicator does not support Microsoft Windows 8 RT.

    Cisco IP Communicator is not available in a Metro version. It can only be used through the Windows desktop.
  • Cisco IP Communicator now supports Cisco Unified Communications Manager Release 9.1.x.

  • Ability to change working files output location:

    The location of local and roaming data files can now be configured in Cisco IP Communicator. This includes information such as the device configuration, audio tuning wizard preferences, and log files. Perform the following procedure to configure a custom location for this information:

    1. Create new environment variables or use existing system variables (you can have separate variables for local and roaming files).
    2. Enter the following MSI command: 
      msiexec /i
CiscoIPCommunicatorSetup.msi
APPDATAVARIABLENAME="NameOfAppDataVariable"
LOCALAPPDATAVARIABLENAME="NameOfLocalAppDataVariable"

Release 8.6.2

Operating in Hidden Mode

Release 8.6.2 allows Cisco IP Communicator to run in a hidden mode. When running in hidden mode, Cisco IP Communicator will start without the splash screen and without showing the default or compact mode user interface. The Cisco IP Communicator icon will show in the system tray only, and the menu for the icon will contain an Exit option only.

To start Cisco IP Communicator in hidden mode:

  1. Install Cisco IP Communicator by entering the following at the command line:

    msiexec /i CiscoIPCommunicatorSetup.msi DISABLESKINSMENU=1

  2. In the registry, enter the following setting: 

    dword : EnableSkinsMenu

  3. Set the EnableSkinsMenu value to 0.

  4. Go to the location where Cisco IP Communicator is installed and rename communicatork9.exe to communicatork9.exe -hide.

  5. Run the application.

To exit Cisco IP Communicator in hidden mode, enter the following at the command line:

Run "communicatork9.exe -hide -exit"

System Requirements

Network Requirements

For Cisco IP Communicator to successfully operate, your network must meet these requirements:

  • You must configure voice over IP (VoIP) on your Cisco routers and gateways.
  • If Cisco IP Communicator is behind a firewall, you must open ports in the firewall. For details about the TCP and UDP port usage for Cisco Unified Communications Manager, see this URL: http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/sw/voicesw/ps556/prod_maintenance_guides_list.html

  • Your IP network must support DHCP with Cisco Option 150 configured with your TFTP server addresses if you want Cisco Unified Communications Manager to auto-locate its TFTP server.

  • To integrate with Cisco Unified Video Advantage, see the Supported Cisco Unified Communications Manager Releases for the minimum Cisco Unified Communications Manager release.

  • To integrate with Cisco Emergency Responder (CER), you need an available Ethernet port on a Cisco Ethernet switch. For details, see the Cisco Emergency Responder Administrator Guide.


Note

If the computer on which Cisco IP Communicator is running is plugged into the PC port on the back of a Cisco Unified IP Phone, Cisco IP Communicator will not be discovered by the CER software. In this case, the Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP) will be blocked and will not be detected by CER. Connecting Cisco IP Communicator directly to a switch port prevents this problem.

Server Requirements

Cisco IP Communicator requires Cisco Unified Communications Manager or Cisco Unified Communications Manager Express for call processing. Before you deploy Cisco IP Communicator to users, make sure that Cisco Unified Communications Manager or Cisco Unified Communications Manager Express is set up properly to manage Cisco IP Communicator devices and to route and process calls. For more information, see the Cisco Unified Communications Manager Administration Guide or context-sensitive help in Cisco Unified Communications Manager Administration.

For an overview of configuration and deployment tasks involving Cisco Unified Communications Manager and Cisco Unified Communications Manager Express, see the Cisco IP Communicator administration guide at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/sw/voicesw/ps5475/prod_maintenance_guides_list.html

Supported Cisco Unified Communications Manager Releases

You must be running Cisco Unified Communications Manager Release 8.6 or later to fully use all Cisco IP Communicator Release 8.6 functionality.


Note

Cisco Unified Communications Manager was formerly known as Cisco Unified CallManager.

  • Cisco Unified Communications Manager Release 11.5.1

  • Cisco Unified Communications Manager Release 10.5.2

  • Cisco Unified Communications Manager Release 10.5.1

  • Cisco Unified Communications Manager Release 10.0.x

  • Cisco Unified Communications Manager Release 9.1.x

  • Cisco Unified Communications Manager Release 8.6.1 to 8.6.3

  • Cisco Unified Communications Manager Release 8.5.1

  • Cisco Unified Communications Manager Release 8.0

  • Cisco Unified Communications Manager Release 7.1x

  • Cisco Unified Communications Manager Release 7.0

  • Cisco Unified Communications Manager Release 6.1.x

  • Cisco Unified CallManager Release 4.3 (SCCP only)

Cisco Unified CallManager release 4.3 is the minimum release with or without Cisco Unified Video Advantage integration. For details about client PC requirements when running Cisco IP Communicator with Cisco Unified Video Advantage, see Network Requirements.

