Phones

Build a modern business calling environment with Cisco IP phones and desk phones designed for Webex Calling, Cisco Unified Communications Manager, and other compatible business voice platforms. Hummingbird Networks offers business phones for offices, enterprises, branches, shared workspaces, reception areas, and organizations modernizing their communications infrastructure.

Cisco business phones combine professional voice communications with features designed for today's connected workplace. Depending on the phone and calling platform, capabilities can include Power over Ethernet, multi-line calling, programmable keys, color displays, Bluetooth, WiFi, headset connectivity, secure communications, hot desking, directory integration, meetings, and centralized management.

For organizations adopting cloud communications, compatible Cisco phones can provide dedicated desk endpoints for Webex Calling, bringing business calling and Webex collaboration together within a broader collaboration environment.

Cisco Business Phones for Webex Calling

Cisco offers business phones for a wide range of users, from employees who need straightforward desk-based calling to executives, receptionists, shared workspace users, and teams that rely heavily on calling and collaboration.

Depending on the model and platform, Cisco phone capabilities can include:

• Webex Calling support
• Business VoIP calling
• SIP communications
• Power over Ethernet
• Multiple line appearances
• Programmable feature keys
• Color displays
• Touchscreen interfaces on selected models
• Bluetooth connectivity on selected models
• WiFi connectivity on selected models
• Wired and wireless headset support
• Speakerphone functionality
• Corporate directories
• Voicemail access
• Call transfer and conferencing
• Hot desking on supported platforms and models
• Webex meeting integration on supported models
• Key expansion modules on compatible phones

Available features depend on the exact phone, firmware, calling platform, licensing, and deployment architecture.

What Is Webex Calling?

Webex Calling is Cisco's cloud-based business calling platform. It provides organizations with cloud calling services that can connect compatible Cisco phones, Webex applications, collaboration devices, users, and workspaces.

For organizations moving communications toward the cloud, Webex Calling can provide a path for combining dedicated business phones with software-based communications and broader Webex collaboration.

Organizations can use different endpoints for different employee roles while managing communications within the Webex environment.

Cisco Phones for Webex Calling

Cisco supports multiple phone families for compatible Webex Calling deployments.

These can include current Cisco Desk Phone models as well as supported Cisco IP Phone families already deployed across business and enterprise environments.

When selecting a Cisco phone for Webex Calling, organizations should verify:

• Exact phone model
• Supported firmware
• Webex Calling compatibility
• Required licenses or subscriptions
• PoE requirements
• Network connectivity
• Headset requirements
• Workspace or user assignment
• Required Webex features

Cisco Desk Phone 9800 Series

The Cisco Desk Phone 9800 Series is Cisco's current generation of professional desk phones for modern business calling, hybrid work, shared workspaces, and collaboration environments.

The family includes:

• Cisco Desk Phone 9811
• Cisco Desk Phone 9841
• Cisco Desk Phone 9851
• Cisco Desk Phone 9861
• Cisco Desk Phone 9871
• Cisco Desk Phone 9800 Key Expansion Module

The 9800 Series uses Cisco PhoneOS and is designed to support Webex Calling, Cisco Unified Communications Manager, and additional supported calling platforms.

This can give organizations flexibility when standardizing new phone deployments or evolving their communications architecture over time.

Cisco 9800 Series & Webex Calling

The Cisco Desk Phone 9800 Series provides deep integration with Webex Calling and the broader Cisco collaboration ecosystem.

Depending on the phone model, calling platform, and configuration, Webex-related capabilities can include:

• Webex Calling registration
• Unified call history
• Unified directory
• Webex meetings on supported models
• One Button to Push meetings on supported models
• Webex Companion functionality on supported models
• Desk Phone Control through the Webex App
• Hot desking on supported models
• Flexible seating capabilities
• Workspace deployments
• Hybrid calendar capabilities on supported models

Feature availability varies across the 9800 Series, so organizations should evaluate the exact model according to the features their users require.

Cisco Desk Phone 9811

The Cisco Desk Phone 9811 provides an entry point into the 9800 Series for users focused primarily on professional business calling.

