Campus-Supported Phone Devices
Skype for Business and Microsoft Teams support a variety of computer connected and standalone devices. This article lists the phone models and accessories that have been tested and approved to work with the current and future campus phone system.
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, but Microsoft Teams is.
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
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 Professionals, i.e. IT Partners @ Gies. 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.
Supported 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 your current operating system. A full list of Skype for Business Certified USB and personal peripherals can be found at: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/skypeforbusiness/certification/devices-usb-devices
Apple macOS support of USB devices is limited. Please contact the Help Desk to verify Mac compatibility before purchasing.
Supported IP Phones
An IP Phone is a standalone 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 will be able to be upgraded to Microsoft Teams, which is expected to replace Skype for Business in the future. When purchasing a Yealink device, be sure to purchase the Skype for Business version. (CDW part numbers and pricing current as of 4/15/2021.)
Recommended Skype for Business Phones:
- Yealink MP54 Entry-level VoIP Phone (CDW # 6499856 - $178.28)
- Yealink MP56 Mid-level VoIP Phone (CDW # 6315002 - $182.53)
- Yealink MP58 High-end VoIP Phone (CDW # 6495197 - $236.26)
- Yealink MP58 High-end VoIP Phone with Wireless Handset (CDW # 6495198 - $275.99)
- Yealink CP960 Conference Phone (CDW # 5151009 - $445.53)
- Yealink CP960 Conference Phone with Wireless Microphone (CDW # 5325684 - $579.70)
- Yealink T58A VoIP Phone (CDW # 5289019 - $209.24)
- Yealink T56A VoIP Phone (no longer available)
- Yealink T55A VoIP Phone (CDW # 5533538 - $159.00)
Accessories for Desk and Conference 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)
IP Phones that are currently supported, but no longer recommended:
- Yealink T48S, T46S, and T42S. These phones are supported and will work with the University's on-premise Skype for Business system, but will not be able to be upgraded to Microsoft Teams firmware. They will be able to operate in a Teams environment, but without the full functionality of a Teams-firmware phone.
- Lync Phone Edition devices, such as the Polycom CX500, CX600, and CX3000; HP 4110 and 4120; or Aastra 6721ip and 6725ip. Units are strongly encouraged to replace these devices. Microsoft ended mainstream support for these devices on 4/10/2018. Additionally, Microsoft has announced it will be ending support for TLS 1.0 and 1.1 in Office 365. When this happens, these devices will not be able to access Calendar information or Outlook contacts, but they will still work as phones. These devices will not be able to be used with Teams.
See Skype for Business, IP Phone Installation and Login on how to set up IP phones.