VoIP Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

In order to assist you with the VoIP phone system, we have addressed several Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) below. 

How do I update my information in the Purdue directory?
  • Go to SAP Portal one.purdue.edu
  • Select "Employee Launchpad" (Boilerkey login)
  • Select "Profile"
  • Scroll down to "Contact Information"
  • Select the pencil to edit
  • Click on 'Add' for 'Phone Information'
  • Enter in Phone type (phone Purdue phone number, select business)
  • Enter Purdue phone number
  • Select "Is Primary" Yes
  • Click on save.
Note: It takes 1-2 days for the directory to reflect the updated information.
How do I set up my voicemail for a VoIP phone?
  • Press the Messages or button on your phone.
  • Enter the PIN you were given by Purdue IT when your mailbox was setup, then press #. 
  • The Welcome tutorial will start. Record first/last name. Press #.
  • Use the standard greeting with your name, or personalize by pressing 1 to record a greeting, then # to save.
  • Change your PIN, confirm and Press #.
  • Remain on the line until you hear that you have finished enrollment.
How do I install/move/plug in a VoIP phone?
  • The data cord runs from the pic in the wall to the network connection on the back of the phone.
  • The computer cord plugs into the computer port on the back of the phone. See diagram:

Diagram showing the connection between Wall Data Port to Phone to Computer

How do I transfer a call on a VoIP phone?
  • With the call live on your line (not on hold), press the Transfer  button.
  • Enter the transfer recipient's phone number.
  • Press the Transfer  button or the Transfer soft key (before or after the recipient answers).
How do I forward my VoIP phone to ring on a different number?

To forward calls on your primary line to another number, perform the following procedure:

  • Press the Forward All soft key.
  • Enter a phone number or 4-5111 to forward all calls to your voicemail.
  • Look for confirmation of the forward on your phone display.
  • To cancel call forwarding, press Forward Off.

Note: If you forward to the 5 digit extension of someone else, if that person does not answer, it will go back into the original called party's voicemail.  If you want the caller to go to the voicemail box of the person you are forwarding the call to, you need to press Forward All, then the # sign, then the 5 digit extension. 

Call forwarding can also be set up in the Self Care Portal. If a login is requested, use your career account. If you are off campus, the Purdue VPN is required in order to access this site.

To set up your phone to forward all incoming calls to another number, perform the following procedure:

  • Click the Phones tab.
  • In the left navigation pane, click Call Forwarding.
    • Click the phone number on which you want to set up call forwarding.
    • Click the Forward Calls To: check box.

Image explaining how to forward internal busy or no answer calls

  • From the dropdown list, select Voicemail OR select Add a New Number to enter an alternate number. When entering a new number, remember to enter the number exactly how you would dial it from your desk phone.
  • Click Save.
How do I program call forwarding due to a busy signal or no answer on my VoIP phone?

To program call forwarding due to a busy signal or no answer on your VoIP phone, perform the following procedure on the Self Care Portal. If you are off campus, the Purdue VPN is required in order to access this site.

  • Click the Phones tab.
  • In the left navigation pane, click Call Forwarding.
    • Click the phone number on which you want to set up call forwarding.
    • Click Advanced Calling Rules.
    • From the dropdown list, select Voicemail or select Add a New Number to enter an alternate number. When entering a new number, remember to enter the number exactly how you would dial it from your desk phone.
    • Click Save.

Image explaining how to forward internal busy or no answer calls

Image explaining how to forward external busy or no answer calls

Advanced call forwarding can also be set up in the Self Care Portal (If you are off campus, the Purdue VPN is required in order to access this site). If requested for a login, use your career account.

How do I place a call on hold and return to that call on a VoIP phone?
  • Press the Hold  or button.
  • Hang up the handset or place the handset down.
  • The hold icon will appear next to the call in the display of your phone as an indication that the call is on hold.
  • To return to the call, press the flashing green line button, Resume button or Hold button.
How do I set up speed dials for my VoIP phone?
  • Go to the Phone Self Care Portal (If you are off campus, the Purdue VPN is required in order to access this site).
  • On the left of the page, click on Phone Settings.
  • Click on Speed Dial Numbers.
  • Click on Add New Speed Dial.
  • Fill in Add Speed Dial box as below:
    • Number/URL: Phone number of the speed dial to be added.
    • Label (Description): Desired name for speed dial.
    • Speed Dial: Put in the next speed dial number that is available. Refer to list for existing speed dials.
    • Click Save.

Note: If you have any blank keys on your phone, the first speed dials will display on those keys. Any speed dials past three will not be displayed on the phone and will need to be noted for future reference.

How do I dial speed dials on my VoIP phone?

For Cisco 7841:

  • Leave your phone on the hook.
  • Click on desired speed dial number.
  • Click on Speed Dial soft key.

Or, for your first six pre-entered speed dials:

  • Click the Down(arrow) button.
  • Scroll down to the desired entry.
  • Click on the call softkey to dial.

