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Overview
This article explains what Cisco Voice Gateway telephones and fax lines are, what changes to expect during the transition, and how these updates may impact the UIC community.
Table of Contents
What is a Voice Gateway
A Voice Gateway is a small device, usually located in a closet or wiring room, that lets analog equipment work over the campus phone network. You likely never see it or interact with it directly - it simply allows your fax machine, alarm, or similar device to send and receive calls.This device, known as Cisco Voice Gateway, is being replaced with a Zoom Voice Gateway.
What is changing
As part of our ongoing efforts to modernize and enhance campus telecommunications, Technology Solutions is transitioning university Cisco Voice Gateway phones (phones that rely on legacy campus phone infrastructure) to Zoom Phone, a modern cloud-based phone system.
What do I need to do?
- Review Cisco Voice Gateway Lines (Box File) for your unit. Use this list to verify the affected extensions, identify any devices programmed to dial 9, and plan communications to the impacted areas ahead of each scheduled cutover.
- Disconnect lines no longer needed via VoIP Telephone Removal.
- Inform your employees of the upcoming change and that dialing "9" for outgoing calls will no longer be required.
- After the transition, test the line and ensure the transition was successful.
Where can I see which Voice Gateway lines are impacted for my unit?
College and unit IT staff coordinating the migration should reference the Cisco Voice Gateway Lines (Box File) to confirm which lines are affected and when each cutover is scheduled.
What happens during and after the transition
What happens during transition
- A technician replaces the gateway. The old Cisco VG is removed, and a new Zoom VG is installed in its place.
- Your equipment stays put. Your fax machine, alarm, or other connected device does not move and does not need to be replaced.
- There is a brief interruption. During the swap, the line connected to that device will be temporarily down typically under an hour.
- Timing is scheduled in advance. The work is coordinated ahead of time, so you know when to expect the interruption (see the section below for the schedule).
What changes afterward
- Your device works just like before. No change to how you use your fax, alarm, or other equipment.
- Your phone number stays the same. Nothing new to memorize or update.
- Don't dial 9. On the old Cisco system, you had to dial 9 before an off-campus number. On Zoom, you dial the number directly. Dialing 9 first will cause the call to fail.
IMPORTANT - THE DIALING CHANGE: After your line moves to Zoom, do NOT dial 9 to reach an off-campus number. Just dial the number as you would from a cell phone. If you have any speed-dial settings, autodialers, or alarm panels programmed to dial 9 first, those will need to be updated.
How to confirm the transition was successful
After your line has been moved, we recommend a quick test:
- Place a test call to an off-campus number (such as a cell phone) without dialing 9.
- If you use a fax machine, send a test fax.
- If your device is an alarm or other monitored system, confirm with your vendor or monitoring company that the connection is active.
If anything doesn't work as expected, contact UIC Technology Solutions.
Where can I get support?
To submit a question or report a problem, visit it.uic.edu/ask-a-question.