Cisco Unified IP Phone 6900 Series--Good tool
Updated March 13, 2025

Cisco Unified IP Phone 6900 Series--Good tool

Juan Carlos Bastidas | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Overall Satisfaction with Cisco Unified IP Phone 6900 Series

Cisco Unified IP telephony is quite practical and strong in terms of security. It is a very friendly tool. There are competitively priced IP phones on the market, but Cisco provides a practical library for configuration and technical support.

Pros

  • Cisco Unified IP Phone 6921 also has a screen, making it more personalizeable
  • User friendly, cost effective
  • Hearing-aid compatible

Cons

  • Color options
  • The phone could be a little smaller
  • The cord can be improved
  • Lower power consumption
  • Voice quality
  • Recyclable and reground plastics
  • Cisco Unified IP Phone 6900 Series have good prices and good communications standards
The interface is intuitive, and the phones are easy to use for daily communication, making call handling, conferencing, and directory access seamless. The design is simple yet effective, which is great for a fast-paced environment like ours. The only reason it’s not a perfect 10 is that some advanced configurations and integrations require a bit of technical knowledge, which can slow down deployment for non-technical users."
Compared to these, the Cisco Unified IP Phone 6900 Series stands out in terms of reliability and seamless integration with our existing Cisco-based infrastructure. While Polycom offers excellent audio quality and Yealink provides a more budget-friendly option with feature-rich interfaces, Cisco's phones were ultimately the best fit for our broadcast environment due to their stability, ease of use, and strong support ecosystem.

Do you think Cisco Unified IP Phone 6900 Series delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Cisco Unified IP Phone 6900 Series's feature set?

Yes

Did Cisco Unified IP Phone 6900 Series live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of Cisco Unified IP Phone 6900 Series go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy Cisco Unified IP Phone 6900 Series again?

Yes

Useful for companies that need a friendly IP phone with basic features

Using Cisco Unified IP Phone 6900 Series

50 - hey represent key business functions in our broadcast company, including live production coordination, newsroom operations, technical support, and studio management. Reliable communication is critical for live productions
3 - We have a small in-house team of about 3 people dedicated to supporting the Cisco Unified IP Phone 6900 Series. These include IT specialists and network engineers with expertise in VoIP management, Cisco Unified Communications, and troubleshooting network-related issues. Since we work in live production, quick response times and a solid understanding of real-time communication systems are essential to ensure uninterrupted operations
  • Live Production Coordination
  • Guest & Talent Communications
  • Master Control & Technical Support
  • Newsroom Operations
  • We’ve set up dedicated extensions for real-time communication between control rooms and field reporters, acting as a direct, always-on hotline during live broadcasts.
  • IFB (Interruptible Foldback) Backup
  • When our primary IFB system has issues, producers and directors can use the phones to feed last-minute instructions to on-air talent, ensuring seamless live communication.
  • Remote Studio Call Routing
  • We’ve configured phones to automatically forward key calls to mobile devices or remote locations, keeping our production teams connected even when they’re out covering a story.
  • Integration with Broadcast Automation Systems – We could integrate the phones with our automation systems to trigger automated actions (like lighting changes or graphic updates) directly from the phones, adding more flexibility to live broadcasts.
  • Cloud-Based Call Recording for Content Review – We could set up a system where all calls related to broadcast planning or coordination are automatically recorded and stored in the cloud, making it easier to review conversations during post-production.
he Cisco Unified IP Phone 6900 Series has proven to be reliable and efficient for our communication needs in live production. Its integration with our existing systems, ease of use, and strong call quality make it a great choice. However, there's always room for improvement, especially with features like more advanced integration with cloud-based systems and additional customization options.

Evaluating Cisco Unified IP Phone 6900 Series and Competitors

Yes - We replaced a mix of legacy VoIP phones from different vendors. Our main goal was to standardize our communication system, improve call clarity, and ensure compatibility with our current network infrastructure
  • Integration with Other Systems
The most important factor in our decision was integration with other systems. The Cisco Unified IP Phone 6900 Series seamlessly connected with our existing Cisco infrastructure, ensuring smooth call management, voicemail synchronization, and compatibility with our collaboration tools
If we had to do it again, we’d probably spend more time testing different models in real scenarios before making a final decision. While the 6900 Series met our needs, getting more hands-on feedback from end users earlier in the process could have helped us fine-tune our choice even more

Cisco Unified IP Phone 6900 Series Implementation

he process was generally smooth, and the Cisco team provided excellent support during setup. There were a few minor challenges with network configuration, but they were quickly resolved. Overall, the implementation was efficient, and the phones were up and running with minimal disruption to our operations, which is crucial in a live production environment
  • Implemented in-house
Yes - Planning & Configuration – This phase involved assessing our existing network setup and configuring the phones to integrate smoothly with our systems.
Deployment & Testing – During this phase, the phones were physically installed and tested across departments to ensure compatibility with our VoIP network and other communication tools.

