Cisco CP 8961 Phone Manual

The Cisco CP 8961 is a full-featured Unified IP Phone with a high-resolution color display, support for up to 8 lines, integrated Gigabit Ethernet switch, Power over Ethernet (PoE) support, wideband audio, built-in security features, and support for Cisco Unified Communications Manager. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting to Network 7. Making and Receiving Calls 8. Advanced Features 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: High-resolution color display, Handset, Speakerphone, Directories, Settings, Volume rocker, Navigation cluster.

FeatureDescription
DisplayHigh-resolution color LCD with backlight
Lines/Speed DialsSupports up to 8 lines and speed dials
Network PortsIntegrated Gigabit Ethernet switch (PC port)
PowerPower over Ethernet (PoE) or external power adapter
AudioWideband audio support, built-in speakerphone
SecurityBuilt-in security features and encryption
Headset PortFor connecting an external headset
Settings ButtonAccess phone settings and configuration
Messages ButtonAccess voicemail and messages
Directories ButtonAccess corporate and personal directories

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place phone on stable surface.

  1. Connect to network: Use Ethernet cable to connect LAN port to network switch.
  2. Connect PC (optional): Use second Ethernet cable from PC port to computer.
  3. Power the phone: Use Power over Ethernet (PoE) or connect external power adapter.
  4. Connect handset: Plug handset cord into handset port.
  5. Connect headset (optional): Plug headset into headset port.

WARNING! Use only approved power adapters. Ensure cables are securely connected.

First-Time Setup

Phone will boot and register with Cisco Unified Communications Manager.

  1. Check network connection: Ensure Ethernet cable is connected and network is active.
  2. Wait for registration: Phone will display "Registering" and then your extension.
  3. Set preferences: Press Settings button to configure ringtone, volume, display settings.
  4. Set up voicemail: Press Messages button and follow prompts to set up voicemail.
  5. Configure directories: Press Directories button to access corporate directory.

CAUTION! Do not unplug during boot process. Allow phone to complete startup.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Access settings via Settings button. Front Panel: Handset, Speakerphone, Volume rocker, Navigation buttons, Mute, Headset, Messages, Directories, Settings.

Softkeys: Context-sensitive buttons below display for call functions.

Settings: Ringtone selection, display contrast/brightness, network configuration, audio settings (ringer volume, handset volume, speakerphone volume). Phone Status: View network information, firmware version, call statistics. User Preferences: Set up speed dials, call forwarding, do not disturb.

Connecting to Network

Primary connection via Ethernet to network switch. Optional PC connection via second Ethernet port.

  1. Turn off phone before connecting cables.
  2. Connect Ethernet cable from network switch to LAN port on phone.
  3. For PC connection, connect cable from PC port to computer's Ethernet port.
  4. Power on phone; it should receive power via PoE or external adapter.
  5. Verify network connectivity through phone status menu.

Tip: Use Category 5e or higher Ethernet cables for best performance.

Making and Receiving Calls

Supports basic and advanced call features.

  1. Make call: Lift handset or press Speakerphone, dial number, press Dial softkey or #.
  2. Receive call: Answer by lifting handset, pressing Speakerphone, or Answer softkey.
  3. End call: Hang up handset, press Speakerphone, or EndCall softkey.
  4. Hold: Press Hold button during active call.
  5. Transfer: Press Transfer, dial target number, announce call, press Transfer again.
  6. Conference: Press Conference, dial participant, press Conference again to join.
  7. Redial: Press Redial or navigate to recent calls list.
  8. Mute: Press Mute button to toggle microphone on/off.

WARNING! Emergency calls may require special configuration. Contact administrator.

Advanced Features

Voicemail: Access via Messages button. Call Forwarding: Configure in User Preferences. Do Not Disturb: Enable to silence rings. Speed Dials: Assign to line buttons. Corporate Directory: Search via Directories button. Call History: View missed, received, placed calls.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug power before cleaning. Use slightly damp, lint-free cloth. Do not use liquids or aerosols.

CAUTION! Do not spray liquids directly on phone. Avoid abrasive cleaners.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class A digital device; complies with limits for business use. CE marked for European compliance. Copyright © Cisco Systems, Inc. For support, visit www.cisco.com or contact Cisco Technical Assistance Center. This product may be covered by one or more patents.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Phone not powering onPower sourceCheck PoE switch or power adapter; ensure cable is connected.
No dial toneNetwork/registrationCheck Ethernet connection; verify phone is registered with CUCM.
Cannot hear callerVolume settingsAdjust handset or speakerphone volume; check mute status.
Display is blankPower/backlightCheck power; adjust display brightness in settings.
Call quality issuesNetwork/audio settingsCheck network connectivity; verify audio codec configuration.

Reset: Settings > Admin Settings > Reset if available (requires admin password).

Service: Contact Cisco Technical Assistance Center; www.cisco.com

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