Now is the time to buy an IP phone if you’re looking for a great selection of Cisco IP telephony products at the best prices you may ever find.

The CP-7960G is a Cisco-manufactured global IP phone also known as the Cisco Unified IP Phone 7960G. This phone system was designed to successfully meet the needs of employees in enclosed office environments and those who manage a great deal of daily phone traffic. The CP-7960G supports multiple phone line access and includes several noteworthy features such as: hands-free speakerphone, built-in headset connectivity, and clear high-quality sound. The large display is the phone’s most prominent feature with a pixel-based screen that provides access to applications, supplemental information, and user-friendly navigation of all of the CP-7960G features. Like all of Cisco Systems’ telephony systems, this phone is reliable and easy to use.  MULTI-LINK Communications Products (MLCP) is offering this model, this month, for $125 which represents 66% off the manufacturer’s list price.

The Cisco CP-7961G is a full-featured, enhanced manager VoIP phone. Designed to meet the needs of managers and admin staff, it provides six backlit line/feature buttons which are fully programmable and four interactive soft keys to guide users through call features. The Cisco Unified IP Phone 7961G has high-quality audio controls for high-quality duplex speakerphone, handset, and headset. A top-line built-in headset port and integrated Ethernet switch are standard with the Cisco CP-7961G. The phone also boasts a large, higher-resolution grayscale pixel-based LCD which provides date and time, calling party name, calling party number, and digits dialed. MLCP is offering this model, this month, for $180 which represents 60% off the manufacturer’s list price.

The CP-7962G IP is for customers who are looking for the security, resilience, and scalability of the network that enables users in any workspace to easily connect anywhere, anytime, and anyplace, using any media, device or operating system. The CP-7962G phone has a large, 4-bit grayscale graphical LCD that provides features such as date and time, calling party name, calling party number, digits dialed, and presence information. A hands-free speakerphone and handset designed for hi-fidelity wideband audio are standard on the Cisco Unified IP Phone 7962G, as is a built-in headset connection and an integrated Ethernet switch. Enjoy the benefits of a comprehensive solution that includes network infrastructure, security, wireless, management applications, lifecycle services, flexible deployment and outsourced management options, and third-party applications available on the CP-7962G. MLCP is offering this model, this month, for $235 which represents 50% off the manufacturer’s list price.

Traditional telephone land lines are quickly becoming a thing of the past. Today, it’s all about using internet technology to communicate efficiently, securely, and affordably. Enter VoIP.

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol and works likes this:  it takes analog audio signals and changes them into digital signals that can be transmitted over the internet. Why is this better? As long as an internet connection is present, sending a phone call is almost like sending an email. It’s free.

Now for the technical part. There are actually three ways in which a call can be sent over the internet. The most commonly used is called ‘analog telephone adapter.’ Analog phones are traditional phones that use traditional phone lines. An ATA allows you to connect one of these analog phones to your computer or straight to your internet connection. When you speak into the traditional phone, the ATA changes the analog signal into a digital signal and sends it over the internet. Some providers send you an ATA when you order their service. They’re relatively simple and easy to install although some may require a quick download of software. All in all, it’s a way to breathe new life into an old phone and say good bye to that analog line forever.

Another way to jump on the VoIP bandwagon is to purchase an IP phone like the Cisco CP-7901G. IP phones look and act just like traditional phones but the difference is, instead of the traditional RJ-11 phone connector on the back, they come with an RJ-45 connector which is what allows it to connect to the Internet. You can plug an IP phone directly into your router and you’re ready to go.  The nice thing about an IP phone is that because it’s equipped automatically to use the internet, it can be used at any Wi-Fi hotspot as well.

The third way VoIP works is by computer-to-computer calling. This is a way to call without using a phone at all. You just use your computer. Simply plug a microphone into it, make sure you have speakers and a sound card, and you’re pretty much good to go.  And… computer calls allow you to make international calls for free. You just pay for your regular ISP fee but the free calls are unlimited whether they’re local or long distance. It should be noted though that the faster the internet connection, the better the quality of sound on the call.

