Boston University provides telephone service to the Charles River, Fenway, and Medical Campus via a Cisco VoIP telephone system.

Please note that your telephone, which utilizes Boston University’s data network, connects directly into the data port at your desk. Your computer will gain network access by being plugged into your telephone.

Cisco Handsets

The Cisco 7841 is the standard desktop handsets while the Cisco 8851 is used in reception area phones. The Cisco 3905 is used in common areas.

Key features of each of these handsets can be found below:

Connecting a Handset

Cisco handsets offer wired networking pass thru so you only need one network connection to connect both a phone and computer. The handset should be wired according to the image below. If no computer is using a wired network connection, the right computer port should be left empty. A network cable should never be connected from the right computer port to a wall network jack.

This image displays the rear of a Cisco phone handset and documents the correct networking procedure.

Learn More

  • Visit the Telephone System User Guide, where you can view, print or download reference Cisco handset quick reference guides, watch online tutorials, or learn more about key handset features.