It can be appropriate for general office users, common areas, shared locations, and deployments where straightforward voice communications are the priority.

Organizations should note that some of the more advanced Webex collaboration features available elsewhere in the 9800 family are not available on the 9811.

Cisco Desk Phone 9841

The Cisco Desk Phone 9841 expands the 9800 Series feature set for business users requiring additional calling and collaboration functionality.

It can be suitable for organizations standardizing modern Cisco phones across offices, branches, shared workspaces, and other professional environments.

Cisco Desk Phone 9851

The Cisco Desk Phone 9851 provides a color display and additional functionality for employees with more substantial business calling requirements.

It also supports the Cisco Desk Phone 9800 Key Expansion Module for compatible deployments where users require additional programmable controls.

Cisco Desk Phone 9861

The Cisco Desk Phone 9861 provides a larger color display and expanded calling and collaboration functionality for users with more advanced communications requirements.

It can be appropriate for modern workplace environments where a desk endpoint extends beyond traditional voice calling into Webex-enabled communications and collaboration workflows.

Cisco Desk Phone 9871

The Cisco Desk Phone 9871 provides a large color touchscreen and advanced calling and collaboration capabilities within the 9800 Series.

It can be appropriate for executives, managers, advanced users, and organizations looking for a premium Cisco desk endpoint with Webex Calling integration.

Cisco 9800 Key Expansion Module

The Cisco Desk Phone 9800 Key Expansion Module adds additional programmable keys to compatible 9800 Series phones.

Key expansion can be useful for:

• Receptionists
• Administrative assistants
• Executive assistants
• Contact environments
• Users monitoring multiple extensions
• Employees requiring additional speed dials
• Users requiring additional feature keys

Compatibility and supported configurations depend on the host phone and power configuration.

Additional phone hardware and related components can be found in our collaboration accessories category.

Webex Calling & Hot Desking

Modern offices increasingly use shared desks and flexible seating rather than assigning a permanent workspace to every employee.

Supported Cisco Desk Phone 9800 Series models can participate in hot desking and flexible workspace environments, allowing organizations to use compatible Cisco phones across shared locations.

This can be valuable for:

• Hybrid workplaces
• Shared offices
• Flexible seating environments
• Branch offices
• Temporary workspaces
• Organizations reducing dedicated desk space

Organizations planning hot desking should verify the phone model, Webex configuration, workspace settings, and supported features.

Cisco Phones & the Webex App

Cisco desk phones and the Webex App can complement one another rather than requiring organizations to choose exclusively between physical phones and software calling.

Employees can use dedicated Cisco phones for desk-based communications while the Webex App supports communications and collaboration across computers and mobile devices.

Supported Cisco Desk Phone 9800 Series models can provide additional integration between the physical phone and Webex App, including Desk Phone Control and Webex Companion capabilities.

Webex Calling for Hybrid Work

Hybrid work creates communications requirements across corporate offices, home offices, shared desks, branches, and mobile environments.

A Webex Calling environment can combine compatible Cisco desk phones with software-based communications so organizations can provide endpoints according to employee roles and workstyles.

A deployment might include:

• Cisco desk phones for permanent office workstations
• Shared Cisco phones for hot desks
• Advanced Cisco phones for executives and managers
• Wireless phones for mobile employees
• Webex App access for computers and mobile devices
• Webex collaboration devices for meeting spaces

Cisco IP Phone 8800 Series

The Cisco IP Phone 8800 Series remains an important family of enterprise voice and collaboration endpoints.

Depending on the model, firmware, and deployment architecture, compatible 8800 Series phones can support Cisco communications environments including Webex Calling.

Capabilities across the family can include:

• Business voice communications
• Color displays
• Multiple line keys
• Bluetooth on selected models
• WiFi on selected models
• USB connectivity on selected models
• Video capabilities on selected models
• Key expansion modules on compatible models
• Headset connectivity
• Power over Ethernet

Cisco 8800 Series & Webex Calling

Compatible Cisco 8800 Series Multiplatform Phones can be used in supported Webex Calling environments.