Interoperability Notes

These interoperability notes apply:

  • Even though Cisco IP Communicator is based on the Cisco IP Phone 7970 firmware for Cisco Unified Communications Manager Release 8.5, it does not support all of the features introduced with Cisco Unified Communications Manager Release 8.0 or later. Similarly, some features might not be available when registering Cisco IP Communicator with Cisco Unified Communications Manager Express.
  • Cisco IP Communicator is not supported with Cisco Unified Communications Manager Assistant (formerly known as Cisco Unified CallManager Assistant and Cisco IP Manager Assistant [IPMA]).
  • Cisco IP Communicator does not interoperate with WebDialer.
  • When Cisco IP Communicator is using SIP as its call-control protocol, it does not interoperate with Cisco Unified Video Advantage.

Supported Cisco Unified Communications Manager Express Releases

Cisco IP Communicator Release 8.6 supports the following:

  • Cisco Unified Communications Manager Express version 7.1 (nonsecured SCCP only)

Supported Cisco Unified Survivable Remote Site Telephone Releases

Cisco IP Communicator Release 8.6 supports the following:

  • Cisco Unified Survivable Remote Site Telephony Release 7.1 (nonsecured SCCP only)

Client PC Requirements

The client PC on which you install Cisco IP Communicator must meet the requirements in the following sections:

Platform Requirements

The following table lists PC requirements and the operating systems on which Cisco IP Communicator runs.


Note
  • Cisco IP Communicator does not support Windows Vista or Windows 7 Fast User Switching.
  • Cisco IP Communicator is not supported in VMWare, Citrix, Terminal Services, Remote Desktop, or other thin client environments.
  • Cisco IP Communicator is supported only Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10. Cisco IP Communicator supports x86-based processors running a 32-bit OS; 64-bit OSs are supported on Windows 7 (WoW64) and Windows 8. This integration runs as a 32-bit application in 64-bit versions of Windows 7 and Windows 8. All other supported operating systems are 32-bit only.

Important
Cisco IP Communicator 8.6.4 does not support Microsoft Windows XP. Cisco IP Communicator 8.6.3 is the last version to support Windows XP.
Table 1. Minimum and Recommended Requirements for Cisco IP Communicator

Item

Description

Internal Hardware (Microsoft Windows 10)

  • Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster
  • Hard disk space: 16 GB (32-bit) /20 GB (64-bit)
  • Memory:

    • New device: 2 gigabyte (GB) for 32-bit or 64-bit

    • Update: 1 gigabyte (GB) for 32-bit or 2 GB for 64-bit

  • 200 MB free disk space
  • Graphics card: DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver
  • Display: 800 x 600 screen resolution
Note 

Due to changes to Microsoft Internet Explorer on Microsoft Windows 10, if users set Microsoft Internet Explorer as their default browser on Microsoft Windows 10, user must uncheck Enable Protected Mode in Internet Explorer Security settings. If users do not disable Protected Mode, they will not be able to start the Cisco Unified CM Self-Care portal from the Cisco IP Communicator Preferences menu.

Internal Hardware (Microsoft Windows 8.1)
  • Microsoft Windows 8.1 Pro or Windows 8.1 Enterprise (32-bit or 64-bit)

  • Performance scores of 3 or higher

    • Hardware in computers running Microsoft Windows 8.1 and Cisco IP Communicator using video must have a base score of 3 or higher.

  • Disk space: 200 MB free disk space
  • Memory: 3 GB RAM
  • A non-ISA full-duplex sound card (integrated or PCI-based) or USB sound device
  • A 10/100 Mbps Ethernet network interface card
  • SVGA video card
  • 800 x 600 x16-bit screen resolution (1024 x 768 x 16-bit or better recommended)

Internal Hardware (Microsoft Windows 8)
  • Microsoft Windows 8 Pro or Windows 8 Enterprise (32-bit or 64-bit)

  • Performance scores of 3 or higher

    • Hardware in computers running Microsoft Windows 8 and Cisco IP Communicator using video must have a base score of 3 or higher. Run the performance tool by selecting Start > Control Panel and clicking Performance Information and Tools. The Control Panel is also accessible by selecting the search box in the right corner and typing control panel.

    • The subscores for Memory (RAM), Graphics, and Gaming Graphics must be 3 or higher.

  • Disk space: 200 MB free disk space
  • Memory: 3 GB RAM
  • A non-ISA full-duplex sound card (integrated or PCI-based) or USB sound device
  • A 10/100 Mbps Ethernet network interface card
  • SVGA video card
  • 800 x 600 x16-bit screen resolution (1024 x 768 x 16-bit or better recommended)

Internal Hardware (Microsoft Windows 7)

  • Microsoft Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate 32-bit and 64-bit

  • Microsoft Windows 7 Service Pack 1

  • Performance scores of 3 or higher

    • Hardware in computers running Microsoft Windows 7 and Cisco IP Communicator using video must have a base score of 3 or higher. Run the performance tool by choosing Start > Control Panel and clicking Performance Information and Tools.

    • The subscores for Memory (RAM), Graphics, and Gaming Graphics must be 3 or higher.

