Skype for Business VoIP, Supported Devices and Equipment
Microsoft Skype for Business supports a variety of computer connected and stand alone devices for use with Voice over IP (VoIP) telephone service.
Customers can access the voice service through the Skype for Business client on Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, or a stand-alone IP Phone device. Skype for Business client software is not currently available for Linux operating systems.
Most Windows or MacOS computers have an audio card with microphone and speaker capabilities -- and your existing computer might be sufficient. Depending on how you use Skype for Business, you will likely prefer an additional device such as a headset or an IP Phone. We suggest using, at minimum, a USB headset rather than the built-in microphone and speakers; the user experience is greatly improved by doing so.
Where to Buy
Technology Services does not sell equipment. Tested and approved devices may be purchased by units via iBuy or other campus approved methods for purchasing equipment. The CDW punchout in iBuy has a section named "Yealink Standards," which has the currently supported IP phones for sale at preferred pricing.
Who Does the Installation
Support for Skype for Business devices is handled primarily by the local unit IT Professional. Technology Services provides support for the network connectivity of stand-alone IP phones. Configuration and troubleshooting of IP phones or USB phone devices (aka personal peripherals) is handled by local IT Professionals.
USB and Personal Peripherals
Skype for Business USB and Personal Peripherals connect to your computer and interact with the Skype for Business client software. The device you choose should be compatible with your current operating system.
- Skype for Business Certified USB and personal peripherals: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/skypeforbusiness/certification/devices-usb-devices
MacOS support of USB devices may be limited. Please contact the vendor to verify Mac compatibility before purchasing.
IP Phones
An IP Phone is a stand-alone device that does not require a computer in order to make and receive phone calls. A limited selection of Skype for Business IP Phones are supported by Technology Services because they must be compatible with the campus' network management and E911 systems. (Reference: Campus Administrative Manual, Section V-A-5, "9-1-1 Service As Used For Emergency Response") Only IP Phone models specifically listed below should be used and will be supported by Technology Services. They have been tested for compatibility with our E911 system and have the relevant network options enabled on the voice networks.
The current list of Recommended Devices is for Skype for Business only. Visit the Teams VoIP Supported Devices and Equipment article for devices that are approved for Teams.
Phone Comparison:
**When purchasing a Yealink device, be sure to purchase the Skype for Business version.**
| Recommended Phones | Discontinued, extended support | |||||||
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| Model |
Yealink T56A |
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| CDW # | 6495197 | 6495198 | 5131566 | 5835548 | Not available for purchase | 6466639 | ||
| Wired handset | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless handset | No | No | Optional | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Speaker | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Touchscreen |
4" 480 x 800px |
7" 800 x 480px |
7" 800 x 480px |
7" 1024 x 600px |
5" 720 x 1280px |
7" 1024 x 600px |
7" 1024 x 600px |
4.3" 480 x 272px |
| HD audio | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Visual voicemail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Phone lock | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| USB port(s) | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Supports Yealink Bluetooth handset | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | ||
| Bluetooth (for headset) | with dongle | Built-in | Built-in | Built-in | Built-in | Built-in | with dongle | with dongle |
| Wi-Fi | with dongle | Built-in | Built-in | Built-in | Built-in | Built-in | with dongle | with dongle |
| Wall Mountable | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Accessories for Recommended Phones:
- Yealink 5V 2A Slim-line Power Supply for desk phones (CDW # 5626420 - $11.00)
- Yealink YLPOE30 PoE Injector for conference or desk phones (CDW # 5131569 - $35.20)
- Yealink CPW90 Wireless Microphone for CP960 (CDW # 4811255 - $157.30)
- Yealink CPE90 Wired Microphone for CP960 (CDW # 4797920 - $123.20)
- Yealink EXP50 Key Expansion Module for MP58 and MP56 (CDW # 4944850 - $93.50)
Supported on Skype for Business, but no longer recommended:
- Yealink T48S, T46S, and T42S. These devices will not be able to be used with Teams. These phones are supported and will work with the University's on-premise Skype for Business system.
- Lync Phone Edition devices
Units are strongly encouraged to replace these devices. Microsoft ended mainstream support for these on 4/10/2018. These devices will not be able to be used with Teams.- Polycom CX500, CX600, CX3000
- HP 4110 and 4120
- Aastra 6721ip and 6725ip
See Skype for Business, IP Phone Installation and Login on how to set up IP phones.