Cisco Unified IP Phone Installation
Download this chapter
Cisco Unified IP Phone InstallationCisco Unified IP Phone Installation
 Feedback

Contents

Cisco Unified IP Phone Installation

This chapter helps you install the Cisco Unified IP Phone on an IP telephony network.


Note

Before you install a Cisco Unified IP Phone, you must decide how to configure the phone in your network. Then you can install the phone and verify functionality. For more information, see Cisco Unified IP Phone and telephony networks.

This chapter contains the following topics:

Before You Begin

Before installing the Cisco Unified IP Phone, review the following sections.

Network Requirements

For the Cisco Unified IP Phone to successfully operate as a Cisco Unified IP Phone endpoint in your network, your network must meet the following requirements:

  • VoIP Network
    • VoIP is configured on your Cisco routers and gateways.
    • Cisco Unified Communications Manager is installed in your network and is configured to handle call processing.
  • IP network that supports DHCP or manual assignment of IP address, gateway, and subnet mask

Note

The Cisco Unified IP Phone displays the date and time from Cisco Unified Communications Manager. The time displayed on the phone can differ from the Cisco Unified Communications Manager time by up to 10 seconds.

  • Voice over Wireless LAN (Optional for Cisco Unified IP Phone 9971)
    • Cisco Aironet Access Points (APs) are configured to support Voice over WLAN (VoWLAN).
    • Controllers and switches are configured to support VoWLAN.
    • Security is implemented for authenticating wireless voice devices and users.

Cisco Unified Communications Manager

The Cisco Unified IP Phone requires Cisco Unified Communications Manager to handle call processing. See the Cisco Unified Communications Manager Administration Guide or the context-sensitive help in the Cisco Unified Communications Manager application to ensure that Cisco Unified Communications Manager is set up properly to manage the phone and to properly route and process calls.

If you plan to use autoregistration, verify that autoregistration is enabled and is properly configured in Cisco Unified Communications Manager Administration before you connect any Cisco Unified IP Phone to the network. For information about enabling and configuring autoregistration, see the Cisco Unified Communications Manager Administration Guide.

You must use Cisco Unified Communications Manager Administration to configure and assign telephony features to the Cisco Unified IP Phones.

In Cisco Unified Communications Manager Administration, you can add users to the database and associate them with specific phones. In this way, users gain access their Cisco Unified Communications Manager User Options page to configure items such as call forwarding, speed dialing, and voice messaging system options.

Related Tasks
Related References

Cisco Unified IP Phone Components

The Cisco Unified IP Phone includes components on the phone or as accessories for the phone.

Network and Computer Ports

The back of the Cisco Unified IP Phone includes these ports:

  • Network port
  • Computer port

Each port supports 10/100/1000 Mbps half- or full-duplex (except for full-duplex only for 1000 Mbps) connections to external devices. You can use Category 3, 5, or 5e cabling for 10 Mbps connections, Category 5 or 5e for 100 Mbps connections, and Category 5e for 1000 Mbps connections.

Use the SW network port to connect the phone to the network. You must use a straight-through cable on this port. The phone can also obtain inline power from a switch over this connection.

Use the computer port to connect a network device, such as a computer, to the phone. You must use a straight-through cable on this port.

Handset

The wideband-capable handset is designed especially for use with a Cisco Unified IP Phone. The handset includes a light strip that indicates incoming calls and voice messages that are waiting.

To connect a handset to the Cisco Unified IP Phone, plug the cable into the handset and into the Handset port on the back of the phone.

With a wall-mounted phone, you might need to adjust the handset rest to ensure that the receiver cannot slip out of the cradle.

Related Tasks

Disable Speakerphone

By default, the wideband-capable speakerphone is enabled on the Cisco Unified IP Phone.

You can use Cisco Unified Communications Manager Administration to disable the speakerphone.

Procedure
    Step 1   Access Cisco Unified Communications Manager Administration.
    Step 2   Choose Device > Phone and locate the phone that you want to modify.
    Step 3   In the Phone Configuration window for the phone, check the Disable Speakerphone check box.