This makes the 8800 Series particularly relevant to organizations maintaining established Cisco phone deployments or evaluating a transition toward cloud-based calling.

Exact model, firmware, and migration requirements should be verified before moving an existing phone to Webex Calling.

Cisco IP Phone 7800 Series

The Cisco IP Phone 7800 Series provides business voice endpoints for users who need reliable calling and familiar desk-phone functionality.

The family includes models designed around different numbers of programmable line and feature keys, making the 7800 Series suitable for a variety of general business users.

Compatible 7800 Series Multiplatform Phones can also be used in supported Webex Calling environments.

Cisco Phones for Webex Calling vs. CUCM

Cisco phones can operate across different Cisco calling architectures depending on the model and configuration.

Webex Calling provides cloud-based business calling, while Cisco Unified Communications Manager, commonly called CUCM or Unified CM, provides enterprise call control for organizations operating Cisco communications infrastructure.

The appropriate architecture depends on factors such as:

• Existing Cisco infrastructure
• Cloud strategy
• Number of locations
• Calling requirements
• IT resources
• Integration requirements
• Business continuity requirements
• Licensing

The Cisco Desk Phone 9800 Series can provide additional deployment flexibility because the family is designed to support both Webex Calling and CUCM environments.

What Is an IP Phone?

An IP phone is a telephone that sends and receives voice communications through an Internet Protocol network.

Instead of requiring a traditional analog telephone line at every desk, IP phones connect to network infrastructure and communicate with a compatible calling platform.

This allows voice services to integrate more closely with business networking, cloud communications, directories, security, device management, and collaboration systems.

What Is a VoIP Phone?

A VoIP phone uses Voice over Internet Protocol technology to make and receive calls.

In business communications, the terms VoIP phone and IP phone are frequently used interchangeably.

Typical business VoIP features can include:

• Extension dialing
• Call hold
• Call transfer
• Call forwarding
• Conference calling
• Voicemail
• Directories
• Shared lines
• Call history
• Programmable keys

Available functions depend on the phone and calling platform.

SIP Phones

Session Initiation Protocol, commonly called SIP, is widely used to establish and manage VoIP communications.

Many enterprise phones use SIP as part of their communications architecture.

SIP support alone does not guarantee that a phone will work with every calling platform. Firmware, provisioning, authentication, available features, and platform support should also be considered.

PoE Cisco IP Phones

Power over Ethernet can provide compatible Cisco IP phones with electrical power through the same Ethernet infrastructure used for network connectivity.

This can simplify desk deployments by reducing the need for individual AC power adapters.

A typical business phone deployment connects phones to PoE-capable network switches.

When deploying large numbers of phones, network administrators should consider:

• Phone power consumption
• Number of phones per switch
• Total switch PoE budget
• Other PoE devices sharing the switch
• UPS requirements
• Future expansion

Cisco Phones with Ethernet Passthrough

Compatible Cisco desk phones can provide network connectivity for a nearby workstation through an integrated Ethernet connection.

This can allow the phone and computer to share the network connection available at the desk while still being logically separated through configurations such as voice and data VLANs.

Organizations should verify the Ethernet speed supported by the phone when workstation network performance is important.

Voice VLANs for Cisco Phones

Business networks commonly place IP phones on a dedicated voice VLAN.

Separating voice and general data traffic can make it easier to apply:

• Quality of Service
• Voice-specific network policies
• Security controls
• Addressing policies
• Troubleshooting procedures

The exact configuration depends on the phone, switch, calling platform, and network architecture.

Quality of Service for Webex Calling & VoIP

Real-time voice traffic is sensitive to latency, jitter, packet loss, and network congestion.

Quality of Service, commonly called QoS, can help network administrators prioritize voice and other real-time communications traffic appropriately.

QoS planning can extend across:

• Access switches
• Routers
• WAN connections
• VPN infrastructure
• Internet connectivity
• Other network paths carrying voice traffic

Organizations deploying Webex Calling should consider both endpoint requirements and the network paths connecting users to calling services.

Cisco Phones & Business Headsets

Headsets can improve comfort, privacy, and mobility for employees who spend substantial portions of the workday on calls and Webex communications.

