Polycom V500 System Administrator's Manual

Administrator’s Guide for
the V500 System

Version 8.0.3

October 2005 Edition

3725-21743-005/A

V500 Version 8.0.3

VideoVoiceDataWeb

Connect. Any Way You Want.

Trademark Information

Polycom® and the Polycom logo design are registered trademarks of Polycom, Inc. V500™, Global Management
System™, People+Content IP™, and Siren™ are trademarks of Polycom, Inc. in the United States and various other
countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Patent Information

The accompanying product is protected by one or more U.S. and foreign patents and/or pending patent applications
held by Polycom, Inc.

© 2005 Polycom, Inc. All rights reserved.

Polycom Inc.
4750 Willow Road
Pleasanton, CA 94588-2708
USA

No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for
any purpose, without the express written permission of Polycom, Inc. Under the law, reproducing includes translating
into another language or format.

As between the parties, Polycom, Inc. retains title to, and ownership of, all proprietary rights with respect to the software
contained within its products. The software is protected by United States copyright laws and international treaty
provision. Therefore, you must treat the software like any other copyrighted material (e.g. a book or sound recording).

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this manual is accurate. Polycom, Inc. is not responsible
for printing or clerical errors. Information in this document is subject to change without notice.

About this Guide

The Administrator’s Guide for the V500™ System is for administrators of the
V500 system who need to configure, customize, manage, and troubleshoot the
V500 system.

The following related documents for the V500 system are available at

www.polycom.com/videodocumentation:

• Setting Up the System, which describes how to set up the hardware

• Getting Started Guide for the V500 System, which describes how to perform

video conferencing tasks

• Setup Sheets, which describe how to install optional hardware

• Release Notes

For support or service, please contact your Polycom® distributor or go to
Polycom Support at www.polycom.com/support.

Polycom recommends that you record the serial number and option key of
your V500 system here for future reference. The serial number for the system
is printed on the unit.

System Serial Number: ____________________________________________

Option Key: ____________________________________________________

iii

Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

iv

Contents

1 Introducing the V500 System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

System Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

Key Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

2 Setting Up Your System Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

V500 System Back Panel View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Positioning the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

Connecting the Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

Connecting the System to the Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Connecting Headphones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4

Installing Batteries in the Remote Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4

Powering On the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4

Industry-Leading Audio and Video Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Rich Conference Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

Enhanced User Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

Easy Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Security and Network Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Connecting to the LAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Connecting to the ISDN BRI Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

3 Configuring Network Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Using the Setup Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

Configuring Your IP Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

Configuring LAN Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

Setting Up Your IP Network Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5

Calling Within an Intranet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5

Calling Through a Cable or DSL Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

Calling Through a Network Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

Calling Through a Router, Using a DMZ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12

Configuring IP Network Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13

Configuring H.323 Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13

Configuring SIP Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16

Configuring Quality of Service (QOS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17

Configuring Your ISDN Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18

Preparing Your ISDN Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18

Configuring the ISDN Network Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18

v

Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

Configuring Call Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-20

Configuring the Global Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-22

Configuring the Directory Server Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-22

Setting the Dialing Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-23

Placing a Test Call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-23

Checking System Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-24

Keeping your Software Current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-24

4 Customizing the V500 System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

Designing Video Behaviors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

Configuring Camera Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

Configuring the Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

Using Dual Monitor Emulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4

Adjusting the Monitor’s Color Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5

Displaying Content with People+Content IP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5

Designing Audio Behaviors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7

Designing the User Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8

Managing User Access to Settings and Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8

Setting the Admin Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8

Screens that Require the Admin Password for Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9

Letting Users Customize the Workspace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10

Limiting What Users Can Do With the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10

Using the System for Specialized Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11

Setting Passwords and Security Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11

Enabling AES Encryption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12

Configuring Call Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13

Setting the Call Answering Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14

Configuring Directory Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14

Setting Date, Time, and Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15

Customizing the Workspace Appearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16

Designing the Home Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-17

Adding Sites to the Home Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-19

Adding Marquee Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-20

Adding Screen Saver Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-20

Adding a Screen Saver Logo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-21

Adding a Screen Saver News Feed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-21

Changing System Appearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-22

Setting Ring Tones and Alert Tones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-22

Configuring Remote Control Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-23

Configuring Closed Captioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-23

Audio Options for Closed Captioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-24

Providing Closed Captions for Conferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-24

Providing Captions Via the V500 Web Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-24

Providing Captions Via a Telnet Session . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-25

Getting Started with Calling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-25

5 Managing the System Remotely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1

Using the V500 Web Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1

vi

Contents

Accessing the V500 Web Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1

Monitoring a Room or Call with the V500 Web Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