    Cisco Unified IP Phone 8961, 9951, and 9971 Accessory Support

    The following table lists the accessories that the Cisco Unified IP Phone 8961, 9951, and 9971 supports. An "X" indicates support for a particular phone model and a dash (-) indicates no support.

    Table 1 Accessory Support for the Cisco Unified IP Phone 8961, 9951, and 9971

    Accessory

    Type

    Cisco Unified IP Phone 8961

    Cisco Unified IP Phone 9951

    Cisco Unified IP Phone 9971

    Cisco Accessory

    Cisco Unified IP Color Key Expansion Module: See Cisco Unified IP Color Key Expansion Module Setup

    Add-on module

    1

    Up to 2

    Up to 3

    Cisco Unified Video Camera: See Cisco Unified Video Camera Setup.

    Add-on module

    -

    X

    X

    Third-Party accessories

    Headsets: See Headsets. This section includes information about each headset type.

    Analog

    X

    X

    X

    Analog Wideband

    X

    X

    X

    Bluetooth

    -

    X

    X

    USB (wired or wireless)

    X

    X

    X

    Microphone: See External Speakers and Microphone.

    External PC

    -

    X

    X

    Speakers: See External Speakers and Microphone.

    External PC

    -

    X

    X

    USB Port Information

    The Cisco Unified IP Phone supports a maximum of five devices that connect to each USB port. Each device that connects to the phone is included in the maximum device count. For example, your phone can support five USB devices (such as three Cisco Unified IP Color Key Expansion modules, one hub, and one other standard USB device) on the side port and five additional standard USB devices on the back port. The Cisco Unified IP Phone 8961 does not contain a back USB port. Many third-party USB products count as multiple USB devices; for example, a device containing a USB hub and headset can count as two USB devices. For more information, see the USB device documentation.


    Note
    • Unpowered hubs are not supported, and powered hubs with more than four ports are not supported.
    • USB headsets that connect to the phone through a USB hub are not supported.
    • The Cisco Unified Video Camera that connects to the phone through a USB hub is not supported.

    External Speakers and Microphone

    External speakers and microphones are plug-and-play accessories. You can connect an external PC-type microphone and powered speakers (with amplifier) on the Cisco Unified IP Phone 9951 or 9971 by using the line in/out jacks. Connecting an external microphone disables the internal microphone and connecting an external speaker disables the internal phone speaker.


    Note

    Using poor quality external audio devices, playing loudspeakers at very loud volumes, or placing the microphone very close to the loudspeaker may result in undesirable echo for other parties on your speakerphone calls.

    Headsets

    Although Cisco Systems performs internal testing of third-party headsets for use with Cisco Unified IP Phones, Cisco does not certify nor support products from headset or handset vendors.

    The phone reduces some background noise that a headset microphone detects, but if you want to further reduce the background noise and improve the overall audio quality, use a noise cancelling headset.

    Cisco recommends the use of good quality external devices, for example, headsets that are screened against unwanted radio frequency (RF) and audio frequency (AF) signals. Depending on the quality of headsets and their proximity to other devices, such as mobile (cell) phones and two-way radios, some audio noise or echo may still occur. Either the remote party or both the remote party and the Cisco Unified IP Phone user may hear an audible hum or buzz. A range of outside sources can cause humming or buzzing sounds; for example, electric lights, electric motors, or large PC monitors.


    Note

    In some cases, using a local power cube or power injector may reduce or eliminate hum.

    These environmental and hardware inconsistencies in the locations where Cisco Unified IP Phones are deployed mean that no single headset solution is optimal for all environments.

    Cisco recommends that customers test headsets in the intended environment to determine performance before making a purchasing decision and deploying on a large scale.

    Related Information

    Audio Quality

    Beyond physical, mechanical, and technical performance, the audio portion of a headset must sound good to the user and to the party on the far end. Sound quality is subjective and Cisco cannot guarantee the performance of any headsets. However, a variety of headsets from leading headset manufacturers are reported to perform well with Cisco Unified IP Phones.

    For additional information, see the Headsets for Cisco Unified IP Phones and Desktop Clients page on Cisco.com.

    Wired Headsets

    You can use the wired headset with all of the features on the Cisco Unified IP Phone, including the Volume and Mute buttons. Use these buttons to adjust the earpiece volume and to mute the speech path from the headset microphone.

