Cisco 8845 Intelligent Proximity Bluetooth Mobile Voice

An introduction to the intelligent proximity feature on the Cisco 8845 phone:

For reference, during this video I’m using a Cisco 8845 phone running firmware version 10-3-2-16, the latest available at this time.  The device is registered to a Cisco Unified Communications Manager running 10.5.2.10000-5.  There is a Cisco Expressway Edge and Core server between the phone and Communications Manager, a deployment model commonly referred to as Mobile Remote Access.  I’ll also be using an Apple iPhone 5S with no special apps or configuration.

From a Communications Manager administrative perspective, the setup is simple and the two required variables are normally already set by default. On the the 8845 device, first find the “Bluetooth” setting and confirm it’s enabled.  Then just a bit below that, verify “Allow Bluetooth Mobile Handsfree Mode” is enabled as well.

CUCM version 10.5.2.10000-5

CP-8845 firmware 10-3-2-16

CP-8845 Bluetooth settings

From a user perspective, you’ll be required to pair the iPhone with the Cisco 8845 phone. 

On the iPhone, select your settings app, then Bluetooth and if it’s not already on, turn it on now.

On the Cisco 8845 phone, select the application button, and scroll over or press the digit 3 to the select the Bluetooth menu.  First highlight “Bluetooth” and turn it on, then select “Hands-free 2-way Audio” and turn that on.  The pairing communication should begin at this time.  Finally, on the Cisco 8845, select “Add Bluetooth device”.  You should see a splash screen that says “Make sure your device is discoverable”.  Wait a few moments while the devices communicate.

Once communication is established between the Cisco 8845 and the cell phone, you will see the name of your mobile phone in the 8845 display. Select the “Pair” option. 

If successful, you’ll receive a toast message on the 8845 with a Bluetooth verification code.  You’ll also receive a “Bluetooth Pairing Request” message on the iPhone.  Press “Yes” on the 8845 and “Pair” on the iPhone.

CP-8845 with Bluetooth On and paired iPhone

Next, on the 8845 you will be given the option to save your mobile phone contacts on your deskphone.  Choosing “Yes” here imports the contacts from your iPhone for use on your 8845 desk phone.

When complete, press “Exit” on the 8845 until you are returned to the idle display.

On the Cisco phone, you should now see a new line label with the name of your iPhone. Selecting the new line changes your “External Phone Number Mask” to that of your iPhone number and provides the iPhone battery status and cell coverage as well. Note that this pairing and line appearance does not display on the Device in the Communications Manager administrative interface.

Making calls from your iPhone:

While your phones are paired, when calling from your cell phone, you will now be presented with the option to use the “CP-8845”, the “iPhone” or the “Speaker”.  The “iPhone” and “Speaker” options represent standard iPhone functions where you are selecting whether to send and receive audio through the standard iPhone ear and mouthpiece or via the iPhone speakerphone.  Choosing the “CP-8845” option though now allows you to place the call over the iPhone cellular network but use your CP-8845 phone as the audio device.  You can use the 8845 handset, a headset if equipped, or the built in speakerphone.

iPhone making call with audio over CP-8845 speakerphone

Making calls from your 8845 phone:

While your phones are paired, when calling from your desk phone, you now have the option to dial from the 8845 phone and use the handset, headset or speakerphone there, but to place the call over your iPhone and it’s cellular network.  Simply first select the new iPhone line on the 8845 and then dial your number as if you are dialing on your iPhone.

If the call was placed via the 8845 over the cellular network, once the call is in progress, pressing the “Move Audio” button changes the audio sending and receiving from the 8845 phone back to the iPhone handset.  Conversely, while the call is in progress on the iPhone, pressing “Move Audio” on the 8845 phone makes the 8845 handset, headset or speakerphone the active audio device.

CP-8845 call over iPhone with Move Audio button

Using the iPhone directory:

You can now scroll through and dial iPhone contacts form you 8845 phone. If during the pairing process you chose to save your mobile phone contacts on your deskphone, you will have a new directory option there.  On the 8845 phone, press the Directories button, scroll to and select the new directory with the name of your iPhone.  You will be presented with a list of your iPhone contacts, can scroll through and call any of them using the “Call” softkey.

CP-8845 with iPhone contacts directory

Receiving calls from your iPhone:

While your phones are paired, when receiving calls on your iPhone, your iPhone still rings and presents information like normal.  Now though, the incoming call information on your iPhone will be presented on your 8845 phone display as well, associated with the new iPhone line created during the pairing.  You can answer the incoming call to the iPhone on the 8845 using the normal Cisco “Answer” softkey, the 8845 speaker button or of course by lifting the handset.

Once the call is answered and in progress on the 8845 phone, pressing the “Move Audio” button changes the audio sending and receiving from the 8845 phone back to the iPhone handset.  Conversely, while the call is in progress on the iPhone, pressing “Move Audio” on the 8845 phone makes the 8845 handset, headset or speakerphone the active audio device.

Takeaways:

• System Administration requires two settings per device, likely already set by default.
• User administration requires pairing your iPhone or other device with the 8845.
• Incoming calls to your cell phone can now be answered on your 8845 phone.
• Outgoing calls on your 8845 phone can be sent over the iPhone cellular network if desired.
• Once calls are in progress over the cellular network, you can toggle which device to use for audio by pressing the “Move Audio” softkey.
• Your iPhone contacts can be accessed and dialed from your 8845 deskphone.

Additional references:

Cisco Intelligent Proximity
http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collaboration-endpoints/intelligent-proximity.html

Cisco IP Phone 8800 Series User Guide
http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/voice_ip_comm/cuipph/8800-series/english/userguide/P881_BK_CC6C5F2C_00_cisco-ip-phone-8800_series.html

Cisco IP Phone 8800 Series Administration Guide
http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/voice_ip_comm/cuipph/8800-series/english/adminguide/P881_BK_C136782F_00_cisco-ip-phone-8800_series.html