Creating a Localized System Name with the V500 Web Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3

Implementing Basic Mode with the V500 Web Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3

Managing System Profiles with the V500 Web Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4

Managing Directories with the V500 Web Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5

Configuring Global Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6

Viewing the Management Servers List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6

Requiring an Account Number for Calls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6

Adding My Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7

Requesting Technical Support from the Global Management System Administrator . 5-8

Setting Up SNMP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9

Downloading MIBs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9

Configuring for SNMP Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10

6 System Usage and Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

Call Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

Call Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2

Call Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2

Content Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

Recent Calls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

Call Detail Report (CDR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4

Information in the Call Detail Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4

Call Detail Report Archives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7

7 Diagnostics and General Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1

Sending a Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1

System Screens Quick Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2

Diagnostic Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2

General Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7

Power and Start-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7

Remote Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8

Access to Screens and Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8

Calling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-10

Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13

Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-15

Error Indications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-16

System Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-17

Network Interface Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-18

How to Contact Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-18

Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appendix-1

Cable Descriptions and Drawings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appendix-1

LAN Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appendix-2

vii

Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

Composite Video Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appendix-2

Actions that Cause the System to Restart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appendix-3

Port Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appendix-4

Q.850 Cause Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appendix-5

Regulatory Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Regulatory Notices-1

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Index-1

viii

Introducing the V500 System

Your V500 video conferencing system is a state-of-the-art visual collaboration

tool. With crisp, clean video and crystal-clear sound, your V500 system

provides the essential tools your home or small business needs for video

conferencing over broadband networks.

When you use a V500 system for collaborating, you can exchange ideas and

share documents with people anywhere in the world, as if they were all in the

room with you. Everyone’s productivity increases, without any travel

required.

1

System Components

This section describes the standard components that come with the

V500 system. For technical specifications and detailed descriptions of these

features, please refer to the product literature at www.polycom.com.

Additional options may also be available. For more information, please

contact your Polycom distributor.

1 - 1

Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

Two models of the V500 system are available — IP only, and IP with ISDN.

Name Component Description

V500 system The V500 system delivers high-quality,

face-to-face video communication in a sleek
package that includes the camera and microphone.

Remote Control The remote control is designed to make it easy to

set up and operate the system — color-coded
buttons correspond to system features.

Composite video
cable

LAN cable The LAN cable connects the system to the IP

BRI cable

(ISDN model only)

Power supply The power supply connects power to the system.

Documentation Read Me First

The composite video cable is a triple RCA cable
with S-video that connects the V500 system to a
monitor.

network.

The BRI cable connects the system to the ISDN.

Setting Up the V500 System

V500 system documentation CD

Key Features

Industry-Leading Audio and Video Quality

• Best-in-class video algorithms — The H.264 video algorithm provides

• State-of-the-art audio quality — The V500 system offers Polycom Siren™

1 - 2

smooth, natural TV-like video at data rates up to 768 kbps.

14, 14 kHz wideband audio that delivers CD-quality sound.

• Video Error Concealment — The H.264 Video Error Concealment feature
enhances your video experience by reducing full-frame refreshes,
concealing errors, and minimizing the chance that the frame will freeze.

• Audio Error Concealment — When packet loss occurs due to traffic or
network instability, Audio Error Concealment works automatically to
reduce the loss of sound bits during calls, resulting in smooth, consistent
audio.

• Adjustable bandwidth for content — The call quality preference can be
set to Content (90% content, 10% people), People (10% content, 90%
people), or Both (50% content, 50% people).

Rich Conference Experience

• Content display — Install the People+Content™ IP feature on your PC or
laptop, and then use the V500 system to show content (such as
spreadsheets and video clips) to other sites in the video conference.

• Split-screen viewing — Use Dual Monitor Emulation (split-screen
viewing) to see more even when you only have room for one monitor.

Introducing the V500 System

• Language independence — Use the V500 system user interface, remote
control, and web interface in any of twelve languages.

Enhanced User Experience

• Customizable home screen — Customize the home screen to support
different types of users:

— Novice users — Offer just a few options, so users need little or no

— Advanced users — Provide a wide range of video conferencing

• Customizable look and feel — Set up the workspace to suit your
environment.

• Easy-to-use remote control — Navigate through the configuration screens
and place calls easily using the color-coded remote control buttons.

• Many ways to use the directory — Find information in the directory using
the method you find most convenient.

• Call Scheduler — Use the calendar and call scheduling feature to schedule
video conferences. The system automatically calls the site you selected on
the date and time you specified. For recurring calls, you can indicate
whether you want the system to automatically make the call daily, weekly,
or monthly.

training.

features.