  • Disk space: 200 MB free disk space

  • Memory: 2 GB RAM (3 GB RAM recommended for 64-bit OS)

  • A non-ISA full-duplex sound card (integrated or PCI-based) or USB sound device

  • A 10/100 Mbps Ethernet network interface card

  • SVGA video card

  • 800 x 600 x16-bit screen resolution (1024 x 768 x 16-bit or better recommended)

Internal Hardware (Microsoft Windows Vista)

  • Microsoft Windows Vista Business Edition, Enterprise Edition, and Ultimate

  • Windows Vista Service Packs 1 (SP1) and 2 (SP2)

  • A Microsoft Vista Premium Ready PC. For details about the minimum hardware requirements for Windows Vista (in addition to the requirements in this table), search for Premium Ready PC on the Microsoft website or see this URL: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/919183

  • Cisco IP Communicator supports x86-based processors running a 32-bit OS; 64-bit OSs areonlysupported on Windows 7 (WoW64). All other supported operating systems are 32-bit only.

  • Performance scores of 3 or higher

    • Hardware in computers running Microsoft Vista and Cisco IP Communicator using Cisco Unified Video Advantage must have a base score of 3 or higher. Run the performance tool by choosing Start > Control Panel and clicking Performance and Rating.

    • The subscores for Memory (RAM), Graphics, and Gaming Graphics must be 3 or higher.

  • Disk space: 200 MB free disk space

  • Memory: 2 GB RAM (see the software row in this table for the supported Vista OSs)

  • A non-ISA full-duplex sound card (integrated or PCI-based) or USB sound device

  • A 10/100 Mbps Ethernet network interface card

  • SVGA video card

  • 800 x 600 x16-bit screen resolution (1024 x 768 x 16-bit or better recommended)

Software

  • Microsoft Windows 8.1 Professional or Enterprise

  • Microsoft Windows 8 Professional or Enterprise

  • Microsoft Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate with or without Service Pack 1

  • Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate, Vista Business Edition, or Enterprise Edition with or without Service Packs 1 or 2

  • If running Cisco VPN Client software, version 5.0 or later is required

  • If running Cisco AnyConnect, version 3.0 or later is required

USB Headsets and Handsets

Optional. See Supported Audio Devices.

Connectivity

128 kbps or faster network connection is recommended.

  • Adding Cisco Unified Video Advantage, connection of 384 kbps or faster is required.

The following table lists the requirements for Cisco IP Communicator operating with Cisco Unified Video Advantage.

Item

Description

Internal Hardware

Laptops:

  • Pentium M 1.5 GHz or higher compatible processor (Streaming SIMD Extensions support required); 1.7 GHz Pentium M or higher recommended

Microsoft Windows Vista

  • Requires Cisco Unified Video Advantage minimum version 2.1.x

For details about video hardware requirements, see the Cisco Unified Video Advantage release notes at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/sw/voicesw/ps5662/prod_release_notes_list.html

Software
  • If running Cisco VPN Client software, version 5.0 or later is required.
  • Cisco AnyConnect 3.0 or later.

USB Headsets and Handsets

Optional. See Supported Audio Devices.

Video Telephony Cameras

For details about cameras supported for use with Cisco IP Communicator and Cisco Unified Video Advantage, see the Cisco Unified Video Advantage release notes at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/sw/voicesw/ps5662/prod_release_notes_list.html

Connectivity

384 kbps network connection

Note

Using video with Cisco IP Communicator over a corporate wireless LAN can result in poor audio and video quality. Video calls can be placed or received on a remote wireless LAN connection with a minimum broadband link of 384kbps/384kbps. For best results, we recommend that you use video over a wired Ethernet connection whenever possible.

Supported Audio Devices

While Cisco does perform basic testing of selected third-party headsets and handsets for use with Cisco IP Communicator, it is ultimately the customer's responsibility to test this equipment in their own environment to determine suitable performance. Due to the many inherent environmental and hardware differences in locations where Cisco IP Communicator is deployed, there is not a single best solution that is optimal for all environments.

Cisco provides integration with the following Jabra headsets as a convenience for our customers:

  • Jabra PRO 9400 series: PRO9450, PRO9460 mono, PRO 9460 duo, PRO9465 duo, PRO9470.
  • Jabra BIZ2400 USB
  • Jabra Speak410
  • Jabra Link series: Link280, Link220
  • Jabra GO6430
  • The Jabra GN2100 and GN2000 are still active; Cisco recommends the BIZ2400 and UC Voice 550 as alternatives.

Release 7.0(3) updated the GNNetcomHeadset.dll to fix an issue with the synchronization of the Jabra GN 9350 and Cisco IP Communicator (CSCsi32794). This also may result in a change of button behavior on the GN9300 series devices.Cisco recommends using the Jabra PRO9450 as an alternative.

Cisco provides the GN Netcom Jabra USB driver as a convenience for our customers to achieve plug-and-play functionality for some headset models. Cisco offers no warranties about the support of those headsets. All support questions should be directed to GN Netcom.