For Cisco 88xx:

  • Leave your phone on the hook.
  • Type in the two digit speed dial number.
  • Click the bottom right softkey below the screen.
  • Click on the Speed Dial softkey to dial.
How do I set my phone so that calls will ring on an additional (mobile) phone at the same time as my VoIP phone?

Use the Unified Communications Self Care Portal (If you are off campus, the Purdue VPN is required in order to access this site). Go to the Set Up Additional Phone instructions section.

  • Click the Phones tab.
  • In the left navigation pane, click My Phones.
  • Under Additional Phones, click the Add New icon. The Add a New Additional Phone window displays.
    • Enter the phone number and a description for your phone. All phone numbers should be entered in the 10-digit format for both local and long-distance numbers.
  • Optional: If this phone is a mobile phone, check the Enable Move to Mobile checkbox. Enabling this setting will allow you to transfer your call from your VoIP phone to your additional (mobile) phone.
  • Optional: Check the Enable Single Number Reach check box. Enabling this setting will simultaneously ring your additional phone (mobile phone) when your VoIP phone is called.
    • Check each phone line that you want to ring when your company phone rings.
    • Click Save.

Note: When you answer a call on your additional phone that was originally placed to your Purdue phone number, you can transfer your call back to your office phone by simply hanging up the call on your additional phone. After you hang up the call, you have 10 seconds to pick the call up on your office phone by pressing the line key that holds the call.

For additional phones with Single Number Reach enabled, a ring schedule allows you to dictate the days and times when the additional phone can be dialed. To set up a ring schedule, perform the following procedure on the Self Care Portal (If you are off campus, the Purdue VPN is required in order to access this site).

  • Click the Phones tab.
  • In the left navigation pane, click My Phones.
    • Click the Additional Settings icon for the phone on which you want to add a ring schedule.
    • Click Edit.
    • Click Create a Schedule for This Assignment.
      • Complete the fields in the Add a New Schedule window to create a ring schedule.
      • Click Save.

Note: You would not be setting up a schedule without first setting up your cell phone for single number reach.

How do I place a conference call on my VoIP phone?
  • Start with a connected call that is not on hold.
  • Press the Conference button .
  • Enter the phone number for the party you want to add.
  • Wait for party to answer (or skip directly to the next step while call is ringing).
  • Press the Conference button or the Conference soft key.

Note: To add additional participants (up to eight total participants), repeat these steps.

How do I change the background (wallpaper) on my VoIP phone?
  • Press the Applications  button.
  • Select Preferences (use the navigation bar and button to scroll and select).
  • Select Wallpaper (or Line if applicable).
  • Scroll through wallpaper options. Press Preview to view, Set to select.
How do I change the ringtone on my VoIP phone?
  • Press the Applications button.
  • Select Preferences (use the navigation bar and button to scroll and select).
  • Select Ringtone (or Line if applicable).
  • Scroll through ringtone options. Press Play to hear ringtone, Set to select.
Are video phones available?
The new video phone is the Cisco 8865.  These phones are available based on individual request at a cost of $385 (subject to change at time of purchase).  Please note that the video function will require the other party have a video enabled device.  Please submit a Risque voice ticket to request this model of phone.
A number of users were previously issued Cisco 8945 phones that had video capabilities.  These phones are end of sale and unavailable from Cisco.  The standard desk VoIP phones are the Cisco 7841 and Cisco 8841 which do not support video services.  In the future, the remaining Cisco 8945 phones will be replaced.
Will existing headsets work with VoIP phones?

Not all existing headsets will work on the VoIP phones. 

Headsets that will most likely work are typically powered & look like the ones below.

These will typically have a switch on the base station thats need to be adjusted for the headset to work with the new phone.  Please see examples below.

  • The compatibility setting of "1" is set at the factory to work with most phones.  However, if you do not hear a dial tone, if either or the recipient is having trouble hearing, or if you expedience buzzing/hissing, please follow the directions below.
    •                
    • If you cannot hear a dial tone through your headset, use a coin or small screwdriver to turn the telephone configuration dial until you can.  Make sure that a number is aligned with the position indicator.
    • Place a call to someone you know.  While speaking, turn the configuration dial through the four positions.  Select the position that provides the best sound quality for both you and the recipient.
  • Below is an image from the bottom of the base unit, showing the configuration switch that may need adjusted to get dial tone when connecting a CS540 to a Cisco phone.
    • Check Configuration and Make a Test Call
      • If your desk phone has a volume control set it to mid-range.
      • Look at the bottom panel of your base and make sure the default settings are correct. Set your desk phone’s volume also.
        • listening volume dial ( ) = 2 and speaking volume dial ( ) = 2
        • configuration switch = A
        • desk phone volume = mid-range
      • Remove the handset from desk phone cradle.
      • While wearing your headset, press the call control button on the headset.
      • If you do not hear a dial tone, adjust the configuration switch (A-G) until you do.