So that’s a run down on how VoIP works.  The technology is used by hundreds of thousands of businesses and residences globally. As a matter of fact, you may not even realize that your friends and family members that call might be calling you using VoIP technology. Why don’t you ask ‘em? You might be surprised.

The Cisco CP-7911G-CH1 is the Cisco Unified IP Phone 7911G, for Channels, with one station user license. New or used CP-7911G-CH1 telephone modules can save you money by offering cutting edge features like multiple ring tones, lighted keys, codec support, voice quality, Ethernet switch, network features, and much more. The Cisco Unified Communications portfolio is an integral part of the Cisco Business Communications Solution-an integrated solution for organizations of all sizes, and the CP-7911G-CH1 is designed to grow with your organization.

The Cisco Unified IP Phone 7911G fills the communication needs of classroom, cubicle, retail,  or manufacturing workers in addition to anyone who conducts low to moderate telephone traffic. Feature-rich, this phone offers four dynamic soft keys to guide users through core business features and functions.  A pixel-based display combines intuitive features, calling information, and extensible Markup Language (XML) services into an effortless user experience. The Cisco Unified IP Phone 7911G offers numerous important security features plus the choice of IEEE 802.3af Power over Ethernet (PoE), Cisco inline power, or local power through an optional power adaptor.

Our favorite features is the Graphical monochrome display with resolution of 192 x 64 pixels provides a scrollable 3-line intuitive access to calling features and text-based XML applications– easy to see, easy on the eyes. And that’s important for computer users and admin office employees.

The Cisco Unified IP Phone 7911G also supports audio-based XML applications which is an additional feature that’s worth the price.

If you find yourself in a situation where you’ve outgrown your IP telephone system, you may be thinking of an upgrade. Depending on the features of your current telephony system, this may be the most cost-effective option.  However, if you currently use the Cisco 7900 series (or if you don’t, you might consider choosing this model for your upgrade), you can simply add an expansion module.  The Cisco Unified IP Phone Expansion Module 7914 extends the capabilities of the Cisco Unified IP Phones 7960G, 7961G, 7970G and 7971G-GE by adding 14 buttons to the existing six buttons of the Cisco Unified IP Phones 7960 and 7961G and the existing eight buttons of the Cisco Unified IP Phones 7970G and 7971G-GE, increasing the total number of buttons when you add one or two Cisco Unified Expansion Modules 7914. You can use up to two Cisco Unified IP Phone Expansion Modules 7914 with a Cisco Unified IP Phones 7960G, 7961G, 7970G or 7971G-GE.

The expansion module adds functionality while allowing you to maintain your current phones and system. For some, this is a much more cost-efficient way to upgrade and satisfy a growing business’ needs.

I was recently at a trade show when a woman asked my opinion on which Cisco IP phone system her company should invest in… the 7940G or the 7960G?  Both are terrific phone systems and share most of the same features. But because she was unsure, I thought it might be a good topic to do a quick blog post on in case anyone else found themselves wondering the same thing.

Let’s start with the Cisco 7940G.  The 7940 was designed for the communications needs of a transaction-type worker. It provides two programmable line and feature keys, plus a high-quality speakerphone. The Cisco Unified IP Phone 7940G also has four dynamic soft keys that guide users through call features and functions. A built-in headset port and an integrated Ethernet switch are standard with the Cisco Unified IP Phone 7940G. The phone also includes audio controls for the full-duplex speakerphone, handset, and headset. This phone also features a large, pixel-based LCD display that provides information such as date and time, calling party name, calling party number, and digits dialed. Figure 2 shows the icon buttons on the phone, with word overlay in English included in the documentation package with each phone.