Training & Onboarding – We provided basic training for our staff to familiarize them with the new system, focusing on call handling and key functions.
Post-Deployment Support – After the phones were live, there was a final phase of troubleshooting and minor adjustments to ensure everything was working as expected.
Change management was a minor issue with the implementation - The key lesson we took away was the importance of clear communication and providing adequate training for staff. While the phones were easy to use, some team members initially had concerns about adjusting to new features. A structured onboarding and support plan helped ease the transition. In the future, we’d ensure more hands-on training in advance to help teams feel more confident and reduce any hesitation
  • Compatibility with Existing Systems – Some older communication tools had minor compatibility issues with the new phones, which caused delays in full deployment.
  • User Adaptation – While the phones are user-friendly, some staff members took a little longer to adapt to the new features, particularly with call management and voicemail systems.

Cisco Unified IP Phone 6900 Series Training

  • No Training
  • In-Person Training
The training sessions were interactive and tailored to our specific needs, which made them highly relevant for our live production environment. The instructors were knowledgeable and provided hands-on experience, allowing us to apply what we learned immediately.
The training materials were clear and covered the essential features of the Cisco Unified IP Phone 6900 Series, but we felt that some advanced use cases, especially for live production environments, were not addressed in enough detail. While the training helped with basic functions, additional scenario-based learning would have made it more useful for our specific needs.
The ease of learning the Cisco Unified IP Phone 6900 Series without formal training largely depends on the user’s familiarity with similar devices and the complexity of the features they need to use.

Configuring Cisco Unified IP Phone 6900 Series

It offers a solid range of customization options for call routing, extensions, and integration with other Cisco solutions.
For most users, the configurability is just right—it provides enough flexibility without being overly complex. However, for more advanced setups, such as integrating with specialized broadcast communication workflows, some configurations require technical expertise or additional administrative access. A more user-friendly interface for advanced settings would make it even better.
Prioritize QoS (Quality of Service) – Ensure your network prioritizes voice traffic to avoid latency or dropouts during live broadcasts.

Use VLANs for VoIP Traffic – Segment VoIP traffic using dedicated VLANs to improve security and performance.
Some - we have done small customizations to the interface - We’ve made a few customizations to the user interface, mainly focused on softkeys and speed dials for quicker access to frequently used functions. These changes helped optimize the phones for our live broadcast environment, where speed and efficiency are key.
The customization process was fairly easy, especially with Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM), which allows straightforward modifications. However, for more advanced changes, it required some technical knowledge, but nothing too complex. Overall, it was a manageable and effective process.
No - we have not done any custom code
Aside from the basic interface customizations, we have also made a few adjustments to improve the user experience in our broadcast environment Call Handling Settings, Personalized Ringtones & Alerts

Cisco Unified IP Phone 6900 Series Support

When we’ve needed support, the response times have been good, and the team is knowledgeable. The support resources provided, like online documentation and troubleshooting guides, have been helpful. However, at times, the support can be a bit slow with complex technical issues, especially when dealing with integration into our live production systems. Overall, we’re satisfied, but there's room for improvement in the speed and depth of troubleshooting.
ProsCons
Good followup
Kept well informed
No escalation required
Immediate help available
Support understands my problem
Support cares about my success
Quick Initial Response
None
No, we did not purchase premium support. While the standard support has been sufficient for most of our needs, we haven't encountered issues that would justify the additional cost of premium support. Our in-house team is capable of handling most troubleshooting and setup tasks, and we rely on Cisco's documentation and online resources for more complex issues.
One instance where Cisco provided exceptional support was during the initial installation of the Cisco Unified IP Phone 6900 Series. We had some challenges with network configuration to ensure seamless integration with our existing system. The Cisco support team walked us through the entire process, providing clear and precise instructions, which helped avoid any downtime.

