The Polycom SoundStation IP 6000 is a conference phone designed for midsize conference rooms, delivering high-quality audio experiences for participants engaging in remote meetings. Its advanced audio technology allows for clear and crisp voice quality, which is essential for effective communication during group calls. The device features Polycom’s patented Acoustic Clarity Technology, ensuring that discussions are free from distractions like echoes and feedback.
As businesses continue to embrace virtual meetings, the importance of reliable conference phones has surged. The SoundStation IP 6000 caters to this need by offering a range of functionalities tailored for professional use. It is fully compatible with Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems and comes with integrated Power over Ethernet (PoE), eliminating the need for additional power supplies and reducing cable clutter.
In addition to its core audio capabilities, the IP 6000 is equipped with a high-resolution display, making it easy to manage calls and access the phone’s features. It also supports expansion microphones for larger rooms, ensuring that all participants can be heard. The phone’s design is not only functional but also streamlined, allowing it to blend in with a variety of office environments.
Overview
The Polycom SoundStation IP 6000 is a cutting-edge conference phone engineered to deliver superior performance for midsize conference rooms. By integrating advanced audio technology with robust VoIP capabilities, this device ensures clear and productive conference calls.
Key Features
- Acoustic Clarity Technology: Offers full-duplex conversations, echo cancellation, and background noise suppression for crystal-clear sound.
- High-Fidelity Audio: Capable of capturing both low and high voice frequencies for a natural conversation experience.
- IP Network Connectivity: Utilizes Polycom’s HD Voice technology for high-quality audio over IP networks.
- Microphone Range: Features a 12-foot (3.7 meters) microphone pickup range, extendable with optional expansion microphones.
- Interoperability: Compatible with multiple SIP call platforms to integrate seamlessly with existing systems.
- Power Over Ethernet (PoE): Supports PoE for simplified installation and maintenance.
Target Audience
- Midsize Conference Rooms: Optimized for spaces that require exceptional voice quality without the clutter of wires.
- Business Professionals: Suitable for companies looking for a reliable, high-performance communication solution.
- IT Administrators: Designed for easy setup and management with robust networking and security protocols.
Design and Build
The Polycom SoundStation IP 6000 blends robust construction with an elegant design to facilitate clear conference communications.
Physical Specifications
- Dimensions: The unit measures 14.5 inches in width, 12.9 inches in depth, and 2.9 inches in height.
- Weight: It weighs approximately 1.75 lbs, making it sturdy yet light enough for easy relocation.
- Exterior: The phone is encased in high-quality plastics, giving it a sleek look and durability.
- Microphone: It features a built-in, three-microphone array with a pickup range of up to 12 feet.
- Speaker: The full-duplex speaker provides rich sound that can fill a medium-sized conference room.
Control Interface
- Keypad: The interface includes a 12-key telephone keypad along with standard telephony controls such as mute, volume, and navigation keys.
- Display: A high-resolution, backlit graphical LCD displays the call information and provides a user-friendly interface.
- Connectivity: Auxiliary ports for expansion microphones and connectivity options like Ethernet (10/100 Base-T) make it adaptable to various office setups.
- Configuration: Users can configure the phone through software settings to customize performance for different room environments.
Setup and Installation
The Polycom SoundStation IP 6000 provides an efficient setup process tailored for modern office environments, emphasizing ease and flexibility in initial configuration and network connectivity.
Initial Configuration
The Polycom SoundStation IP 6000 requires a few key steps for initial setup. Begin by connecting the power supply to the device if it is not using Power over Ethernet (PoE). Then proceed to connect the conference phone’s RJ-45 port to an available LAN outlet using the provided network cable.
Network Connectivity
For network setup, the device should be configured to integrate with the office’s IP network. The SoundStation IP 6000 supports both Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) for automatic IP address assignment or a static IP address. To set a static IP address, navigate through the phone’s menu using the display and keypad: Menu > Settings > Advanced > Admin Settings > Network Configuration. Input the IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS server as required for the network.
Audio Technology
The Polycom SoundStation IP 6000 Conference Phone leverages advanced audio technology to deliver crystal-clear voice communication.
Voice Quality
High Definition Audio: The SoundStation IP 6000 features Polycom’s HD Voice technology, ensuring lifelike voice clarity. This technology operates on a frequency range of 220 Hz to 14 kHz, allowing users to hear and understand each word without strain.
Noise Reduction: It incorporates Polycom’s Acoustic Clarity Technology which includes full-duplex audio, noise cancellation, and echo suppression. These features contribute to seamless conversation with minimal background disturbance.
Microphone Range
Pickup Radius: The device boasts a microphone pickup radius of up to 12 feet, making it suitable for midsize conference rooms.
Expandability: For larger spaces, users have the option to add expansion microphones, thus enhancing the phone’s coverage and ensuring that participants at the far end of the room can be heard clearly.
