How to install a VOIP phone

[mauriceg]

It ought to be easy; the experts say : just plug it in; end of story. I've plugged it in but it doesn't work.

Typing the IP address (as given by the Cisco SPA 301) into my browser (Firefox) gives me access to the setup page.

So I entered the phone's IP address (under the heading Phone) and the IP address of my machine (under the heading System). The phone shows activity via the LED light, ending with Green for Go.

But I still get no dialling tone.

The Cisco guide suggests updating the firmware but I seem to have the current version.

There are tons of VOIP guides on the 'Net but I haven't found anything like an answer.

Any ideas ?

[Phil]

Hi Maurice,

VOIP phones are essentially stand alone computers, so need configuring themselves.
I did a search and the Cisco instructions seem to be plug in the cables and use the installation wizard.

I use the callcentric pay-as-you-go service, and on their site they have instructions for a Cisco SPA112/122, similar?

The phone should have its own IP addy, or get one via DHCP from the router. Your account details/passwords to your VOIP provider should be in the phones configuration file. Does it connect and standby/register for a call (if no dialtone there is a config error). Examine the configuration via the web interface. Think in terms of troubleshooting a network connection from a computer (even though it is a phone)

They are fiddly sometimes. Once working save out the config file just in case.

[Just17]

If this is a phone that connects to your router via an ethernet connection, then

you need to set up the VOIP account in the phone --- the details of which are supplied by your VOIP service provider.

Are those details entered?

If the phone is not connected to your PC, then why is your PC IP address entered into it?

So I entered the phone's IP address (under the heading Phone) and the IP address of my machine (under the heading System).

Maybe you meant something different when referring to 'my machine'?

[glamdring]

If you list what service provider you are using we may be able to assist you better, can you properly connect to the service via soft phone/web interface?

To check/config you can use the IVR menu, access this by hitting (*) four times followed by the number of option and (#), (9) will list the most commonly sued ones. To get a full list of IVR menu option and all other configuration information download administration guide: http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/voice_ip_comm/csbpipp/ip_phones/administration/guide/spa500_admin.pdf

If you are weary of direct links choose the top search result: http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps10998/prod_maintenance_guides_list.html

[mauriceg]

Thanks, folks.

Your suggestions have helped to clarify the problem.

The basic problem is still that when I enter the URL for the phone (0.0.0.0) into Firefox (and other browsers) the message is 'Unable to connect with the server'.

So I have to find out why the address is not recognised. Could it have something to do with ports ? So many mysteries ...

Cheers,

Maurice G.

[Phil]

Hi mMaurice,

go to the networking area and see my reply.

If it is set up DHCP it should find the default gateway to the internet 0.0.0.0

Re-check the settings on the voip phone, somewhere it is asking for the gateway/router which may be 192.168.0.1

(If I type 0.0.0.0 into my firefox I get the same, it is not a valid address, just shorthand for all of the internet bar your own network)

Keep plugging away

[Just17]

The basic problem is still that when I enter the URL for the phone (0.0.0.0) into Firefox (and other browsers) the message is 'Unable to connect with the server'.

That is not a valid address.

If your phone is connected to the router, then examine the router info to see what IP address has been given to the phone, and use that address in the browser.

I am not yet certain how the devices are physically connected ......  if you gave details of that it would help and save some guessing.

Generally I expect the VOIP phone to be connected to the router, and the router would issue it with an address.
The address the router issues will be listed in the router itself, and can be used by the browser to access the phone settings.

[mauriceg]

Still trying to sort out this ?simple? question.

Yes, the VOIP phone is connected to a router and the Internet set-up is working fine.

I'm trying a different approach at the moment. It may be that the problem arises from the DHCP system. Perhaps I need to set up a static IP address so I'm exploring all the delights of the C.L.I.  ...

Thanks for following the saga. A happy ending may be in sight.

Maurice G.

[Phil]

Hi Maurice,

Keep plugging away, they can be a pain.

DHCP should make things simple. When setting up a static IP you need to tell the router and maybe use whatever it allocated via DHCP as the static addy. You will need to look at the router and configure a static device there, and lastly on the voip.

From memory:

Voip - log in using default credentials from any machine on your network, change login/passwd for security, select DHCP to make things easy, configure a line to hold whatever your voip provider says (very fiddly). Test, retry. On success consider a static IP and do this at the router first, suggest using whatever IP it allocates.

Your default gateway when you configure a static IP will be maybe 192.168.0.1 (ie the routers addy).

DHCP does everything automagically, done from your router, very easy.

Keep going.....

Also check out the callcentric.com support, devices page for inspiration. It has an earlier device, should be similar.