    Related Information
    Connect to Wired Headset

    To connect a wired headset to the Cisco Unified IP Phone, perform these steps:

    Procedure
      Step 1   Plug the headset into the Headset port on the back of the phone.
      Step 2   Press the Headset button on the phone to place and answer calls using the headset.
      Disable Wired Headset

      You can disable the headset by using Cisco Unified Communications Manager Administration. If you do so, you also disable the speakerphone.

      Procedure
        Step 1   To disable the headset from Cisco Unified Communications Manager Administration, choose Device > Phone and locate the phone that you want to modify.
        Step 2   In the Phone Configuration window (Product Specific Configuration layout portion), select the Disable Speakerphone and Headset check box.

        USB Headsets

        Wired and wireless USB headsets are supported. You can connect a USB headset (or the base station for a wireless headset) to either the back USB port (if your phone has this port) or to the side USB port.

        The Cisco Unified IP Phone 9951 and 9971 contains both a back USB port and a side USB port, while the Cisco Unified IP Phone 8961 contains only a side USB port.

        Related Information
        USB headset enabling

        You must enable the applicable USB port (either the back USB port parameter or the side USB port parameter) in Cisco Unified Communications Manager Administration (in the Product Specific Configuration layout portion of the window). Also, for the Enable/Disable USB Classes parameter in Cisco Unified Communications Manager Administration, ensure that Audio Class is selected.

        These parameters can be enabled on either the Phone Configuration window (Device > Phone), the Enterprise Phone Configuration window (System > Enterprise Phone Configuration), or the Common Phone Profile window (Device > Device Settings > Common Phone Profile). Also check the corresponding Override Common Settings parameter in the configuration window.

        Related Information
        USB Headset Disabling

        To disable the USB headset, disable the USB port (or disable the Audio Class parameter) that you enabled in Cisco Unified Communications Manager Administration. Also, you can select another type of headset in the Accessories window on the phone, thus disabling the previously enabled headset.

        Analog Headsets

        Analog headsets are supported on the Cisco Unified IP Phone 8961, 9951, and 9971. However, the Cisco Unified IP Phone 8961, 9951, and 9971 cannot detect when an analog headset is plugged in. For this reason, the analog headset displays by default in the Accessories window on the phone screen.

        Displaying the analog headset as the default allows users to enable wideband for the analog headset.

        Enable Wideband on Analog Headsets

        The phone is unable to detect whether the headset supports the wideband codec, but the user can enable wideband on analog headsets by following these steps:

        Procedure
          Step 1   On the Cisco Unified IP Phone, press Applications .
          Step 2   Select Accessories.
          Step 3   Highlight the analog headset, then press Setup.
          Step 4   Turn wideband on or off for the selected headset by using the on/off toggle.
          Enable Wideband Codec on Analog Headsets

          If the wideband on/off toggle is not enabled, follow these steps to ensure that the user can enable wideband codec on an analog headset:

          Procedure
            Step 1   In Cisco Unified Communications Manager Administration, choose Device > Phone.
            Step 2   In the Find and List Phones window, enter the search criteria for the phone to which you want to add the analog headset, then click Find.
            Step 3   Click on the Device Name that you want. The Phone Configuration window displays.
            Step 4   On the Product Specific Configuration Layout portion of the Phone Configuration window, ensure that the Wideband Headset UI Control option is enabled. (This option is enabled by default.)
            Step 5   In the Product Specific Configuration Layout portion of the Phone Configuration window, you can also set the Wideband Headset option. (This option is also enabled by default).

            Wireless Headsets

            You can use a wireless headset with the Cisco Unified IP Phone.

            Find Information on Supported Wireless Headsets

            The Cisco website provides information about wireless headsets that work with your IP phone.

            Procedure
              Step 1   Go to the following URL:

              http:/​/​www.cisco.com/​en/​US/​partner/​prod/​voicesw/​ucphone_​headsets.html

              Step 2   See the wireless headset documentation for information about connecting the headset and using the features.