Cisco also provides integration with the following Plantronics headsets as a convenience for our customers:

  • Blackwire USB wired headset family.
  • Calisto USB handset/speakerphone family.
  • CS50 and CS60 USB wireless headset system family.
  • DA45 USB adapter family for use with Plantronics H-series headsets, also known as H-top headsets.
  • Savi Office wireless headset system family, DECT.
  • Voyager PRO UC Bluetooth headset system family.

Cisco offers no warranties about the support of those headsets. All support questions should be directed to Plantronics.

For information about supported devices, see this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/voicesw/ps6788/phones/ps5475/prod_bulletin0900aecd800f4564.html

See also Important Notes for information about the Audio Tuning Wizard.

Using Cisco IP Communicator with Recording Servers (CSCud46184)

Cisco supports the following Plantronics UC devices for use with Cisco IP Communicator in a deployment with a recording server:

  • BW C420

  • BW C610/620

  • DA40 (basic analog to USB adapter, no inline controls)

  • DA45 (inline volume/mute answer/end controls)

  • Savi 700 series (Replaced Savi Office)

  • Savi 400 series (USB DECT adapter with current firmware version118)

  • BT300 (USB Bluetooth adapter)

  • Calisto P620 (USB Bluetooth speakerphone)

  • Calisto P800 series (speakerphone w/dial-pad)

The following devices are not recommended for deployments with recording servers:

  • BW 210/220 (Replaced by BW C300 series)

  • BW C310/320

  • DA55/60

  • Savi Office (Replaced by Savi 700 series)

  • CS50-USB


Note
Playback of audio recordings may be out of of sync if the audio device input or mic sampling rate is configured to 44100 Hz. In order to prevent this issue, set the mic sampling rate to one of the following values:

  • 8000 Hz

  • 16000 Hz

  • 32000 Hz

  • 48000 Hz

Supported Audio Formats

Cisco IP Communicator supports the following audio formats:

  • Internet Speech Audio Codec (iSAC)

  • iLBC

  • G.711a

  • G.711u

  • G.722

  • G.729a

  • G.729ab (SCCP only)


Note

The Cisco linear wideband audio codec (uncompressed wideband, 16 bits, 16 k hz) is not supported.


Note

When the option "Optimized for Low Bandwidth" is enabled, the following audio codecs are used: iLBC, G.729a, and G.729ab.

Supported VPN Software Client Notes

  • If running Cisco VPN Client software, version 5.0 or later is required.
  • If running Cisco AnyConnect software, version 3.0 or later is required.
  • The VPN client must assign an IP Address when connecting using VPN. Cisco IP Communicator only works with the VPN Software that creates a virtual interface and has an IP Address allocated to it. (CSCso09529)

Unsupported Appliances

Cisco IP Communicator is not supported with Cisco® ASA 5500 Series Adaptive Security Appliances with Phone Proxy for Remote Access.

Voice Quality

Cisco IP Communicator is designed to provide premium voice quality under a variety of conditions; however, in some instances users may notice interruptions of audio transmission or temporary audio distortions ("Artifacts") which are considered a normal part of the applications operation.

These artifacts should be infrequent and temporary when using:

  • Cisco IP Communicator on a workstation meeting the recommended configuration requirements.
  • A network that meets the recommended quality criteria in the Cisco Unified Communication Solution Reference Design Document.

We take reasonable measures to interface with the operating system in ways that decrease the likelihood that other applications running on the system will interfere with softphone audio and video quality. However, the shared nature of system environments in which these products run is very different than a closed environment like Cisco IP Phones and we cannot guarantee equivalent performance.

The following are some conditions that may cause artifacts:

  • Spike in usage of the personal computer's CPU - where CPU utilization is between 75 and 100% - due to launching applications, system processes or processing happening within other applications running.
  • The system is running low on available physical memory.
  • Other applications using large amounts of bandwidth to or from the workstation to the network.
  • Other network bandwidth impairments.
  • Dynamic reduction in CPU clock speed due to power management policy (for example, laptops running on battery power) or thermal protection causing the CPU to run in a more highly loaded condition.
  • Any other condition that causes the application to lose timely access to the network or audio system, for example, interference from third-party software.

Avoiding or recovering from the conditions previously listed will help minimize audio distortion artifacts.

Related Documentation

For complete documentation for Cisco IP Communicator, see the documentation guide at:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/sw/voicesw/ps5475/products_documentation_roadmaps_list.html

For information about Cisco’s standard Limited Warranty policy, see the documentation available at:

http://www.cisco.com/en/us/products/prod_warranties_listing.html

Cisco Unified Video Advantage

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/sw/voicesw/ps5662/tsd_products_support_series_home.html

Cisco Unified Communications Manager

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/sw/voicesw/ps556/tsd_products_support_series_home.html

Cisco Unified Communications Manager Business Edition

http://cisco.com/en/US/products/ps7273/tsd_products_support_series_home.html

Cisco Unified Communications Manager Express

http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/unified-communications/unified-communications-manager-express/tsd-products-support-series-home.html

New and Changed Information

Installation Notes

  • AutoUpdate: As of release version 2.x, Cisco IP Communicator does not support AutoUpdate functionality provided in any release of Cisco Unified Communications Manager. You must use a software deployment tool and the Cisco IP Communicator installer to update the application.

