Basic Cisco IP phone recommendation

[euforiamracademia]

Hi,

For my little project, I am looking at basic IP phone that would fit my requirements. I would need your recommendation, since I've already tried two different (non-cisco) that would specify certain features working in manual/product sheet, but then in practice it would turn out it doesn't. My requirements:

- PC port,

- Able to handle LLDP, more specifically: I need it to be able to *accept* LLDP configuration broadcasted by the switch.

- Preferrably web interface, or other interface that would allow for debugging, packet capture etc.

- Budget friendly,

In my experience so far, the problematic part is accepting LLDP configuration. Also, debugging tools provide very little help, and device status information is very very basic, unhelpful in case of problems. Thank you in advance.

[bill.king1]

I'm not a UCM person, but it looks like the 88XX series phones like the 8845 support it, and they (at least in my experience) are somewhat common.
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/collaboration-endpoints/unified-ip-phone-8800-series/datasheet-c78-734730.html

[vishalbhandari]

For your project, I recommend looking into Cisco IP Phones since you’ve had issues with non-Cisco options, and Cisco devices tend to offer robust support for LLDP and debugging tools. Here are two options that may fit your requirements:

1. Cisco IP Phone 6821

• PC Port: Yes, includes a PC port for daisy-chaining.
• LLDP Support: Fully supports LLDP-MED, so it can accept switch-based configuration.
• Web Interface: Has a web-based management interface for troubleshooting and configuration.
• Budget: This is one of the more budget-friendly options within the Cisco range.

2. Cisco IP Phone 8841

• PC Port: Yes, includes a PC port.
• LLDP Support: Supports LLDP-MED, ensuring it can receive configurations from your switch.
• Web Interface: Also includes a web interface and supports logging and packet capture.
• Budget: Slightly more expensive than the 6821, but still affordable for its feature set.

Both models should provide you with good debugging and configuration tools through the web interface, and their LLDP support is robust, which addresses the key issues you’ve faced with non-Cisco models. The 8841 offers a bit more in terms of advanced features but still maintains a reasonable price point.

[euforiamracademia]

Thank you for your help. Do you by any chance have any hands-on experience with the two ?