Depending on the Cisco phone model, headset connectivity can include wired, USB, Bluetooth, and compatible wireless headset options.

Hummingbird Networks offers business headsets, including Cisco wired and wireless headset solutions for compatible phone and collaboration environments.

Always verify compatibility between the exact phone and headset before deployment.

Cisco Phone Accessories

Business phone deployments can require more than the phone itself.

Depending on the endpoint and user requirements, accessories can include:

• Key expansion modules
• Charging cradles
• Wireless phone chargers
• Replacement batteries
• Carrying cases
• Headset bases
• Power accessories

Explore collaboration accessories when completing compatible Cisco phone and workspace deployments.

Cisco Phones for Receptionists

Receptionists and administrative professionals often require more line appearances and programmable controls than general office users.

Useful capabilities can include:

• Multiple lines
• Shared lines
• Busy Lamp Field
• Speed dial
• Call transfer
• Directories
• Headset support
• Key expansion modules

Compatible Cisco 8800 and 9800 Series phones can support expansion options for users who require additional programmable controls.

Cisco Phones for Executives

Executive users may benefit from Cisco phones with larger color displays, advanced audio, Bluetooth, wireless connectivity, additional programmable keys, and deeper Webex integration.

Phone selection should reflect the user's communications workflow, calling platform, and required features rather than simply selecting the model with the largest display.

Cisco Phones for Shared Workspaces

Shared desks and flexible offices can require phones that support users who are not permanently assigned to a single workstation.

Selected Cisco Desk Phone 9800 models can support hot desking and flexible seating functionality in compatible Webex environments.

This can allow organizations to maintain dedicated communications hardware while adopting more flexible workspace strategies.

Cisco Phones for Branch Offices

Branch offices can use Cisco IP phones to provide a more standardized communications experience across multiple locations.

Organizations should consider:

• Calling platform
• WAN reliability
• Internet connectivity
• PoE switching
• QoS
• Voice VLANs
• Emergency calling requirements
• Business continuity

Cisco Phones for Hybrid Work

Hybrid work can involve employees moving between corporate offices, shared workspaces, home offices, and mobile environments.

Cisco phones and Webex can support an endpoint strategy in which dedicated desk phones are used where physical calling hardware makes sense while the Webex App supports communications across computers and mobile devices.

This allows organizations to choose endpoints according to employee roles and workstyles rather than requiring every user to communicate through the same type of device.

Cisco Wireless Phones

Cisco wireless phones can extend enterprise communications to employees who need to remain mobile throughout a facility.

Wireless phones can be useful in:

• Warehouses
• Healthcare facilities
• Retail locations
• Manufacturing facilities
• Hospitality environments
• Campuses
• Large commercial facilities

Wireless phone deployments should consider coverage, roaming, battery runtime, charging, durability, network capacity, and calling-platform compatibility.

Cisco Phone Security

IP phones are network-connected endpoints and should be included in the organization's broader cybersecurity strategy.

Security considerations can include:

• Device authentication
• Firmware integrity
• Encrypted signaling
• Encrypted voice media
• Network segmentation
• Administrative access
• Certificate management
• Software updates

Voice endpoints should be considered alongside the organization's broader network security architecture.

Webex Calling Licensing

Hardware is only one part of a Webex Calling deployment. Organizations should also account for the appropriate Webex Calling subscriptions, user or workspace licensing, PSTN strategy, and other services required by the deployment.

Hummingbird Networks offers Cisco Webex licensing and can support organizations evaluating Webex Calling and broader Webex collaboration requirements.

Licensing requirements can change according to the deployment, so organizations should verify current Cisco licensing and subscription requirements when planning a project.

Webex Suite

Organizations looking beyond business calling can also use the broader Webex Suite to bring calling, meetings, and additional collaboration capabilities together within the Cisco Webex ecosystem.

This can be relevant when the phone deployment is part of a larger communications strategy involving employees, shared workspaces, meeting rooms, hybrid work, and cloud collaboration.