Networking and Compatibility
The Polycom SoundStation IP 6000 excels in network integration and device interoperability. It has been engineered to facilitate seamless communication within a diverse network environment and across various devices.
SIP Integration
The Polycom SoundStation IP 6000 supports Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), providing robust compatibility with most SIP-based IP PBX systems and leading soft switch platforms. It features:
- Network Interface: Ethernet 10/100BaseT; supports Static IP and DHCP.
- Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) standards for audio data encoding and communication.
Device Compatibility
The SoundStation IP 6000 is designed to work with a multitude of devices ensuring comprehensive coverage for businesses:
- Compatible Hardware: A range of devices including IP-enabled phones and computer-based communication systems.
- Expandable: Supports additional microphones for increased coverage area.
Through its advanced SIP integration and broad device compatibility, the SoundStation IP 6000 is an ideal conference phone for a variety of business environments.
Advanced Features
The Polycom SoundStation IP 6000 Conference Phone incorporates numerous advanced features that enhance its functionality. These features focus on making the device adaptable to new technologies and secure for sensitive communication.
Software Updates
The IP 6000 allows for regular firmware updates, which are essential for maintaining compatibility with new standards and features in telecommunications. Users can download and install these updates directly through an Ethernet connection, ensuring that the conference phone remains current with the latest advancements.
- Update Method: Ethernet connection
- Regularly Scheduled: Ensures ongoing compatibility and feature enhancement
Security Protocols
Security is paramount, and the SoundStation IP 6000 supports robust protocols to secure voice communications.
- Encryption: The device offers Transport Layer Security (TLS) and Secure Real-time Transport Protocol (SRTP) to encrypt voice data.
- Authentication: It employs device authentication methods to prevent unauthorized access to its network settings and functions.
The aforementioned protocols are not only about maintaining privacy but are also about ensuring the integrity of communications within a business context.
Troubleshooting
When addressing issues with the Polycom SoundStation IP 6000, troubleshooting can effectively resolve common problems and determine the root cause through various diagnostic tools.
Common Issues
- Audio Quality: If users experience poor audio quality, they should check the network connection and verify that the device is not near sources of noise or interference.
- Power Problems: Should the device fail to power on, checking the power supply and ensuring the unit is correctly connected to a functional outlet is critical.
- Connectivity Issues: For difficulties in connecting to the network, it’s important to inspect network cables and confirm proper configuration settings.
Diagnostic Tools
- Device Status Menu: Users can access detailed system information including IP address, firmware version, and network connectivity status.
- Web-Based Utility: Offers a comprehensive interface for configuring and managing the device, including viewing logs and changing network settings.
- System Reboot: A simple reboot can often resolve transient errors and is recommended as a first step in troubleshooting.
Support and Warranty
The Polycom SoundStation IP 6000 Conference Phone offers users comprehensive support options and a robust warranty policy to ensure reliability and customer satisfaction.
Customer Support
Polycom provides dedicated customer support for the SoundStation IP 6000. Support is accessible through multiple channels to assist with technical questions, setup issues, and troubleshooting. Customers can contact support via:
- Phone: A dedicated support hotline for immediate assistance during business hours.
- Email: For less urgent inquiries, with responses typically within one business day.
- Online Resources: A rich library of FAQs, user manuals, and how-to guides available on the Polycom website.
Warranty Information
The SoundStation IP 6000 comes with a one-year limited warranty, which covers:
- Hardware Defects: Repair or replacement of parts found to be defective under normal use.
- Software Updates: Access to the latest firmware and software updates for the duration of the warranty.
Extended warranty options may be purchased to prolong coverage and peace of mind. Warranty extensions include:
- Additional year(s) of coverage
- Priority customer support
- Advanced replacement service
Claims must be made through authorized channels and require proof of purchase. Warranty specifics are subject to the terms and conditions provided at the time of sale and may vary by region.
Accessories and Add-Ons
The Polycom SoundStation IP 6000 enhances its functionality through a range of accessories and add-ons designed to optimize audio conferencing experiences.
Expansion Microphones
The Polycom SoundStation IP 6000 offers optional expansion microphones to enhance the audio range, suitable for larger conference rooms. These mics easily connect to the main console and increase the coverage area, ensuring clear sound pickup from all participants.
- Compatibility: Designed exclusively for the SoundStation IP 6000
- Coverage: Extend up to 6 feet on either side of the base unit
- Installation: Simple plug-and-play setup
Power Options
Several power options are available for the SoundStation IP 6000 to ensure flexible and reliable power supply.
- Power over Ethernet (PoE): Utilizes a network cable for both power and data
- Optional AC Power Kit: Includes a power supply, regional power cords, and power insertion cable for non-PoE environments