Old cisco voip as handset for smartphone

[opertylodch]

Hi,

im wondering, is there an easy option for using old cisco phone like 79xx series as an 'extension' for smartphone? Like cell 2 jack for old landline phones?

[vishalbhandari]

Yes, you can repurpose old Cisco 79xx series phones as extensions to your smartphone using a few different approaches. However, unlike the simple "Cell 2 Jack" devices for landlines, it requires more complex integration since Cisco IP phones use SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) for VoIP.

Here are two common methods:

1. Use CUCM with SIP Forwarding

If you have Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM) set up, you can configure the 79xx series phone to register as a SIP endpoint and set up call forwarding from your smartphone to the IP phone:

• CUCM Registration: Register the Cisco 79xx as a SIP device on CUCM.
• Call Forwarding: Set up forwarding rules or simultaneous ring in CUCM to route calls from your smartphone to the Cisco phone.

This method requires a CUCM or other compatible call management system.

2. Third-Party PBX (like Asterisk or FreePBX)

For a more cost-effective solution, you can use an open-source VoIP PBX like Asterisk or FreePBX. Here’s how:

• Set up a VoIP server: Install and configure Asterisk or FreePBX on a local server or cloud.
• Register your smartphone and Cisco 79xx phone: Both your smartphone (using a VoIP app like Zoiper or Linphone) and Cisco 79xx phone can register as extensions on the PBX.
• Simultaneous Ring: Configure your VoIP system to ring both your smartphone and the Cisco phone for incoming calls.

This method gives more flexibility and can work in both home and office environments.

[Nithin Eluvathingal]

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@vishalbhandari wrote:

Yes, you can repurpose old Cisco 79xx series phones as extensions to your smartphone using a few different approaches. However, unlike the simple "Cell 2 Jack" devices for landlines, it requires more complex integration since Cisco IP phones use SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) for VoIP.

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The 79XX phones are not SIP-only; they also support SCCP. The majority of 79XX phones come with SCCP, and in most cases, we convert them to SIP.

[Nithin Eluvathingal]

To use the Cell 2 jack, you need an analog phone, such as a Panasonic.

If you have a subscription with a third-party SIP provider, you can use the 79XX phone by registering it directly with them. If the phone is loaded with SCCP firmware, you will need to convert it to SIP before registering it with the SIP provider. Additionally, some tweaking might be necessary.