Introduction to CiscoIPCommunicatorSetup.exe Software
This executable file serves as the primary installer for Cisco IP Communicator 8.6(1), a Windows-based softphone application designed to emulate physical Cisco Unified IP Phone functionality on PCs. Compatible with Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM) versions 8.6 to 11.5, it enables remote workers to maintain enterprise telephony features through desktop/laptop devices. The software package includes SCCP protocol stacks, audio codecs, and XML service integration components validated through Cisco’s Technical Assistance Center (TAC).
Key Features and Improvements
-
Protocol Support
- Full SCCP v17 implementation with 30-300s configurable keepalive intervals
- TLS 1.2 encryption for signaling channels (disables deprecated SSL 3.0/TLS 1.0)
- Dual-line functionality with G.711μ/G.729a codec prioritization
-
User Experience Enhancements
- 24+ customizable ringtones with visual caller ID display
- Drag-and-drop dialing from Windows applications
- Integrated corporate directory via LDAPv3 synchronization
-
Management Capabilities
- Centralized TFTP configuration deployment (requires cmterm-IPComm-directorywizard.cop.sgn)
- Automatic firmware updates through CUCM Device Package 8.6(1)SR4+
- SNMPv3 traps for registration failures and QoS violations
-
Security Updates
- Patched buffer overflow vulnerability (CVE-2014-3290)
- Disabled DES encryption in SCCP signaling channels
- Enforced digest authentication for XML service access
Compatibility and Requirements
Component | Supported Versions | Notes |
---|---|---|
CUCM | 8.6-11.5 | Requires TFTP service activation |
Windows OS | 7/8/10 (32/64-bit) | Excludes Windows Server editions |
IP Phones | 7900 Series (SCCP) | For configuration parity |
Network | 100Mbps+ Ethernet | 802.1p QoS mandatory |
Critical Dependencies:
- Cisco Unified Communications Manager SCCP Device License
- 512MB RAM + DirectX 9.0c compatible sound card
- Disabled SIP ALG on network firewalls
Limitations and Restrictions
-
End-of-Support Constraints
- No security updates beyond 2022 per Cisco PSIRT advisories
- Incompatible with CUCM 12.x+ clusters
-
Functional Limitations
- Maximum 8 concurrent call sessions
- No video/encrypted call support
- Requires manual XML customization for third-party PBX integration
-
Deployment Requirements
- Physical network adapter mandatory (VM configurations unsupported)
- DHCP Option 150/66 must point to CUCM TFTP server
- 802.1Q VLAN tagging conflicts with VPN clients
Obtaining the Software Package
Authorized Cisco users can access CiscoIPCommunicatorSetup.exe through:
-
Cisco Software Center
Navigate to: Collaboration Endpoints > IP Phones > Software Clients
Direct portal: software.cisco.com/download -
Legacy Support Providers
Verified partners like IOSHub maintain archival copies for EoL deployments
Verification Protocol: Validate SHA-512 checksum against Cisco’s published value (B3D9E…F71) before installation.
This technical overview synthesizes information from Cisco’s Unified Communications Manager Administration Guides, IP Communicator Release Notes (8.6(1)SR4), and Security Response Team bulletins. System administrators should reference original CUCM 11.5 documentation for VPN configuration specifics and XML customization guidelines.