Trying to activate a Cisco 7821

[mmoipoisses]

Good afternoon! I recently purchased the 7821 for my shop. Unfortunately, I do not have past experience with IP Phones. I plugged in my device and it is asking me for some kind of activation code. Keep in mind that it’s the only device so it’s not connected to any platforms whatsoever. Could anyone help me setting it up?

[Leo Laohoo]

Look at the model number (aka SKU) of the phone found at the back.  Does it have the letters "MPP"?

[mmoipoisses]

Nope, it does not have those letters.

[Leo Laohoo]

Ok, so this means that the phone was purchased with Enterprise firmware.  

There are several options to choose from and the are: 

1.  Convert the phone to 3PCC/MPP firmware.   This require a purchase of a conversion license, SKU "L-CP-E2M-78XX-CNV"

2.  (Depending on technical skills available) Download a known working SEPmacaddress.cnf.xml and configure the phone. 

3.  Return the phone to the vendor and look for other brand/models which are easier to configure.

[mmoipoisses]

Is it easy to purchase that license? And once I buy it, do I have to set it up on my own?

[Leo Laohoo]

The conversion license is free to buy from any authorized sellers.  

Once the conversion license is there, head to the Cisco Cloud Upgrader.

[Roger Kallberg]

What platform are you planning on using the device with? It cannot operate on its own.

[mmoipoisses]

What do you mean by platform?

[Roger Kallberg]

What call system are you going to use the phone with?

[mmoipoisses]

Well.. to be honest I don’t have any experience in using IP phones so I don’t really know.

[Roger Kallberg]

As I wrote earlier the phone cannot operate on its own, it needs a call system to connect with, like Webex Calling, Cisco Communication Manager or a 3:rd party call control system.

[Leo Laohoo]

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@mmoipoisses wrote:

Well.. to be honest I don’t have any experience in using IP phones so I don’t really know.

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I think Option 3 is suitable.