Other Business Phone Options

While Cisco and Webex are a major focus for business and enterprise collaboration, Hummingbird Networks also offers phone and voice solutions from other technology manufacturers for compatible deployments.

These include Fortinet FortiFone desk phones and DECT solutions for organizations using compatible Fortinet voice infrastructure.

The appropriate phone should always be selected according to the organization's calling platform, compatibility requirements, user needs, and network architecture.

How to Choose a Cisco Business Phone

Start with the calling platform and user requirements before selecting a specific Cisco phone.

Determine the Calling Platform

Identify whether the phones will operate with Webex Calling, Cisco Unified Communications Manager, or another supported communications platform.

Check Phone Compatibility

Verify that the exact phone model and firmware are supported by the intended calling platform.

Determine the User Role

A common-area phone, general office phone, receptionist phone, shared-workspace phone, and executive phone can have very different requirements.

Determine the Number of Lines & Keys

Users handling multiple calls may require additional line appearances, programmable keys, or a compatible key expansion module.

Evaluate Webex Features

For Webex Calling deployments, determine whether users need capabilities such as hot desking, meetings, Webex Companion, unified directories, or other supported Webex functionality.

Check PoE Requirements

Verify the phone's PoE requirements and ensure the network switch has sufficient available power capacity.

Evaluate Headset Connectivity

Determine whether users require wired, USB, Bluetooth, or another compatible headset connection.

Check Network Connectivity

Review Ethernet speed, WiFi requirements, voice VLAN configuration, QoS, and workstation passthrough requirements.

Consider the Future Communications Strategy

Organizations planning a transition between on-premises and cloud communications should consider whether the selected phone family supports their expected future architecture.

Build a Cisco Webex Calling Environment

A complete Webex Calling deployment involves more than desk phones.

Organizations may need to plan:

• Cisco phones
• Webex Calling services
• Webex App users
• PoE network switches
• Voice VLANs
• Quality of Service
• Internet and WAN connectivity
• Routers and gateways
• Headsets
• Key expansion modules
• Meeting and collaboration devices
• UPS backup power
• Network security

Planning the communications platform, endpoints, network, power, licensing, and accessories together can help organizations create a more consistent deployment.

Why Buy Cisco Phones from Hummingbird Networks?

Selecting Cisco business phones involves matching endpoints to the calling platform, user role, network infrastructure, and collaboration requirements.

Hummingbird Networks helps businesses and organizations source Cisco phones, Webex solutions, and supporting network infrastructure for cloud calling deployments, Cisco communications environments, phone replacements, office upgrades, and broader collaboration projects.

Customers can turn to our team for:

• Cisco business phones
• Cisco Desk Phone 9800 Series
• Cisco IP Phone 8800 Series
• Cisco IP Phone 7800 Series
• Webex Calling solutions
• Webex licensing
• Cisco wireless phones
• Cisco phone accessories
• Cisco headsets
• Key expansion modules
• PoE networking infrastructure
• Product and compatibility guidance

Whether you are replacing individual Cisco phones, standardizing endpoints across offices, migrating toward Webex Calling, or building a new business communications environment, Hummingbird Networks can help you identify phones and supporting infrastructure based on your deployment requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cisco Phones & Webex Calling

What is Webex Calling?

Webex Calling is Cisco's cloud-based business calling platform. It provides calling services that can be used with compatible Cisco phones, Webex applications, collaboration devices, and other supported endpoints.

Which Cisco phones work with Webex Calling?

Webex Calling supports multiple Cisco phone families, including compatible Cisco Desk Phone 9800 Series, 8800 Series, 7800 Series, and other supported endpoints. Compatibility depends on the exact model, firmware, configuration, and current Webex Calling device support.

Does the Cisco Desk Phone 9800 Series work with Webex Calling?

Yes. The Cisco Desk Phone 9800 Series is designed to support Webex Calling as well as Cisco Unified Communications Manager and additional supported calling platforms.

Which models are in the Cisco Desk Phone 9800 Series?

The Cisco Desk Phone 9800 Series includes the 9811, 9841, 9851, 9861, and 9871, along with the Cisco Desk Phone 9800 Key Expansion Module.