    If you previously specified a default or nondefault software load in Cisco Unified Communications Manager on the Device Defaults Configuration window, you must remove it.

  • Windows Vista Sound Control Panel issues:
    • If you rename an audio device through the Sound Control Panel after tuning it, it might need to be retuned the next time you use Cisco IP Communicator. (CSCsi24821)
  • With a Windows Vista installation you must disable the UAC setting in the user account for Cisco IP Communicator to send DSCP marking information (CSCta28077) or use a Windows policy-based QoS (CSCti25333).
  • Cisco IP Communicator freezes intermittently when the Windows Search Service is running. (CSCtd04400)
  • In order for Cisco IP Communicator to operate with an ASA proxy, Cisco IP Communicator must provision an LSC certificate from a Cisco Unified Communications Manager in mixed mode.

For details about these issues and possible workarounds, see Using the Bug Toolkit.

Self Care Portal

Cisco IP Communicator 8.6.4 introduces support for Cisco Unified Communications Manager 10.0. Cisco Unified Communications Manager 10.0 replaces User Option pages with the Self Care Portal. The Self Care Portal contains all of the features and functionality of User Option pages. This section introduces the interface and give information on where to find the user guide.

General Appearance

The user interface of the Self Care Portal differs from the User Option pages available in previous versions of Cisco Unified Communications Manager. The following example illustrates the User Options pages available before Cisco Unified Communications Manager 10.0



The following example illustrates the Self Care Portal.



Additional Information

Refer to the Cisco Unified Communications Self Care Portal User Guide, Release 10.0.0 for additional procedures and information about the Self Care Portal.

Limitations and Restrictions

Review the following table before working with Cisco IP Communicator. These are known limitations that will not be fixed, and there is not always a workaround. Some features might not work as documented, and some features could be affected by recent changes to the product.

For more information about an individual limitation, including workarounds, click the associated identifier in the table to access the online record in Bug Toolkit for that defect. (For information about accessing Bug Toolkit, see Using the Bug Toolkit).

For information about open caveats, see Open Caveats.

Closed Caveats for Cisco IP Communicator

ID Severity Component Headline
CSCsi88016 2 audio AUDIO: One-way audio observed with Aventail VPN client.
CSCsq99315 2 phone features Application exits when joining MeetingPlace using pre-5.x VPN clients.
CSCtj23031 3 audio tuning wizard Audio Tuning Wizard doesn't set the volume in a proper way. Refer to Important Notes for additional information.
CSCsu60059 3 audio Garbled audio if resource-intensive applications are in use during call.
CSCsk14513 3 phone features DSCP value is 000000 when QoS Packet Scheduler is disabled/not installed.
CSCsy57518 3 security Secure CIPC registers only if all nodes from CM group are up.
CSCsi24821 3 user interface VISTA: Renaming Audio Device Causes ATW Message at CIPC Start.
CSCsk09258 3 user interface Hangs at startup when using Vista and hardware firewall is configured.
CSCso05786 3 user interface Unable to access services URL when using Vista and WINRM is configured.
CSCsc37315 3 userinterface Dragging vcard from outlook messages does not work.
CSCud46184 3 audio Audio dev w/ 44.1kHz input sample rate results in out of synch recording
CSCec18527 4 userinterface USER INTERFACE: numbers entered in text fields cause letter popups
CSCed96205 4 atw AUDIO: No option to adjust mic gain for some bluetooth headsets
CSCsa60614 4 userinterface Selecting User Options goes to wrong page when connected to CCME
CSCsg04698 4 phonefeatures IPPM Characters Get Swapped During Typing
CSCsh61958 4 userinterface Provide Visual Indication That CIPC Does Not Have Focus
CSCso09529 4 cipc docs CIPC does not support Layer 2 VPN on Windows Vista.
CSCsr54100 4 phone features Ring tone is not preserved after an upgrade from 2.x to 7.x.
CSCsy30090 4 userinterface Softkey for Cancel Call Waiting displays.
CSCta40631 4 userinterface ConfLst button does not show anything when CIPC is in conference in CME.
CSCti30750 4 other CIPC takes long time to register/reset when proxy-server in IE is set.
CSCtx18810 4 cipc-docs CIPC does not support secure EM (HTTPS login for EM).
CSCue02849 4 audio Only the Default Windows Audio Device option is avail in Audio settings
CSCtd04400 5 phonefeatures App freezes intermittently when Windows Search Service is running.
CSCsg16138 6 userinterface Enter and Esc keys should be context sensitive
CSCsw83332 6 phonefeatures CIPC needs more logging regarding softkeys
CSCtz83705 6 phonefeatures Does not determine media is disconnected in Call Preservation mode

Important Notes

IMPORTANT NOTICE - PLEASE READ: During an emergency, softphone technology may not provide the most timely or accurate location data if used for a 911 emergency call. Calls may be misdirected to the wrong emergency response center or the emergency response center may make errors when determining your location. USE A SOFTPHONE ONLY AT YOUR OWN RISK DURING AN EMERGENCY. Cisco will not be liable for resulting errors or delays.