 

Headsets that won’t work, or will need a new adapter typically look like the image below (typically non-powered headsets without a base station).

or

These headsets typically need a new adapter cable that looks like the image below.

Note: Purdue Telephone Office does not supply or support headsets. Check with your business office to order new headsets or accessories.

What headsets are recommended to work with VoIP phones?

*Please be sure to login to Gov Connection for the best price.

Wireless:

Wired:

Who do I contact if I can't save or open voicemail messages or attachments in Outlook?
If you're unable to preview or save attachments, please contact the Purdue IT Service Desk.
What is the Purdue dialing plan?
Description Dialing Plan
Emergency Dial 911
Purdue Extension 5 digit extension (4xxxx, 5xxxx, or 6xxxx) 
Local Calls 7 + 1 + (area code) XXX-XXXX 
Toll Free 7 + 1 + (area code) XXX-XXXX 
Long Distance
(University Official business only)
7 + 1 + (area code) XXX-XXXX  
International
(University Official Business only)
7 + 011 + (country code) local number
FTS 24 + (area code) XXX-XXXX
How do I use my Cisco 8841 phone?
How do I use my Cisco 7841 phone?
How do I use my Cisco 3905 phone?
How do I use my Cisco 8945 phone?
How do I place an international call for University business?

If you have not previously requested access for international calling, please fill out this survey.

Most countries have unique dialing numbers and patterns. You should Google "International calling to XXXXXX" to verify the dialing format for that country.

From a Purdue deskphone or softphone, dial 7011 (then country code) (then the called person's number), then the #. Example: 7 011 44 123456789#  

The 7 is an outside line, 011 is the International call code. Next would be the country code.
The # tells our system you have completed entering the phone number (instead of waiting for more digits). A comma tells our switch to pause for 1 second before continuing.

FCC International Calling Tip Sheet:
https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/international-long-distance-calling-made-simple-tip-sheet

International Country Codes:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_country_calling_codes

All questions relating to authorization codes should be directed to the Purdue IT Service Desk.

How do I sign into Unity Voicemail?
How do I get my telephone service activated or changed?
Note: If you are not an authorized user, contact your business office.
Does the Cisco Webex client require a VPN to be connected?

Cisco Webex does not require a Purdue VPN client to be connected when using the applications on your PC or Cell phone off campus.

Note: Purdue VPN client connection is required when trying to access the myphone.voip.purdue.edu self service portal or the Unity portal voicemail.voip.purdue.edu from off campus.

How do I check voicemail on my VoIP phone?
Method 1:
  • From a Purdue telephone, press the Messages  or  button.
  • You will be prompted for your PIN.
  • Enter the PIN. You are now in your Voice Mail box.
Method 2:
  • From any Purdue phone, dial *45111.
  • From any non-Purdue phone, dial 7654945111.
  • You will be prompted for your 10 digit number, enter your full number.
  • You will be prompted for your PIN.
  • Enter the PIN. You are now in your Voice Mail box.
Method 3:
  • Dial your own Purdue number.
  • When you hear the ‘leave a Voice Mail’ prompt, press *.
  • You will be prompted for your 10 digit number, enter your full number.
  • Your will be prompted to enter your PIN.
  • Enter the PIN. You are now in your Voice Mail box.
Note: With any of the methods, after 5 failed attempts, you will be locked out for a period of 30 minutes. If you are locked out and do not remember you PIN, contact the Purdue IT Service Desk.
By default, if you have a valid @purdue.edu email address, any voice mails left for you will be emailed to you. If you delete it from Outlook, it will also delete it from Unity, and vice versa.
How do I change my voicemail PIN on my VoIP phone?
From your physical phone:
  • After logging in to your voice mailbox, press 4.
  • The press 3.
  • Lastly press 1.
  • Follow the directions to reset your PIN.

From your online portal:

Note: After 5 failed attempts, you will be locked out for a period of 30 minutes.  If you are locked out due to failed voicemail log on attempts or you do not remember you PIN, contact the Purdue IT Service Desk. Purdue VPN client connection is required when trying to access the Unity portal voicemail.voip.purdue.edu from off campus.
How to call out on a Purdue phone?
Purdue IT is completing the long-running project to retire the phone switch installed more than 25 years ago.
Beginning after 7:00 p.m. EST, November 29 2023, the following changes to the way you use the Purdue West Lafayette telephone systems will be required:
  • Moving to utilize 10-digit dialing for all outgoing calls. This dialing method requires users to dial 1 + the area code of the person being called as part of the dialing process. However, 5-digit internal to campus dialing will remain the same.
  • Local AND Long Distance call: 7 + 1 + 10 digit = 7-1-(317)-555-5555
  • International call: 7 + 011 + country code + local number
How do I change my Finesse password?
  • Login to your self service portal.
  • Click General Settings.
    • Enter the new password in the Client Portal/Password box.
    • Click Save.
Note: Purdue VPN client connection is required when trying to access the myphone.voip.purdue.edu self service portal from off campus.