Can Cisco 8800 Series phones work with Webex Calling?

Compatible Cisco 8800 Series Multiplatform Phones can be used with Webex Calling. Exact model and firmware compatibility should be verified before deployment.

Can Cisco 7800 Series phones work with Webex Calling?

Compatible Cisco 7800 Series Multiplatform Phones can be used with supported Webex Calling deployments. Exact device and firmware compatibility should be verified.

What is the difference between Webex Calling and CUCM?

Webex Calling provides cloud-based business calling, while Cisco Unified Communications Manager provides enterprise call control that organizations can operate within their communications infrastructure. Cisco supports phones across both architectures depending on the model and configuration.

Do Cisco Webex phones support PoE?

Many compatible Cisco desk phones support Power over Ethernet. The required PoE class varies by model, so switch power capacity should be verified before deployment.

Do I need a Cisco switch for Cisco IP phones?

Not necessarily. The network infrastructure needs to provide the Ethernet, PoE, VLAN, QoS, and other capabilities required by the phone deployment. Compatibility and support requirements should be evaluated for the specific environment.

Can I use a Cisco phone and the Webex App together?

Yes, in supported configurations. Selected Cisco phones can complement the Webex App, and supported 9800 Series models provide additional Webex integration such as Webex Companion and Desk Phone Control.

Can Cisco phones join Webex meetings?

Selected Cisco Desk Phone 9800 Series models support Webex meeting functionality when appropriately registered and configured. Feature availability varies by model.

What is Webex hot desking?

Hot desking allows compatible shared workspaces and supported phones to be used by different employees rather than requiring a permanently assigned desk and phone. Feature support varies by phone model and Webex configuration.

What is a Cisco key expansion module?

A key expansion module adds programmable buttons to compatible Cisco phones. It can be useful for receptionists, assistants, and users who manage many extensions or frequently used calling functions.

What is the difference between an IP phone and a VoIP phone?

The terms are commonly used interchangeably. Both generally describe phones that transmit voice communications across IP networks.

What is a voice VLAN?

A voice VLAN is a network segment used for IP voice endpoints and traffic. It can help organizations apply voice-specific QoS, security, addressing, and management policies.

Why is QoS important for Webex Calling?

Voice traffic is sensitive to latency, jitter, packet loss, and congestion. Appropriate Quality of Service policies can help prioritize real-time communications traffic across network infrastructure.

Do I need Webex Calling licenses in addition to Cisco phones?

A Webex Calling deployment requires appropriate services and licensing in addition to compatible endpoint hardware. Requirements depend on users, workspaces, calling services, deployment architecture, and current Cisco licensing.

Does Hummingbird Networks sell Webex licenses?

Yes. Hummingbird Networks offers Cisco Webex licensing, including Webex Calling and broader Webex collaboration licensing options.

Does Hummingbird Networks sell phone brands other than Cisco?

Yes. Other business phone solutions are available, including Fortinet FortiFone products for compatible environments. Cisco and Webex are a primary focus of this category, while other available phones can support different communications platforms and requirements.

How do I choose a Cisco phone for Webex Calling?

Consider the exact Webex Calling requirements, phone model support, user role, display, required lines and programmable keys, headset connectivity, PoE, Ethernet or WiFi connectivity, hot desking requirements, meeting features, and future communications strategy.

Can Hummingbird Networks help with Cisco phones and Webex Calling?

Hummingbird Networks can help businesses and organizations identify Cisco phones, Webex solutions, licensing, and supporting network infrastructure based on user requirements, PoE, connectivity, accessories, and deployment architecture.

Shop Cisco Phones for Webex Calling & Business Communications

Build modern business communications with Cisco desk phones and IP phones for Webex Calling, Cisco Unified Communications Manager, and compatible enterprise voice environments.

From Cisco Desk Phone 9800 Series endpoints for modern Webex Calling deployments to Cisco 8800 and 7800 Series phones for compatible communications environments, Hummingbird Networks can help organizations identify phones, collaboration solutions, accessories, and supporting network infrastructure for offices, branches, shared workspaces, hybrid workplaces, and enterprise communications.