The Cisco Unified IP Phone 7960G, a key offering in the IP Phone portfolio, is a full-featured IP phone primarily for manager and executive needs. It provides six programmable line/feature buttons and four interactive soft keys that guide a user through call features and functions. Audio controls for duplex speakerphone, handset and headset. The Cisco Unified IP Phone 7960G also features a large, pixel-based LCD display. The display provides features are the same as those on the 7940G. The graphic capability of the display allows for the inclusion of such features as XML (Extensible Markup Language) and future features.

So the answer? The phones in the 7600 Series are compatible. Those answering a high volume of calls for others would fare better with the 7940G, while executives and managers would most likely prefer the 7960G.

What is QoS when it comes to telephony? The term is thrown around quite often, but do you really understand what it means?  Let us educate you on Telephone Quality of Service and get you on the road to becoming an I.T. expert.

When it comes specifically to telephone, quality of service (QoS) is defined in the International Telecommunication Union standard X.902 as “A set of quality requirements on the collective behavior of one or more objects”. And that’s precisely, but much too generally, what it is. QoS is a collection of requirements on all aspects of a telephony communications connection including:  cross-talk, interrupts, service response time, signal-to-noise ratio, echo, frequency response, loss, loudness levels, etc. Within QoS requirements are GOS (Grade of Service) requirements as well. GOS apsects include requirements relation to the coverage and capacity of a network.

IP Telephony systems with QoS are typically standard now from industry leading manufacturers like Cisco Systems and Foundry.  The Cisco ATA186-I2-A is a good example of this type of high-level telephony product, as is the Cisco CP7915 designed to handle a large call volume. IP Telephony delivers the business benefits of a converged network while providing secure, reliable, scalable communications that take advantage of LAN and WAN. IP telephony delivers features that traditional telephone systems cannot while supplying all of the traditional features as well.

You’re probably already aware of the benefits of VoIP systems and IP telephony.  Cheaper, flat rates for local and long distance calls is one.  The mobility and ability to keep your same phone number is another. You know these benefits would have a positive effect on your monthly spending but you have a phone system that you like and that works. So how can you take advantage of IP telephony benefits and hang on to your fave phone? It’s easy.

The Cisco ATA186-I1-A is the Cisco ATA 186 telephone adapter that allows users to turn their analog phone devices into IP devices in a cost-effective way so that they may keep traditional telephony and still reap the benefits of connection to an IP network. As a two-port device, the ATA186-I1-A can support two independent phone numbers and adds an additional layer of security while enhancing voice clarity. The Cisco ATA 186 with 600 ohm impedance is the ATA186-I1-A, while another version, Cisco ATA 186 with complex impedance (270 ohm in series with 750 ohm and 150 NF in parallel) is also available as the ATA186-I2-A.

The ATA that most VOIP providers use plugs into a broadband
internet connection so business travelers can  take an ATA and telephone with
them, allowing them access to their business phone
and VOIP service simply by plugging in to a VOIP connection. Software
can also be installed on any laptop with a microphone,
speakers or headphones, and a wireless internet card so that VOIP calls can be
placed without the need to travel with an ATA and physical
telephone.

Newer is better, right? Not always so.  Some products just remain reliable and functional years after their successors steal away the limelight.  One such product is the Cisco CP-7905 IP phone.

The CP-7905 IP Phone from Cisco Systems was discontinued in 2003 in favor of the CP-7905G. Refurbished, it remains a very reliable, high-quality telephone that uses both local power and inline power. This phone is designed for employees who experience low to medium call volume and provides a basic feature set similar to traditional business phones including call transfer, call conferencing, hold, and more. The best thing about it is that it provides all the benefits of VoIP telephony systems and because it’s no longer manufactured by Cisco, it’s one of the most affordable IP phones on the market.

VoIP provides several benefits over traditional telephony and the CP-7905 is no exception.  Because a phone number is associated with the IP phone instead of a location, the CP-7905 can be picked up and moved anywhere that it can plug into a VoIP jack.  The phone number stays the same. And because it’s IP telephony, most providers charge flat rates for long distance and local calls because the geographical area in which you’re calling doesn’t matter either. That’s the beauty of Interent Protocol telephones.