Cisco VCS Series, VCS Getting Started

Cisco TelePresence

Video Communication

Server

Getting started

D14350.04

November 2010

Contents

Contents

Contents 2

General information 3

About the Cisco TelePresence Video Communication Server (Cisco VCS) 3

Installing the Cisco VCS 4

Package contents 4

Before you start 4

Preparing the installation site 4

Preparing the unit 4

Connecting the cables 4

Powering on the VCS 5

Initial configuration 6

Configuration using a serial cable 6

Configuration using the front panel 8

Using the Cisco VCS 9

Changing the admin account password 9

Changing the root account password 9

Other recommended configuration 9

Using the web interface 10

Using the Command Line Interface (CLI) 10

Documentation and training 11

Disclaimers and notices 12

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General information

General information

About the Cisco TelePresence Video Communication Server (Cisco
VCS)

The Cisco VCS enhances the video experience and provides seamless communication between SIP
and H.323 devices utilizing IETF and ITU standards. The Cisco VCS is the center of the video
communication network and connects all H.323 and SIP endpoints, infrastructure, and management
devices. The Cisco VCS provides unrivaled scalability and redundancy to video communications, and
is integral to interoperability with unified communications and Voice over IP systems.

The Cisco VCS can be deployed with either the Control application, the Expressway™ application or
the Cisco VCSStarter Pack Express application, with various optional packages including FindMe™
and Dual Network Interfaces.

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Installing the Cisco VCS

Installing the Cisco VCS

Package contents

To avoid damage to the unit during transportation the Cisco VCS is delivered in a special shipping box,
which should contain the following components:

n Cisco VCS unit
n rack ears, screws and Torx driver
n rubber feet
n cables:

l power cables
l Ethernet cable
l shielded serial cable

Report any discrepancies to your Cisco representative immediately.

We recommend that the shipping box is kept in case the Cisco VCS needs to be returned.

Before you start

IMPORTANT: Before installing the Cisco VCS, you must read the safety information at

www.cisco.com/go/telepresence/safety.

Preparing the installation site

Before installing the Cisco VCS:

n Ensure that the Cisco VCS is accessible and that all cables can be easily connected.
n Ensure that the power outlet is near to the Cisco VCS and is easily accessible.
n To ensure adequate ventilation, leave a space of at least 10cm (4 inches) behind the VCS’s rear

panel and 10cm (4 inches) in front of the front panel.

n The room in which you install the Cisco VCS should have an ambient temperature between 0ºC and

35ºC (32ºF and 95ºF) and between 10% and 90% non-condensing relative humidity.

n Use a grounded AC power outlet for the Cisco VCS.

Preparing the unit

1. Unpack the unit.

2. Mount the rack ears (using a Torx T10 driver) or rubber feet.

3. Turn the unit back on its feet or mount it in the rack.

If this product is mounted in a rack you are recommended to use additional support
accessories such as rack side support angles (rack angle brackets) or rack shelves, due to
the unit’s weight and depth. Contact your rack supplier to request the accessories best
suited for your rack.

Connecting the cables

1. Connect the power cable to the back of the Cisco VCS (see Figure 1).

2. Connect the Ethernet LAN cable from the LAN1 port on the front of the Cisco VCS to your network
(see Figure 2).

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