Cisco IP Phone 7916 Manual

The Cisco IP Phone 7916 is a 16-line expansion module designed to work with primary Cisco IP Phones (such as the 7940, 7960, or 7970 series) to provide additional line appearances and features. It connects via a sidecar cable and shares the network connection and configuration of the primary phone. Below are key sections for overview, installation, configuration, operation, features, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting to Primary Phone 7. Using Line Keys and Features 8. Configuration via Web Interface 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 16 programmable line/feature buttons, LCD display for line status, sidecar connection port, adjustable footstand.

FeatureDescription
Line/Feature Buttons16 buttons configurable as line appearances, speed dials, or feature access
LCD DisplayShows line status, extension numbers, and call information
Sidecar ConnectionConnects to primary IP phone via dedicated cable
PowerPowered through primary phone; no separate power adapter needed
NetworkShares network connection of primary phone
Mounting OptionsDesktop use with adjustable footstand or optional wall mount
CompatibilityWorks with Cisco IP Phone 7940, 7960, 7970 series and compatible call control systems
Firmware UpdatesLoaded automatically from primary phone or call server
Button LEDsIndicate line state: off, steady green, flashing green, amber
ConfigurationConfigured via primary phone web interface or call server administration

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure primary phone is installed and powered.

  1. Position the 7916: Place near primary phone on stable surface or mount on wall using optional kit.
  2. Connect to primary phone: Use provided sidecar cable to connect expansion port on primary phone to port on 7916.
  3. Power cycle: Restart primary phone to detect the expansion module.
  4. Verify connection: Check that all 16 buttons illuminate briefly during boot sequence.

WARNING! Use only Cisco-approved sidecar cable. Do not connect or disconnect cable while phones are powered on.

First-Time Setup

After physical installation, configure via primary phone or administration tool.

  1. Access web interface: From a computer, enter primary phone's IP address in a web browser.
  2. Configure expansion module: Navigate to Expansion Module settings.
  3. Assign lines/features: Map each of the 16 buttons to extensions, speed dial numbers, or features (hold, transfer, etc.).
  4. Save configuration: Apply settings; the 7916 will reset and load new configuration.

CAUTION! Configuration changes may require primary phone restart. Save any active call configurations first.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

All configuration is done through the primary phone interface. The 7916 itself has no direct settings menu.

Button Functions: Each button can be configured as: Line appearance for an extension, Speed dial number, Feature key (Hold, Transfer, Conference, Forward, etc.), BLF (Busy Lamp Field) for monitoring extension status.

LED Indicators: Off: Line not configured or inactive. Steady green: Line idle and registered. Flashing green: Incoming call or active call on that line. Amber: Line on hold or remote line busy (BLF).

Configuration Methods: Web interface of primary phone, Call server administration (Cisco Unified Communications Manager), Automated via DHCP and TFTP with configuration files.

Connecting to Primary Phone

The 7916 must be connected to a compatible primary phone to function.

  1. Power off primary phone before connecting sidecar cable.
  2. Locate expansion port on primary phone (typically on right side).
  3. Connect one end of sidecar cable to primary phone, other end to 7916.
  4. Power on primary phone; wait for boot sequence to complete.
  5. Verify 7916 is detected (all buttons flash during initialization).

Tip: Maximum cable length is 6 feet (1.8 meters). Do not use extension cables.

Using Line Keys and Features

Once configured, use the 7916 to manage multiple lines and features.

  1. Answer calls: Press flashing green button for incoming call on that line.
  2. Make calls: Press steady green button to get dial tone for that line, then dial number.
  3. Switch between calls: Press different line buttons to toggle between active calls.
  4. Use speed dial: Press configured speed dial button to automatically dial pre-set number.
  5. Monitor status: BLF buttons show amber when monitored extension is busy.
  6. Place call on hold: During active call, press Hold feature button or switch to another line.
  7. Transfer calls: Use Transfer feature button or consult primary phone for transfer function.
  8. Conference calls: Use Conference feature button or consult primary phone.

WARNING! Button functions depend on configuration. Consult your system administrator for specific mappings.

Configuration via Web Interface

Advanced configuration is performed through the primary phone's web interface.

  1. Find primary phone IP address: Press Settings button on primary phone > Network Configuration.
  2. Enter IP address in web browser on connected computer.
  3. Log in with phone administrator credentials (default may vary).
  4. Navigate to "Expansion Module" or "7916 Configuration" page.
  5. For each button 1-16, select: Type (Line, Speed Dial, Feature), Label (text displayed), Value (extension or number).
  6. Submit changes and restart phone if prompted.

Note: Configuration options depend on call server type and firmware version.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug primary phone from power before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth for display and housing. For stubborn stains, dampen cloth with water only; no solvents or abrasives.

CAUTION! Do not spray liquids directly on phone. Avoid getting moisture in openings.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. CE marked for European compliance. UL and CSA listed for safety. Copyright © Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. For support, visit www.cisco.com or contact Cisco Technical Assistance Center.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
7916 not powering onSidecar cable not connected properlyPower off primary phone, reseat cable at both ends, restart.
Buttons not respondingConfiguration not loadedCheck primary phone web interface; ensure 7916 is configured and assigned.
LEDs not lighting correctlyLine/feature configuration issueVerify button assignments in configuration; check call server registration.
Display blank or garbledConnection issue or firmwareReseat cable; ensure primary phone has correct firmware supporting 7916.
Cannot configure buttonsAdministrative accessVerify login credentials for web interface; contact system administrator.
Primary phone doesn't detect 7916Incompatible phone or firmwareVerify primary phone model and firmware version supports 7916 expansion.

Reset: Power cycle primary phone. For factory reset, consult primary phone documentation.

Service: Cisco Technical Assistance Center: 1-800-553-2447; www.cisco.com/support

Cisco IP Phone 7916 Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025