United States
Q
What is a Cisco IP Phone license?
A
A Cisco IP Phone license is a software entitlement that authorizes feature usage on Cisco IP Phones, ensuring compliance and enabling advanced capabilities such as secure communications, enhanced codec support, and platform integrations.
Q
What types of Cisco IP Phone licenses are available?
A
Cisco IP Phone licenses include Device Connect Licenses for phone registration, Feature Licenses for advanced functions (e.g., video, encryption), and Subscription Licenses for Cisco Unified Communications Manager Cloud services.
Q
How do I purchase a Cisco IP Phone license?
A
You can purchase Cisco IP Phone licenses through authorized Cisco resellers or the Cisco Commerce Workspace, selecting the appropriate license type and term length to match your deployment requirements.
Q
How do I activate my Cisco IP Phone license?
A
Activate your license via Cisco Smart Software Manager (SSM) by registering your Cisco Smart Account, adding the license PAK, and assigning devices or users to the license entitlement.
Q
Can I renew my Cisco IP Phone license?
A
Yes. Licenses are renewable through your Cisco Smart Account portal. Simply select the expiring entitlement, choose your renewal term, and complete the purchase before the expiration date.
Q
How do I transfer a Cisco IP Phone license to another device?
A
Log in to Cisco Smart Software Manager, navigate to your license entitlement, de-register the old device, then reassign the license to the new device within the same Smart Account.
Q
What happens if my Cisco IP Phone license expires?
A
Upon expiration, licensed features will revert to a restricted default mode. Phones lose advanced functionality but maintain basic call capabilities until you renew or upgrade the license.
Q
How do I check license usage and compliance?
A
Use Cisco Smart Software Manager’s dashboard to view real-time metrics on license entitlements, in-use counts, compliance status, and historical usage reports.
Q
Are Cisco IP Phone licenses perpetual or subscription-based?
A
Cisco offers both perpetual licenses, which are permanent with optional support renewals, and subscription licenses, which require term-based renewal and include support and updates.
Q
Which Cisco IP Phone models require licensing?
A
Modern Cisco IP Phone Series (e.g., 8800, 7800, 6900) require Device Connect Licenses for CUCM registration. Feature Licenses apply to advanced endpoints like video phones or encrypted devices.
Q
How much does a Cisco IP Phone license cost?
A
Pricing varies by license type, model, term, and geographic region. Contact an authorized Cisco reseller or use Cisco Commerce Workspace for a customized quote.
Q
Can I combine Cisco IP Phone licenses in bulk?
A
Yes. Cisco Smart Accounts support volume licensing and Flex Commit bundles, allowing you to purchase, assign, and manage multiple entitlements centrally.
Q
Is technical support included with Cisco IP Phone licenses?
A
Subscription licenses include software updates and Cisco TAC support during the term. Perpetual licenses require a separate Cisco Smart Net Total Care contract for updates and support.
Q
How do I upgrade my Cisco IP Phone license features?
A
Purchase the desired Feature License entitlement, then assign it via Cisco Smart Software Manager. The endpoint will automatically provision the upgraded capabilities.
Q
Do I need separate licensing for cloud-based Cisco IP Phone deployments?
A
Yes. Cloud deployments use Cisco Unified Communications Manager Cloud subscriptions, which bundle device registration and feature entitlements under a unified monthly or annual fee.
Q
How long does Cisco IP Phone license activation take?
A
License activation in Cisco Smart Software Manager is typically immediate. Devices register within minutes once the entitlement is assigned and synchronized.