              Bluetooth Wireless Headsets

              The Cisco Unified IP Phone 9951 and 9971 supports Bluetooth Class 2 technology for headsets that support Bluetooth. Bluetooth enables low-bandwidth wireless connections within a range of 30 feet (10 meters). The best performance is in the 3- to 6-foot range (1 to 2 meters). You can pair up to 5 headsets, but only the last headset that was connected is used as the default.

              Potential interference issues can occur. Cisco recommends that you reduce the proximity of other 802.11b/g devices, Bluetooth devices, microwave ovens, and large metal objects. If possible, configure other 802.11 devices to use the 802.11a channels.

              For a Bluetooth wireless headset to work, it does not need to be within direct line-of-sight of the phone, but some barriers, such as walls or doors, and interference from other electronic devices, can affect the connection.

              Bluetooth Wireless Headset and Cisco Unified IP Phones

              The Cisco Unified IP Phones 9951 and 9971 support Bluetooth wireless headsets.

              The Cisco Unified IP Phone uses a shared key authentication and encryption method to connect with headsets. The Cisco Unified IP Phone can connect with up to five headsets at a time. The last connected headset is used as the default. Pairing is typically performed once for each headset.

              After a device is paired, the Bluetooth connection is maintained as long as both devices (phone and headset) are enabled and within range of each other. The connection typically reestablishes itself automatically if either of the devices powers down then powers up. However, some headsets require user action to reestablish the connection.

              The Bluetooth icon  indicates whether a device is connected.

              When headsets are more than 30 feet (10 meters) away from the Cisco Unified IP Phone, Bluetooth drops the connection after a 15- to 20-second timeout. If the paired headset comes back into range of the Cisco Unified IP Phone and the phone is not connected to another Bluetooth headset, the in-range Bluetooth headset automatically reconnects. For certain phone types that operate in power-save modes, the user can wake up the headset by tapping on the operational button to initiate the reconnect.

              You must enable the headset and then add it as a phone accessory.

              Handsfree Profile

              Your phone supports various Handsfree Profile features that enable you to use hands-free devices (such as Bluetooth wireless headsets) to perform certain tasks without having to handle the phone. For example, instead of pressing Redial on the phone, users can redial a number from their Bluetooth wireless headset by following instructions from the headset manufacturer.

              These hands-free features apply to Bluetooth wireless headsets that are used with the Cisco Unified IP Phone 9951 and 9971:

              • Answer a call
              • End a call
              • Change the headset volume for a call
              • Redial
              • Caller ID
              • Reject
              • Divert
              • Hold and Accept
              • Release and Accept

              Hands-free devices may differ as to how features are activated. Device manufacturers may also use different terms when referring to the same feature.

              For more information, see the manufacturer documentation.

              Add Headset as Phone Accessory

              After the Bluetooth wireless headset is enabled through Cisco Unified Communications Manager Administration, you must add the headset as an accessory to the phone.

              Procedure
                Step 1   On the Cisco Unified IP Phone 9951 or 9971, press Applications and select Accessories.
                Step 2   Select Add Bluetooth Accessory.

                The Adding Bluetooth Accessory window appears. A message tells you to make sure your accessory is discoverable, which means that the Bluetooth should be powered on and in discoverable or pairing mode.

                After the Bluetooth device is located, the name appears in the window, and a message asks for a PIN so that the Bluetooth device can be paired with the Cisco Unified IP Phone.

                Step 3   The Cisco Unified IP Phone automatically tries to pair with the headset by using a PIN of "0000." If the headset uses a different PIN, enter the correct PIN by referring to the user guide that came with the headset.
                Note   

                Cisco recommends that users read the headset user guide for more information about pairing and connecting the headsets.

                After the phone has the correct PIN, the phone tries to connect to the accessory. The phone provides feedback to the user while it tries to connect the accessory. If unable to connect, an error alert appears to let the user know the reason for the failure. A timeout of 10 seconds allows the phone to try to connect the accessory. If the timer expires without a successful connection, an error alert displays.

                Enable Bluetooth Wireless Headset

                Before you use your Bluetooth Wireless headset, you must enable it.