Using Cisco Unified IP Phone 6900 Series

ProsCons
Like to use
Relatively simple
Easy to use
Technical support not required
Well integrated
Consistent
Convenient
Feel confident using
Familiar
None
  • Call Handling – The call management interface is intuitive, allowing users to easily make, receive, and transfer calls with just a few button presses, which is crucial during live production where quick responses are needed.
  • Directory Access – Searching for and dialing contacts from the corporate directory is seamless, saving time for our team when they need to reach specific people quickly.
  • Call Parking/Unparking
  • Customization of Softkeys
  • Conference Management on Larger Calls
Yes, but I don't use it

Cisco Unified IP Phone 6900 Series Reliability

the system is highly flexible, allowing easy deployment across multiple departments and locations. It integrates smoothly with existing Cisco infrastructure, making it a great fit for expanding operations.
The system has been extremely reliable, with no major downtime or unplanned outages in our experience. In a live broadcast environment, where uninterrupted communication is critical, this level of dependability is essential.
Even during high-demand situations, the phones perform consistently well, and any issues we've encountered were related to network configuration rather than the phones themselves.
Calls connect quickly, audio quality is clear with minimal latency, and the phone interface is responsive.
The system integrates well with our VoIP and broadcast communication tools, and we haven’t noticed any significant slowdowns. The only reason it’s not a 10 is that some advanced configurations or firmware updates can take a little longer than expected, but overall, it’s a fast and reliable solution for our needs.

Integrating Cisco Unified IP Phone 6900 Series

Integrating it with our existing Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM) and network infrastructure was seamless. The phones automatically recognized settings and required minimal manual configuration
  • Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM)
  • Microsoft Teams
Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM) – Full integration for call management and routing. This was the core integration and was straightforward to achieve with minimal configuration needed.Microsoft Teams – Integrated for unified communication purposes, allowing easy switching between VoIP and Teams calls. This required some additional setup on the network and server side but was ultimately manageable.
  • Broadcast Control Systems
  • Advanced Call Analytics & Monitoring Tools
Cisco is actively working on enhancing integrations with third-party solutions. While some integrations (like with Microsoft Teams and video conferencing tools) are already supported, we’re hopeful that broadcast-specific solutions will receive more direct support or enhanced documentation in the future. For now, it may require some custom configurations
  • File import/export
  • API (e.g. SOAP or REST)
  • AppExchange or similar marketplace
At this time, we haven't used Single Sign-on, Javascript widgets, or ETL tools, but those could be useful in the future as we expand our integration capabilities.
lan Your Network Architecture – Before integrating with other systems, make sure your network infrastructure is set up to support VoIP traffic, especially in environments like live broadcasting. Prioritize Quality of Service (QoS) to avoid dropped calls or delays during critical moments.


Start with Core Systems – Integrate first with your Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM), as it will ensure basic functionality and call routing is in place. Once that’s solid, then you can move on to integrating with more specialized systems like broadcast control or video conferencing tools.


Understand API Capabilities – If you’re planning to use APIs (REST or SOAP), it’s crucial to understand what Cisco’s API documentation offers and any potential limitations. Some integrations might require custom development, so ensure you have the necessary technical resources on hand.

Relationship with Cisco

The team was responsive and provided all the necessary information promptly. They were also knowledgeable about our industry needs, particularly when it comes to the broadcast environment, which made a big difference in understanding how the phones would work in our setup.
They were generally helpful and responsive when we needed support or clarification, especially during the installation phase. The customer support team was quick to assist with any technical issues that arose.
I did not participate
The unit pricing was reasonable given the quality of the product and the fact that it's a well-established solution in the market. Additionally, the billing frequency was flexible, which worked well for our budget cycles.
Test Before Full Rollout – If you can, request a pilot program to test the phones in your specific environment before a full deployment. This can save a lot of headaches in the long run by catching any potential issues early.

Upgrading Cisco Unified IP Phone 6900 Series

Yes - we have gone through the process of upgrading to a new release of the Cisco Unified IP Phone 6900 Series.
The upgrade process went smoothly overall with minimal downtime. The phones automatically updated to the new firmware, and most of the changes were seamless. However, we did experience some minor issues with the integration of new features, especially with third-party applications. There were a few compatibility hiccups that required additional troubleshooting, but nothing that caused major disruptions.
  • Enhanced User Experience
  • Improved Network Performance
  • Centralized Management
  • Enhanced Audio Quality
  • Increased User Interface Options

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