Introduction to Polycom Phones
Polycom VVX phones are renowned for delivering reliable, high-quality communication solutions for businesses of all sizes. Designed with advanced features, these devices support both voice and video calls, making them ideal for modern office environments and remote work setups. The VVX series—including popular models like the VVX 250, 350, 450, 401, 501, and 601—offers flexibility and scalability to meet the needs of growing organizations. This article serves as a step-by-step resource to help you connect your Polycom VVX phone to Wi-Fi.
One of the standout features of the VVX phone lineup is the ability to connect to a wireless network using a dedicated Wi-Fi adapter. To enable Wi-Fi connectivity, you must have a USB-enabled VVX phone and a USB-enabled wireless network adapter, such as the OBiWifi5G.
Most VVX models require a USB Wi-Fi dongle for wireless connectivity, while Edge E series models may have built-in Wi-Fi. By plugging the Poly Wi-Fi network adapter into the USB port of your enabled VVX phone, you can quickly join your office or home wireless network. Please note, a separate AC power adapter is required for Wi-Fi connections, as Power over Ethernet (PoE) will not work.
This wireless connectivity allows you to place your phone anywhere within Wi-Fi range, eliminating the need for an ethernet cable and providing greater flexibility for your workspace. Whether you’re making calls from a traditional office or a remote location, connecting your VVX phone to Wi-Fi ensures you stay connected and productive.
You can enable wireless connectivity for your USB-enabled Polycom VVX phone by using the Wi-Fi wireless network adapter (sometimes called a ‘dongle’.)
Obtaining a Polycom OBi WiFi Adapter
Press8 does not sell the Polycom OBi WiFi adapter. The device is widely available from major online retailers such as Voipsupply, Amazon, or New Egg. The retail price is around $30.00 each. Just search for ‘Polycom obi wifi’
Only These Polycom Models that will allow Wi-Fi connectivity:
VVX 250 VVX 350 VVX 450 VVX 401 VVX 501 VVX 601
Prerequisite: Before setting up a wireless network, make sure that you connect the VVX phone to its power adapter.
Steps:
- Insert the Polycom Wi-Fi wireless network adapter into the USB port of your VVX phone.
- Press the Home button, then navigate to the wi fi menu.
- Select Wi-Fi, then select On in the wifi settings.
- Select Yes to reboot the phone.
- After the phone reboots, Wi-Fi is enabled and you will see available network options in the wi fi menu.
The phone scans for wireless networks and lists any that are available. If the phone does not automatically scan, select Scan to manually initiate a Wi-Fi network scan.
Note: When connecting to a network, you may need to press the navigation or soft keys to select options in the menu. When entering a Wi-Fi password, use the numbers on the keypad to input letters and symbols by pressing the corresponding key multiple times to cycle through characters.
Note: The administrator can configure the regulatory domain for your location and radio frequency bands on which the wireless network operates. If not configured, the phone uses the Global regulatory domain and 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz default radio bands.
To Connect to a Secured Wireless Network
Polycom UC software supports different wireless network security profiles like Personal and Enterprise mode for better security. You can select a PSK or an enterprise-based security option to connect your VVX phone to a secured wireless network.
- Go to Settings > Basic > Wi-Fi. 2. Do one of the following: For a WPA(2)-PSK network: enter the Password. For a WPA2-enterprise network: enter User ID and Password. 3. Select Connect. 4. The phone connects to the Wi-Fi network and displays the Wi-Fi connection status on the Menu and Home screens.
Caution: Do not remove the power adapter or any cables during the connection process, especially if the phone is updating firmware, to avoid potential damage or configuration loss.
Supported Enterprise Security Modes:
EAP-PEAP/MSCHApv2, EAP-FAST, EAP-TLS
Note: Your administrator sets the appropriate EAP method to connect to an enterprise-based network.
Disconnect from a Wireless Network
- Go to Settings > Basic > Wi-Fi. 2. Select the connected wireless network SSID from the list. 3. Select Disconnect.
If you encounter issues with security modes or if your Polycom phone has outdated firmware, contact support for assistance with updating your device and resolving connection problems.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with a properly configured Poly VVX phone, you may occasionally encounter issues with wireless network connectivity. Here are some practical steps to help you quickly identify and resolve common problems:
Limitations
Firmware 5.8.0.13337 will show the WiFi option under Settings > Basic > Wi-Fi even if no dongle is installed.
Enabling Wi-Fi automatically disables the LAN (Ethernet) port.
You cannot use Wireless and Wired connections simultaneously to connect your VVX phones to the network.
WEP is not supported.
No Video calls or IPv6
New VVX250, VVX350 or VVX450 cannot use USB Headset concurrently at present
Some Polycom VVX phones will have Bluetooth capability but always require the USB dongle to actually connect to WiFi networks.
If wall Ethernet ports are unavailable or full, you can use a network switch to provide additional Ethernet ports. This works for connecting multiple devices or to facilitate daisy chain configurations.
Securing Your Polycom Connection
Ensuring the security of your Polycom VVX phone’s wireless connection is essential for protecting sensitive business communications and maintaining network integrity. Here are some best practices to help you secure your wireless connectivity:
- Choose Strong Network Passwords: Always connect your VVX phone to a wireless network that uses robust security protocols, such as WPA2 or WPA3, and avoid open or unsecured networks. Use complex passwords that combine letters, numbers, and symbols to prevent unauthorized access.
- Keep Firmware Updated: Regularly check for firmware updates for your VVX phone. Updated firmware often includes important security patches and enhancements that help safeguard your device against vulnerabilities.
- Work with Your Network Administrator: If your organization has an IT administrator, coordinate with them to ensure your wireless network operates on secure radio frequency bands and that the regulatory domain is properly configured for your location.
- Monitor Connected Devices: Periodically review the list of devices connected to your wireless network to detect any unauthorized access. Disconnect any unknown devices and update your network password if necessary.
- Disable Unused Connections: If you are not using the ethernet connection, ensure it is disabled when Wi-Fi is enabled to reduce potential security risks.
- Use Enterprise Security Modes: For added protection, consider connecting your VVX phone to enterprise-grade networks that use advanced security options like EAP-PEAP/MSCHAPv2, EAP-FAST, or EAP-TLS.
By following these security tips and maintaining strong network configuration practices, you can help ensure that your Polycom VVX phone remains secure while connected to your wireless network, allowing you to focus on your business communications with confidence. If you have any concerns about your phone’s security or need assistance with advanced settings, don’t hesitate to contact your network administrator or Press8 Telecom support for expert guidance.
