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Cisco Unified IP Phone Administration Guide for Cisco Unified Communications Manager  7.1
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An Overview of the Cisco Unified IP Phone
The Cisco Unified IP Phones 7962G, 7942G, 7961G, 7961G-GE (gigabit Ethernet version), 7941G, and 
7941G-GE (gigabit Ethernet version) are full-feature telephones that provide voice communication over 
an Internet Protocol (IP) network. The gigabit Ethernet Cisco Unified IP Phone 7961G-GE and 
7941G-GE deliver the latest technology and advancements in Gigabit Ethernet VoIP telephony. The 
Cisco Unified IP Phone functions much like a digital business phone, allowing you to place and receive 
phone calls and to access features such as mute, hold, transfer, speed dial, call forward, and more. In 
addition, because the phone is connected to your data network, it offers enhanced IP telephony features, 
including access to network information and services, and customizeable features and services. The 
phone also supports 
features that include file authentication, device authentication, signaling encryption, and media 
encryption.
A Cisco Unified IP Phone, like other network devices, must be configured and managed. These phones 
encode G.711a, G.711µ, G.722, G.729a, G.729ab, iLBC, and decode G.711a, G.711u, G.722, iLBC, 
G.729, G729a, G729b, and G729ab. These phones also support uncompressed wideband (16bits, 16kHz) 
audio. 
This chapter includes the following topics: 
 • Understanding the Cisco Unified IP Phones 7962G, 7942G, 7961G, 7961G-GE, 7941G, and 
7941G-GE, page 1-2
 • What Networking Protocols are Used?, page 1-5
 • What Features are Supported on the Cisco Unified IP Phones 7962G, 7942G, 7961G, 7961G-GE, 
7941G, and 7941G-GE?, page 1-9
 • Understanding Security Features for Cisco Unified IP Phones, page 1-11
 • Overview of Configuring and Installing Cisco Unified IP Phones, page 1-21
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.