Handset; Speakerphone; Headset; Audio Quality Subjective To The User - Cisco 7940G Administration Manual

Chapter 3 Setting Up the Cisco Unified IP Phone

Handset

The handset is designed especially for use with a Cisco Unified IP Phone. It includes a light strip that
indicates incoming calls and voice messages waiting.
To connect a handset to the Cisco Unified IP Phone, plug the cable into the handset and the Handset port
on the back of the phone.

Speakerphone

By default, the speakerphone is enabled on Cisco Unified IP Phones.
You can disable the speakerphone through the Cisco Unified Communications Manager Administration
application. To do so, choose Device > Phone and locate the phone you want to modify. In the Phone
Configuration web page for the phone, check the Disable Speakerphone check box.

Headset

Although Cisco Systems performs internal testing of third-party headsets for use with the Cisco Unified
IP Phones, Cisco does not certify or support products from headset or handset vendors.
In some instances, the mechanics or electronics of various headsets can cause remote parties to hear an
echo of their own voice when they speak to Cisco Unified IP Phone users.
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 cell phones and two-way radios, some audio noise
or echo may still occur. An audible hum or buzz may be heard by either the remote party or by both the
remote party and the Cisco Unified IP Phone user. Humming or buzzing sounds can be caused by a range
of outside sources; for example, electric lights, electric motors, or large PC monitors. See
Devices with Your Cisco Unified IP Phone, page
In some cases, hum may be reduced or eliminated by using a local power cube or power injector.
Note
These environmental and hardware inconsistencies in the locations where Cisco Unified IP Phones are
deployed means that there is not a single headset solution that is optimal for all environments.
Cisco recommends that customers test headsets in their intended environment to determine performance
before making a purchasing decision and deploying en masse.

Audio Quality Subjective to the User

Beyond the 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
have been reported to perform well with Cisco Unified IP Phones. See manufacturer's sites for details.
Cisco Unified IP Phone 7960G/7940G Administration Guide for Cisco Unified Communications Manager 7.0 (SIP)
OL-15499-01
Understanding the Cisco Unified IP Phone Components
3-4, for more information.
Using External
3-3