This subject would not be worthy of its own page for most phones, but there are enough caveats and workarounds for these UAs that others may benefit from shared experience. Note that US part numbers are used throughout this write up.
Most of these caveats also apply to the 7945/7965 (the newer models with backlit color LCDs). See also: Standalone Cisco 7945/7965.
An additional set of configs etc have been posted here: Standalone Cisco 7941/7961 without a local PBX - Another
As Cisco has not yet documented the XML configuration file format for 79x1 phones, the best source of documentation is on the Asterisk phone cisco 79x1 xml configuration files for SIP page. This write up is a supplement, rather than a replacement. Some other good sources of information:
IANAL, but it is technically possible to use a "spare" part (e.g. CP-7961G=) rather than the part that includes the software license (e.g. CP-7961G-CH1). There is a difference of opinion on the Internet as to when the license is required, but Voiplink.com claims (Syburgh: I neither purchased from, nor have any affiliation with them):
The spare "CP-79xxG=" parts come with the phone, corded handset, English language stickers, cardboard box, and miscellaneous warranty/safety papers. They DO NOT include a power adapter, network cable, or SMARTnet contract.
Most of these caveats also apply to the 7945/7965 (the newer models with backlit color LCDs). See also: Standalone Cisco 7945/7965.
An additional set of configs etc have been posted here: Standalone Cisco 7941/7961 without a local PBX - Another
As Cisco has not yet documented the XML configuration file format for 79x1 phones, the best source of documentation is on the Asterisk phone cisco 79x1 xml configuration files for SIP page. This write up is a supplement, rather than a replacement. Some other good sources of information:
- 2005-September-09 Press Release
- Documentation for Cisco Unified IP Phone 7961G/7961G-GE and 7941G/7941G-GE
- Firmware download for Cisco IP Phone FW 7900 Series (CCO login required)
Motivation
- Familiar office phone interface at home
- Officially brighter future and higher resolution display than 79x0
- Has a dynamic jitter buffer for SIP, something Asterisk (currently) has only for IAX
- Potential integration with CallManager extranet (untested)
- Compatible with widely available headsets
- Support standard 803.af "Power Over Ethernet" (POE), whereas 79x0 only support a proprietary pre-standard POE variant
Planning
Model
The 7941G has two line buttons, the 7961G has six. Line buttons are configurable as outgoing SIP channels ("SIP lines") or as configurable speed dial buttons. Both models appear to support three simultaneous SIP streams/channels/callsFinding the correct part
IANAL, but it is technically possible to use a "spare" part (e.g. CP-7961G=) rather than the part that includes the software license (e.g. CP-7961G-CH1). There is a difference of opinion on the Internet as to when the license is required, but Voiplink.com claims (Syburgh: I neither purchased from, nor have any affiliation with them):
The spare "CP-79xxG=" parts come with the phone, corded handset, English language stickers, cardboard box, and miscellaneous warranty/safety papers. They DO NOT include a power adapter, network cable, or SMARTnet contract.
Q. Do I need a Call Manager License to operate the phone with another IP PBX such as Asterisk?
A. No you only need a license to operate the phone with Call Manager or Call Manger Express. Licensing is the responsibility of the customer. ...
A. No you only need a license to operate the phone with Call Manager or Call Manger Express. Licensing is the responsibility of the customer. ...