Notes on the Cisco telephone system
This page describes what the RWTH demands of the Cisco telephone system and the associated advantages.
The background
As part of the network renewal at RWTH Aachen University, one component is the procurement of a pure VoIP (Voice over IP) telephone system.
The provider must meet high requirements in terms of data security and future viability. Important aspects of the tender are
- All data streams between the components of the telephone system are encrypted according to the state of the art.
- All centrally managed end devices must be fully functional in pure IPv6 networks.
Following the successful tender, RWTH Aachen University purchased a Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM) telephone system.
A detailed technical description of the Cisco telecommunications system (in german) can be found here.
The installation of the new telephone system represents a paradigm shift: In the previous Alcatel Lucent telephone system, telephone numbers were linked to telephones; in the Cisco telephone system, telephone numbers are assigned to people.
This gives users additional opportunities to organize communication independently and flexibly.
Advantages and range of functions
To be able to use all the advantages of the new Telephone system, please use the TK-Portal (access only with employee status) and activate the Webex software after your Cisco registration.
The advantages offered by the new telephone system include:
- Mobile accessibility under the business phone number even outside the RWTH.
- Login on any Cisco registration phone
- Individual definition of personal availability times through forwarding.
- Comprehensive self-administration by telephone administrators and users.
- Reduction of waiting times for users.
- Activation and deactivation of individual features.
Key features of the Cisco telecommunications system include:
- Hardware telephones, software clients for PCs and mobile devices (laptops, smartphones, tablets)
- Video telephony on all platforms
- CTI (control and integration of software clients with telephones)
- Call lists of incoming, outgoing and missed calls
- Contact list, chat function, display of presence information
- Complete encryption
- Blocking and protection with PINs/passwords
- No call forwarding to the cell phone necessary
Link with Webex
The functionalities of the Cisco telephone system can be extended with the Webex software, also from Cisco.
The Webex client is a software for your PC, laptop and smartphone. A limited web version can also be accessed via any browser.
The software can be used to make phone calls as usual, but can also be used for meetings and chat functions (similar to the functionalities of MS Teams).
This ensures and simplifies work and accessibility in the home office or situational mobile work.
Connect the Webex client to your work number to avoid the use of a private phone number. However, if this is still desired, it can be solved via forwarding.
You can find out how to use the Webex Client and which functions are available to you in the next article in the navigation bar on the left-hand side.
You can find detailed documentation on Webex here.
