Setting Up Cisco IP Phone 7960 Series Reading TFTP Timeout When Connected to Ethernet

[MichaelM26]

I am trying to setup a Cisco IP Phone 7960 series phone with my small business Optimum internet and need assistance and a guide to setting up the phone.  When I attempt to put the ethernet cord connected to my Optimum router into the back of the IP phone it says "requesting configuration" and then "TFTP timeout"  I have been told that I might need to change the configuration from static to dynamic or vice versa; does this seem accurate?  If so, how do I make this change and what do I do from there?  Any assistance at all in setting up this phone for my small business would be GREATLY appreciated!  Thank you in advance!

[Dan Lukes]

Cisco IP Phone 7960 is neither SPA IP Phone nor Small Business Voice and Conferencing class of product.

I has moved this thread to more appropriate place.

[MichaelM26]

Thank you!  Where has this thread been moved to?  Can you please send me a link?  Thanks!

[Dan Lukes]

You responded to the thread, so we can be sure you know here it is.

[Leo Laohoo]

I presume you are trying to set-up the 7960 phone without using Cisco-related call manager system, like CUCM or CUE.  Is this correct? 

If this is the case then the 7960 must run SIP firmware (instead of SCCP).  I have more questions to ask but you'll need to provide us with more information.

[MichaelM26]

Thank you for your quick reply Leo; and thank you in advance for all your help in resolving this matter and getting my IP phone up and running. 

I am a small business owner and new to the IP phone world; and looking to set up the phone in the most simple manner possible.  The phone did not come with any software; do I NEED to buy or download software for the phone in order to set it up?

Additionallly, I'd like to set up the phone by being able to connect the back of the phone directly to my modem (rather than my desktop)  via an ethernet cable if this is at all possible; as I would like to be able to completely shut down my desktop at times and still have the phone running and functioning and being able to take messages.  Is this at all possible?  Thank you for your help!

[Leo Laohoo]

The phone did not come with any software; do I NEED to buy or download software for the phone in order to set it up?

Yes.  I think you may need to engage someone who knows how to get the phone working on a non-Cisco call manager.  

[Leo Laohoo]

as I would like to be able to completely shut down my desktop at times and still have the phone running and functioning and being able to take messages.

Even if the PC is connected to the phone (and the phone is connected to the switch), if the PC is powered off the phone will still work.  If the PC is "sleep", the phone is still working.