Cisco 7960G Review
Like many of the major PBX manufacturers, Cisco has firmly embraced SIP, it is currently supported on 4 of their IP phone models, here we review the their Flagship SIP phone the 7960G.
Models
The current model is the 7960G, the key changes from the 7960 is that it is made for the Global market, with symbols instead of 'English' labels on the function key, with overlays for each region. The other importance change is that the Power over Ethernet is now standards (IEEE 802.3af) compliant, whereas on the 7960 is it was proprietary.
Cost
Anything from £70 to £350 depending if you buy new or used, shop around for the best deal.
SIP
From the factory, the phone is supplied with SCCP firmware, as are almost all used ones recovered from offices etc. Converting them from SCCP to SIP can be achieved, and can require a full set Cisco SIP firmware, depending on the SCCP version already loaded, occasionally things can go wrong and the phone can become locked in a loop.
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
The phone supports Power over Ethernet, but beware! the earlier non 'G' models don't comply to international PoE standards (IEEE 802.3af), and connection of a standards based PoE injector or powered switch can damage the phone. You can also construct your own PoE injector. PoE is certainly the way to go at home, no need to worry about mains connections next to the phone, and having two leads trailing from the phone, just one patch lead carrying the power and data.
Benefits
Like any hardphone, its key advantages over a softphone, is that your not dependant on a PC for telephony, so no issues with applications and handsets/headsets/mics & earpieces, or leaving the PC switched on, with the application running to receive calls. You can have one in every room that you currently have an analogue phone, with just a Cat 3 or better data cable. The audio quality is exceptional, no detectable difference between it and a traditional phone. You have easy access to traditional telephony features (hold, transfer, shortcodes, call log, CLI etc), new ones like xml features such as web based directories, information etc, you can store them on a central server for access by the phones from any location.
Touch & Feel
The build quality is excellent, solid, stylish, well thought out, a quality item, a vast improvement on the first generation Cisco phones.
Features
Large LCD display, local directories, local call log (missed calls, made calls, received calls), call hold, call transfer (blind or attended), adjustable ringer, microphone mute, monitor speaker and handset audio, message waiting indicator. On-board Ethernet switch, to connect you PC via a single LAN port. Excellent handsfree mode, line selective intercom (auto answer), adjustable back-stand, xml services, direct message retrieval button, headset socket, 6 line buttons, user installable ring tones, you chose it, convert it and the phone will ring it.
Set-up
Once running SIP firmware, they are easy to configure and can be configured from the phone itself, or via a configuration files and a TFTP server.
Support
This is a tricky one, officially you need to pay for support from Cisco to obtain product info, support and firmware updates, it was designed to be deployed in large corporations not for single home users, but look around the Internet.
Conclusion:
Very nice phone, if a little on the expensive side, but unlike some hardphones you won't be disappointed.
Added: Saturday, March 12, 2005
Reviewer: dboyce
Score:
hits: 10990
Language: eng