Microsoft Windows XP Support

Cisco IP Communicator 8.6.3 is the last version to support Microsoft Windows XP.

Application Dial Rules

Please note that application dial rules apply only to the Quick Search feature in Cisco IP Communicator.

Audio Ducking

Cisco IP Communicator does not support audio ducking.

Audio Port Range Settings

The ability to set your audio port range in Cisco IP Communicator applies only to SCCP. To set the audio port range in an SIP environment, you must change the settings of the assigned SIP profile in the Cisco Unified Communications Manager administration page.

Audio Tuning Wizard Limitations- Default Audio Device

The Audio Tuning Wizard does not provide the option of selecting a specific external device such as a headset; only the Windows default device. (CSCue02849)

Audio Tuning Wizard Limitations- Volume Adjustment

The Audio Tuning Wizard launches automatically and guides users through the process of selecting and tuning installed audio devices. The Audio Tuning Wizard is not intended to support volume adjustment during an active session. To adjust the volume of your audio device with Cisco IP Communicator in an active session, use the Volume Up/Down on the client to adjust and save volume settings.

If you do use the Audio Tuning Wizard to adjust the volume of an audio device during an active session, Cisco IP Communicator must be restarted for settings to become active. (CSCtj23031)

Cisco Unified Commuications Manager Settings Access Device-Specific Phone Configuration

If the Settings Access Device-Specific Phone Configuration parameter in Cisco Unified Communications Manager is set to Disabled, this can prevent changing some Network and Audio preferences in the Cisco IP Communicator preferences (CSCsd66179). Check your Cisco Unified Commuications Manager configuration if these preferences are not adjustable in Cisco IP Communicator.

Cisco Jabber

Cisco IP Communicator is not supported as a controlled device in Jabber when using your desk phone for calls.

Double Ringback Issue

When Cisco IP Communicator receives both 183 (with SDP) and 180 (without SDP) message it is generating ringback locally as well as providing the called party ringback. (CSCug30924). This issue will be resolved in a future release.

One-Way Audio During CPU Stress Tests

If you conduct a sustained MMX/ SSE load test or CPU stress test while Cisco IP Communicator is running, you may experience one-way audio until CPU availability resumes.

Quick Search Limitations

Quick Search in Cisco IP Communicator does not support searching the Personal Directory held in Cisco Unified Commuications Manager, including Cisco Unified Commuications Manager installed over Linux.

VQoS Metrics

Cisco IP Communicator does not report VQoS parameters consistently to Cisco Unified Communications Manager, resulting in "NULL" values in CMR reports. As a result, Cisco IP Communicator does not support VQoS metrics (CSCsv65308).

Caveats

Because defect status continually changes, be aware that the tables reflect a snapshot of the defects that were open at the time this release note was issued. For more information about an individual defect, click the associated identifier in the table to access the online record for that defect, including workarounds. For an updated view of open defects, access the Bug Toolkit.

Bug Search Tool

Known problems (bugs) are graded according to severity level. These release notes contain descriptions of the following:

  • All severity level 1 or 2 bugs

  • Significant severity level 3 bugs

  • All customer-found bugs except severity level 6 enhancement requests

You can search for problems by using the Cisco Software Bug Search Tool.

Before You Begin

To access Bug Search Tool, you need the following items:

  • Internet connection

  • Web browser

  • Cisco.com user ID and password

Procedure

Step 1

To access the Bug Search Tool, go to https://tools.cisco.com/bugsearch/search.

Step 2

Sign in with your Cisco.com user ID and password.

Step 3

To look for information about a specific problem, enter the bug ID number in the Search for field, then press Enter.

What to do next

For information about how to use the Bug Search Tool, select Help on the Bug Search Tool screen.

Using the Bug Toolkit

Known problems (bugs) are graded according to severity level. These release notes contain descriptions of the following:

  • All severity level 1 or 2 bugs.
  • Significant severity level 3 bugs.
  • All customer-found bugs.

Before You Begin

You can search for problems by using the Cisco Software Bug Toolkit. To access the Toolkit, you need these items:

  • Internet connection
  • Web browser
  • Cisco.com user ID and password

Procedure

  1. To access the Bug Toolkit, go to http://tools.cisco.com/Support/BugToolKit/action.do?hdnAction=searchBugs.
  2. Log on with your Cisco.com user ID and password.
  3. Enter the ID number in the "Search for Bug ID" field, and click Go to look for information about a specific problem.

For information about how to search for bugs, create saved searches, and create bug groups, click Help in the Bug Toolkit page.

Open Caveats

The caveats in the following table describe possible unexpected behavior in the latest Cisco IP Communicator release. These caveats may also be open in previous releases. Caveats are listed in order by severity, then in alphanumeric order by identifier.

