* Cisco 7920 handset gets directory, security features
Cisco has just enhanced its 802.11 Cisco Wireless IP Phone 7920 with additional Cisco CallManager IP PBX calling features, integrated corporate directory and calendar, XML application support, and security capabilities.
In addition, Cisco says the latest release of its Cisco Compatible Extensions (CCX) software for client devices, Version 4.0, is focused on voice support. Cisco says CCX 4.0 is with CCX partners now and should be in mainstream products by year-end.
First, let’s discuss the phone, which received a firmware upgrade (to Release 2.0) in late June.
Generally, 802.11 phones have lagged certain counterpart devices in a few areas. For example, they’ve struggled to achieve calling-feature parity with wired VoIP phones. Also, they usually aren’t as secure as data Wi-Fi devices. Finally, the industry is still working on getting battery life to approach that of cellular phones, which can “sleep” between conversations and conserve power.
The latest 7920 enhancements address the first two issues. The handset now supports the phone features of Cisco CallManager, Release 4.0, including shared lines, conferencing, and two calls per line. Users with multiple-line phones can now configure different ring tones for each line on their phone. In addition, users already on a call can receive an audible alert of another incoming call or message.
Cisco Wireless IP Phone 7920 users now can also access both Web-based and custom XML applications by using a new directory option on the phone called “Services.”
For example, Cisco says about 300 developers have built XML applications that work with Cisco CallManager wired VoIP phones and that many of those, including the Emergin nurse call system, will now port over to the 7920.
As per security, the 7920 isn’t yet on a par with data devices, but has made strides, now supporting the following:
* Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA).
* Cisco Centralized Key Management (CCKM) and a wireless domain server (WDS) for fast reauthentication during roaming.
* Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) and Message Integrity Check (MIC) for improved encryption.
Next time: CCX 4.0 addresses battery life and other voice-centric issues.
