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Cisco Unified IP Phone 8961, 9951, and 9971 Administration Guide for Cisco Unified Communications Manager 8.5 (SIP)
OL-20861-01
1
An Overview of the Cisco Unified IP Phone
The Cisco Unified IP Phone 8961, 9951, and 9971 provide voice communication over an Internet
Protocol (IP) network. 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 Cisco Unified IP Phone 8961, 9951, and 9971 have the following features:
• 24-bit color phone screen (Cisco Unified IP Phone 9971 has touchscreen support)
• Programmable feature buttons that support up to 5 lines (6 lines for the Cisco Unified
IP Phone 9971) or can be programmed for other features
• Full video capabilities (Cisco Unified IP Phone 9951 and 9971 only)
• Gigabit ethernet connectivity
• Support for an external microphone and speakers
• Bluetooth support for wireless headsets (Cisco Unified IP Phone 9951 and 9971 only)
• Network connectivity by Wi-Fi (Cisco Unified IP Phone 9971 only)
• 2 USB ports for Cisco Unified IP Phones 9951 and 9971 and one USB port for Cisco Unified IP
Phone 8961
A Cisco Unified IP Phone, like other network devices, must be configured and managed. These phones
encode G.711a-law, G.711µ-law, G.722, G.729a, G.729ab, and iLBC, and decode G.711a-law,
G.711µ-law, G.722, G.729, G.729a, G.729b, G.729ab, and iLBC.
This chapter includes the following topics:
• Understanding the Cisco Unified IP Phone 8961, 9951, and 9971, page 1-2
• What Networking Protocols are Used?, page 1-10
• What Features are Supported on the Cisco Unified IP Phone 8961, 9951, and 9971?, page 1-13
• Understanding Security Features for Cisco Unified IP Phones, page 1-15
• Overview of Configuring and Installing Cisco Unified IP Phones, page 1-23
• Terminology Information, page 1-30
Caution Using a cell, mobile, or GSM phone, or two-way radio in close proximity to a Cisco Unified IP Phone
might cause interference. For more information, refer to the manufacturer’s documentation of the
interfering device.
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