                Procedure
                  Step 1   In Cisco Unified Communications Manager Administration, choose Device > Phone, locate the phone you want to modify, and go to the Phone Configuration window for that phone.
                  Step 2   In the Phone Configuration window, select Enable for the Bluetooth setting and Handsfree for the Bluetooth Profiles setting.
                  Step 3   Save your changes.
                  Remove Bluetooth Device from Phone

                  When you want to remove a Bluetooth device, you delete it from the Accessories menu.

                  Procedure
                    Step 1   Press Applications .
                    Step 2   Select Accessories.
                    Step 3   Highlight the device that you want to remove and press Delete.
                    Related Bluetooth documentation

                    For information about how to use your Bluetooth wireless headset, see:

                    • Cisco Unified IP Phone 8961, 9951, and 9971 User Guide for Cisco Unified Communications Manager (SIP)
                    • User guides provided with your headset

                    Important Note About Headset Types

                    Only one headset type works at any given time, so if you use both a Bluetooth headset and an analog headset that are attached to the phone, enabling the Bluetooth headset disables the analog headset. To enable the analog headset, disable the Bluetooth headset. Plugging a USB headset into a phone that has Bluetooth headset enabled disables both the Bluetooth and analog headset. If you unplug the USB headset, you can either enable the Bluetooth headset or disable the Bluetooth headset to use the analog headset.

                    External device use

                    Cisco recommends the use of good quality external devices, such as speakers, microphones, and headsets that are shielded (screened) against unwanted radio frequency (RF) and audio frequency (AF) signals.

                    Depending on the quality of these devices and their proximity to other devices, such as mobile phones or two-way radios, some audio noise may still occur. In these cases, Cisco recommends that you take one or more of the following actions:

                    • Move the external device away from the source of the RF or AF signals.
                    • Route the external device cables away from the source of the RF or AF signals.
                    • Use shielded cables for the external device, or use cables with a better shield and connector.
                    • Shorten the length of the external device cable.
                    • Apply ferrites or other such devices on the cables for the external device.

                    Cisco cannot guarantee the performance of the system because Cisco has no control over the quality of external devices, cables, and connectors. The system performs adequately when suitable devices are attached with good quality cables and connectors.


                    Caution

                    In European Union countries, use only external headsets that are fully compliant with the EMC Directive [89/336/EC].

                    Install Cisco Unified IP Phone

                    You must connect the Cisco Unified IP Phone to the network and to a power source before using it. For information on connecting the phone, see the figures in Cisco Unified IP Phone 8961, 9951, and 9971.


                    Note

                    Before you install a phone, even if it is new, upgrade the phone to the current firmware image.

                    Before using external devices, read External device use for safety and performance information.


                    Note

                    Firmware upgrades over the WLAN interface may take longer than upgrading over the wired interface, depending on the quality and bandwidth of the wireless connection. Some upgrades may take more than hour.

                    To install a Cisco Unified IP Phone, perform the tasks described in the following steps.

                    Procedure
                      Step 1   Connect the handset to the handset port.
                      Step 2   Connect a headset to the headset port. You can add a headset later if you do not connect one now. For more information, see Headsets.
                      Step 3   Connect a wireless headset (for the Cisco Unified IP Phone 9951 and 9971 only). You can add a wireless headset later if you do not want to connect one now. For more information, see your wireless headset documentation.
                      Step 4   Connect a straight-through Ethernet cable from the switch to the network port labeled 10/100/1000 SW on the Cisco Unified IP Phone. Each Cisco Unified IP Phone ships with one Ethernet cable in the box. Use Category 3, 5, or 5e cabling for 10 Mbps connections; Category 5 or 5e for 100 Mbps connections; and Category 5e for 1000 Mbps connections. For more information, see Network and Computer Ports for guidelines.
                      Step 5   Connect a straight-through Ethernet cable from another network device, such as a desktop computer, to the computer port on the Cisco Unified IP Phone. You can connect another network device later if you do not connect one now.

                      You can use Category 3, 5, or 5e cabling for 10 Mbps connections; Category 5 or 5e for 100 Mbps connections; and Category 5e for 1000 Mbps connections. For more information, see Network and Computer Ports for guidelines.