Table 2. Open Cisco IP Communicator Caveats
ID Severity Component Headline
CSCtz08907 3 phonefeatures CUCMBE3K: CIPC Soft Key shows iDivert instead Divert.
CSCup89965 4 phonefeatures CIPC needs 2 minutes to register himself after changing adapter
CSCuy76660 4 other CIPC does not update the contact header after Network Event
CSCty89863 6 phonefeatures CIPC cannot dynamically select the active Network Card (Wired or wireless).
CSCus36295 6 phonefeatures CIPC install should include the changes for the hidden mode usage

Resolved Caveats

This section lists caveats that are resolved but that may have been open in previous releases. Caveats are listed in order by severity, then in alphanumeric order by identifier. The following releases are covered:

Release 8.6.1

The following table lists the caveats resolved in Release 8.6.1.

ID

Severity

Component

Headline

CSCtl18743

2

audio

CIPC audio fails on first call with DSCP enabled.

CSCtn78002

3

audio

Incorrect payload type for comfort noise packets when using G722.

CSCti99602

3

cdp

CIPC one way audio after network outage. 0.0.0.0 in ORCAck.

CSCtj02176

3

cdp

IP Communicator: CDP Installation Prompt to Install CDP Driver.

CSCtj30856

3

cdp

CIPC caused BSOD once during the installation.

CSCsb96275

3

installer

L10N: Need to include default english strings in all supported CCM.

CSCtk03579

4

cipc-docs

Documentation error in the CIPC 2.0 Administration Guide.

CSCtk76525

4

other

"COM Surrogate stopped working" message box is prompted when exiting.

CSCtj32075

4

phonefeatures

IP Comm. goes Not Responding after prev exit during audio initialization.

CSCsv63788

6

phonefeatures

CIPC E.164 "+" is NOT supported.

CSCsz68437

6

phonefeatures

CIPC (7.0.2)does not support Globalized Call Routing /Localized Call.

CSCte84749

6

phonefeatures

ALL-LANG:CIPC:UI: Olsen time zones not supported, only legacy time zones.

CSCtj37861

6

phonefeatures

RTCP is sent by CIPC even though it is disabled in CUCM.

CSCtg47522

6

sccp-protocol

SCCP CIPC and IP Phone 7970 will not failover to SRST 8.0/8.1.

CSCti40315

6

sccp-protocol

Multiple SCCP on/off-hook messages sent to CUCM w/ Plantronics device.

Release 8.6.2

The following table lists the caveats resolved in Release 8.6.2.

ID

Severity

Component

Headline

CSCtr39061

2

phonefeatures

Customer stream is being conf into the local (agent) recording stream.

CSCts11552

2

phonefeatures

Supervisor can't hear customer after he does the HOLD/RESUME of Mon call.

CSCts52503

2

phonefeatures

CIPC Sends empty RTP (no voice) packets to recorder after a conference.

CSCtt01052

2

sip-protocol

DND Option can not be changed for IP Communicator.

CSCtt15397

2

security

CIPC crashes when configured as a secured device.

CSCtz01471

2

security

Certificate Trust List not verified by IP Communicator.

CSCts11852

3

userinterface

CIPC halt in blank during startup due to corrupted registry.

CSCts16694

3

security

IP Phone SSH credentials in clear text.

CSCtw61651

3

installer

TFTP property is not being set at install time due to UAC.

CSCtx80563

3

audio

Intermittently, CIPC users face one way audio issue.

CSCty14589

3

audio

One-way audio--InitializeReceiveSocket failed to bind to the RTP socket.

CSCty45699

3

audio

Unable to change volume on CIPC 8.6(1.13).

CSCtz33627

3

phonefeatures

CIPC 8.6 Unable to startup CIPC in headset mode.

CSCtz35916

3

phonefeatures

correct QED for CIPC device to show security by default is not supported.

CSCua17159

3

audio

CIPC hangs when entering ATT Conference Bridge.

CSCtn73545

4

audio

One-way audio under specific CPU stress test on specific OS.

CSCtn96337

4

audio

Supervisor may not hear monitored device if iSAC codec used.

CSCty14497

4

third-party

Update JRE to address possible vulnerability issues.

CSCty49380

4

other

Launching CIPC w/ "-hide" switch shows the UI when in hidden mode.

CSCth43215

6

phonefeatures

CIPC should support "Size Safe" and "Feature Safe" Button Templates.

CSCtn61400

6

userinterface

Indication needed that GUI setting for port range applies only to SCCP.

CSCto59560

6

audio

Request to have an option to disable CIPC's capability to set the volume.

CSCtq55039

6

userinterface

Request for an option to disable the keyboard input.

CSCts52546

6

userinterface

Request to disable the Skins and Screen Only menu.

CSCts64108

6

sip-protocol

SIP CIPC Redirected Number is not displayed during Callforward.

CSCts79863

6

userinterface

"No splash screen" option in CIPC.

