Understanding the Cisco CME Datasheet: Your Essential Guide
The Cisco CME Datasheet is a comprehensive document that details the features, functionalities, and technical specifications of Cisco Unified Communications Manager Express. Think of it as the instruction manual and feature list for Cisco's robust, integrated voice platform that runs on Cisco IOS software. It’s designed for businesses that want enterprise-grade voice features without the complexity and cost of a full-fledged, separate call control server. The datasheet acts as a crucial reference point, enabling users to make informed decisions about hardware compatibility, feature enablement, and deployment strategies. It helps answer critical questions like:- What are the maximum number of phones supported by a specific router model?
- Which voice codecs are available for optimal call quality and bandwidth utilization?
- What are the licensing requirements for advanced features?
- What are the basic telephony features supported, such as call transfer, hold, and voicemail integration?
The primary use of the Cisco CME Datasheet is to guide the planning, design, and implementation phases of a Cisco CME deployment. It allows IT professionals to:
- Assess Hardware Requirements: Determine which Cisco Integrated Services Routers (ISRs) are suitable for their intended call volume and feature set. The datasheet often provides tables showing router models and their corresponding CME capabilities, including processor speed, memory, and available network interfaces.
- Identify Feature Support: Understand the full spectrum of features available, from basic calling to advanced unified communications functionalities like presence, instant messaging, and video calling. This helps in selecting the right configuration to meet business needs.
- Plan for Scalability: By outlining the capacity limits for phones, voicemail ports, and other resources, the datasheet enables businesses to plan for future growth and avoid costly overhauls.
Ultimately, the importance of the Cisco CME Datasheet cannot be overstated. It is the definitive source for accurate technical information, ensuring that deployments are successful, efficient, and meet all stated requirements. Without it, making educated choices about hardware, software versions, and feature utilization becomes a matter of guesswork, potentially leading to suboptimal performance, compatibility issues, or unexpected costs.
Here’s a glimpse of the kind of information you’ll find:
| Feature Category | Typical Capabilities |
|---|---|
| Phone Support | Maximum supported IP Phones, types of phones (e.g., SCCP, SIP) |
| Voice Mail | Number of voicemail ports, voicemail platform integration |
| Call Features | Call transfer, hold, conferencing, park, pick-up |
| Codec Support | G.711, G.729, iLBC, Opus |