                      Step 6   Enable the phone to use the wireless local area network (WLAN).
                      Note   

                      You must disconnect all Ethernet connections if you deploy the Cisco Unified IP Phone 9971 on a wireless LAN.

                      Step 7   Adjust the footstand. For more information, see Connect Footstand.
                      Step 8   Secure the phone with a cable lock. For more information, see Phone and Cable Lock.
                      Related Information

                      Phone wall mount

                      You can mount the Cisco Unified IP Phone on the wall by using special brackets that are available in a Cisco Unified IP Phone wall mount kit. Wall mount kits must be ordered separately from the phone.

                      Related Information

                      Phone Startup Verification

                      After the Cisco Unified IP Phone has power connected to it, the phone begins the startup diagnostic process, by cycling through the following steps.

                      1. The Feature and Sessions buttons flash amber and then green in sequence during the various stages of bootup as the phone checks the hardware.
                      2. The main screen displays Registering to Cisco Unified Communications Manager.

                      If the phone completes these stages successfully, it has started up properly and the Select button stays lit until it is selected.

                      Network Settings

                      If you are not using DHCP in your network, you must configure these network settings on the Cisco Unified IP Phone after you install the phone on the network:

                      • IP address
                      • IP subnet information
                      • TFTP server IP address

                      You also may configure the domain name and the DNS server settings, if necessary.

                      Cisco Unified IP Phone Security

                      The security features protect against several threats, including threats to the identity of the phone and to data. These features establish and maintain authenticated communication streams between the phone and the Cisco Unified Communications Manager server, and ensure that the phone uses only digitally signed files.

                      Cisco Unified Communications Manager Release 8.5(1) and later includes Security by Default, which provides the following security features for Cisco Unified IP Phones without running the CTL client:

                      • Signing of the phone configuration files
                      • Phone configuration file encryption
                      • HTTPS with Tomcat and other Web services

                      Note

                      Secure signaling and media features still require you to run the CTL client and use hardware eTokens.

                      For more information about the security features, see the related topics and the Cisco Unified Communications Manager Security Guide.

                      A Locally Significant Certificate (LSC) installs on phones after you perform the necessary tasks that are associated with the Certificate Authority Proxy Function (CAPF). You can use Cisco Unified Communications Manager Administration to configure an LSC, as described in the Cisco Unified Communications Manager Security Guide.

                      Alternatively, you can initiate the installation of an LSC from the Security Setup menu on the phone. This menu also lets you update or remove an LSC.

                      Set Up Locally Significant Certificate

                      Use this procedure to configure an LSC on the phone.

                      Before You Begin

                      Make sure that the appropriate Cisco Unified Communications Manager and the Certificate Authority Proxy Function (CAPF) security configurations are complete:

                      • The CTL or ITL file has a CAPF certificate.
                      • In Cisco Unified Communications Operating System Administration, verify that the CAPF certificate is installed.
                      • The CAPF is running and configured.

                      See the Cisco Unified Communications Manager Security Guide for more information.

                      Procedure
                        Step 1   Obtain the CAPF authentication code that was set when the CAPF was configured.
                        Step 2   From the phone, press Applications and choose Administrator Settings > Security Setup.
                        Note   

                        You can control access to the Settings menu by using the Settings Access field in the Cisco Unified Communications Manager Administration Phone Configuration window. For more information, see the Cisco Unified Communications Manager Administration Guide.

                        Step 3   Choose LSC and press Select or Update.

                        The phone prompts for an authentication string.

                        Step 4   Enter the authentication code and press Submit.

                        The phone begins to install, update, or remove the LSC, depending on how the CAPF is configured. During the procedure, a series of messages appears in the LSC option field in the Security Configuration menu, so you can monitor progress. When the procedure is complete, Installed or Not Installed displays on the phone.

                        The LSC install, update, or removal process can take a long time to complete. You can stop the process at any time by pressing the Stop softkey from the Security Setup menu.

                        When the phone installation procedure is successful, the Installed message displays. If the phone displays Not Installed, then the authorization string may be incorrect or the phone may not enabled for upgrading. If the CAPF operation deletes the LSC, the phone displays Not Installed to indicate that the operation succeeded. See the error messages that were generated on the CAPF server and take appropriate actions.