CSCty85952

6

cipc-docs

Only Quick Search feature in CIPC uses Application Dial Rules.

CSCty85964

6

cipc-docs

Quick Search of Personal Dir. is not supported with Linux-based CUCM.

CSCtz75016

6

userinterface

CIPC - Option to exit via command-line.

Release 8.6.3

The following table lists the caveats resolved in Release 8.6.3.

ID

Severity

Component

Headline

CSCts14642

3

phonefeatures

IP Communicator does not support vQOS Metrics, should be documented.

CSCua46584

3

localization

JPN: CIPC: MBCS service names are garbled.

CSCud94019

3

phonefeatures

CUCM Unified Reporting tool incorrectly mentions that CIPC supports EMCC.

CSCue25688

3

phonefeatures

No login screen displayed when HTTPS url is populated in EM service.

CSCse70370

4

cipc-docs

Document Settings Access in CUCM Help.

CSCtz99151

4

cipc-docs

Need to clarify how to save volume settings.

CSCtz04687

4

userinterface

CUVA with CIPC switching between headset and speaker ends video.

CSCub42417

4

cipc-docs

CIPC Release notes shows different minimum required versions of AnyConnect.

CSCtn71943

6

cipc-docs

More technical troubleshooting tips required.

CSCua32450

6

phonefeatures

CIPC option CLI to disable Plantronics DLL integration during install.

CSCuc34427

6

other

Idea Celluar - Request to remove the about option.

CSCud75236

6

handsetapi

Appy miscellaneous fixes/enhancements to the Plantronics handset API DLL.

CSCue43685

6

other

Add capability to change file location from user appdata to another one.

CSCue49098

6

third-party

Update JRE to version 1.6.0_38.

Release 8.6.4

The following table lists the caveats resolved in Release 8.6.4.

ID

Severity

Component

Headline

CSCum02994

2

phonefeatures

CIPC 8.6.3 - Choppy Audio when BIB Recording is Enabled

CSCug30924

3

audio

CIPC with 2 ringback tones

CSCuj47758

3

phonefeatures

CIPC dropping calls while retrieving voicemail

CSCuh48865

4

phonefeatures

CIPC 8.6.3 issue with the 'hide' option

CSCuh79597

4

userinterface

Device Configuration page does not show the CUCM IP address

CSCuj10863

4

third-party

Assertion failed error message when picking up call for CIPC (also includes support for new Plantronics devices)

CSCsf11116

4

userinterface

Toast Windows Creep Up Screen When Another Toast Is Open

CSCui01099

6

phonefeatures

Disable "Preference" Menu on Cisco IP Communicator via registry

Release 8.6.4.2

The following table lists the caveats resolved in Release 8.6.4.2.

ID

Severity

Component

Headline

CSCup16651

2

sip-protocol

Max TCP connections reached on SIP CIPC resulting in delayed responses

CSCuq01675

4

audio

CIPC Mediatermination thread stuck for 10s or 20s when BIB is on

Release 8.6.4.3

The following table lists the caveats resolved in Release 8.6.4.3.

ID

Severity

Component

Headline

CSCuq30757

3

userinterface

CIPC fail over to second node does not work

CSCuq44930

3

sccp-protocol

CIPC doesnt delete list of reserved port and result is Crash/Hang

CSCup91134

6

installer

CIPC - USB Head set call disconnection issue

Release 8.6.5

The following table lists the caveats resolved in Release 8.6.5.

ID

Severity

Component

Headline

CSCuu57715

2

phonefeatures

Zip Zip Tone heard on SIP Based CIPC when Supervisor Joins RSM Session

CSCuu37656

3

phonefeatures

Cisco IP Communicator Web Access Denial of Service (DoS) Vulnerability

CSCus72971

3

audio

Record Tone not played with CIPC 8.6.4

CSCus07124

4

security

CIPC ES 8.6.4.3 is in registrating loop if setup to secure mode

CSCur76648

5

userinterface

TrackPopupMenu Error in CIPC 8.6

Release 8.6.6

The following table lists the caveats resolved in Release 8.6.6.

ID

Severity

Component

Headline

CSCuy10282

2

other

CIPC cannot reregister over LAN, after losing network and VPN disconnect

CSCuv97432

3

phonefeatures

CIPC Not Handling Recording Tone When Call Renegotiated

CSCuz29253

6

audio

Sending recording tone to recorder

CSCuz29276

6

audio

Send recording beep while microphone is muted.

CSCuz29284

6

audio

Have the recoding tone volume controlled by the CUCM Device settings

Documentation, Support, and Security Guidelines

For the latest versions of all Cisco IP Communicator documentation, go to:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/sw/voicesw/ps5475/tsd_products_support_series_home.html

For information on obtaining documentation, obtaining support, providing documentation feedback, security guidelines, and also recommended aliases and general Cisco documents, see the monthly What's New in Cisco Product Documentation, which also lists all new and revised Cisco technical documentation, at:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/general/whatsnew/whatsnew.html

This document is to be used with the documents listed in Related Documentation.