1 - 3

Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

Easy Installation

• Firewall (UPnP™) support — The V500 system offers support for routers
that support UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) NAT traversal, making
video conferencing setup easier for users in homes and small offices.

• IP or ISDN calling — The V500 system has a built-in 10/100 Mb Ethernet
port for IP calls. Add the optional single BRI network interface to make
calls over your ISDN telephone lines.

• Easy configuration wizard — The system setup wizard detects your
network connections and guides you through configuring the system to
work on an IP network or ISDN.

• Fully broadband capable — The standards-compliant V500 system works
with any other H.323 system.

• Auto-sensing power supply — The system automatically adjusts for line
voltages from 90 to 260 V and line frequencies from 47 to 63 Hz.

Security and Network Management

• AES encryption — Enable the integrated AES encryption to automatically
encrypt calls to other AES-capable systems, without external encryption
equipment.

• Remote access — Configure, manage, and monitor the system from a
remote computer using the V500 web interface (the system’s web
interface), the Polycom Global Management System

™

, or SNMP.

Alternatively, you can choose not to allow remote management.

• Secure system management — Use the local administrator’s password on
the system to prevent others from changing system configuration while
allowing yourself to manage the system.

• Room monitoring — Monitor rooms in or out of a call using the Web
Director feature, accessible through the V500 web interface.

• Call Detail Reports — Access the system’s call history from the V500 web
interface. You can download the data to a spreadsheet application for
sorting and formatting.

• Remote diagnostics — Identify and correct issues that affect the video
conferencing experience using tools in the V500 web interface.

• SNMP reporting — Receive SNMP traps that can indicate conditions.

1 - 4

Setting Up Your System Hardware

This chapter provides information to supplement the setup sheet provided
with your system and its optional components. A printed copy of the system
setup sheet is provided with each V500 system. PDF versions of the system
setup sheets are available at www.polycom.com/videodocumentation.

V500 System Back Panel View

This illustration identifies the system’s back panel connectors.

2

S-video output from system

For monitor video (preferred
over Composite video output)

BRI port

For ISDN calls
(not present on
IP-only systems)

Composite video output
from system

For monitor video (if S-video
output is not used)

Headphone jack

For optional headphone

BRI

Audio output from
system

For monitor audio

Power connector

For power supply

Power switch

DC IN 12V

LAN

LAN port

For IP calls, the V500 web
interface, or remote
management

2 - 1

Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

1.

Positioning the System

Position the system so that the camera does not face toward a window or other
source of bright light.

To position the system:

¾ Place the V500 system on top of your TV monitor. For optimal audio and

video performance, locate the monitor within 5 to 10 feet (1.5 to 3 meters)
away from the people in the call.

5'-10'

Connecting the Monitor

You must connect a television monitor to the V500 system. You can use either
an NTSC or PAL monitor, depending on your system.

The back panel view, shown on page 2-1, shows the location of the connectors
used for the monitor.

To connect a monitor to the system:

1. Connect a yellow connector on the monitor cable from the S-video or

composite video output on the back of the system to the monitor.

You must use the same type of connector on the V500 system as on the
monitor. For example, if you use the S-video connector on the system, use
the S-video connector on the monitor.

Polycom recommends using S-video because it provides superior video
quality.

2. Connect the red and white connectors on the monitor cable from the
audio outputs on the back of the system to the monitor’s audio inputs.

2 - 2

Connecting the System to the Network

This section tells you how to physically connect the system to the LAN or to
ISDN (if you purchased the optional ISDN BRI network interface).

The back panel view, shown on page 2-1, shows the location of the LAN and
ISDN BRI connectors.

Connecting to the LAN

The V500 system comes standard with a LAN cable.

You must connect the system to a LAN to:

• Make IP or SIP calls

• Use the Global Directory Server

• Use the V500 web interface

• Update system software using the Polycom Softupdate program

Setting Up Your System Hardware

To connect the system to the LAN:

¾ Connect the LAN cable from the LAN connector on the back of the system

to the LAN.

Connecting to the ISDN BRI Network

The V500 system is available with the optional ISDN BRI network interface,
which allows you to make ISDN calls.

If your site does not use an internal telephone system (PBX), you may need an
NT-1 device to connect to the ISDN BRI network. A PBX or an NT-1 device
provides the S/T interface that the system’s BRI network interface requires.

To connect the system to the ISDN BRI network:

1. Make sure the system is powered off.

2. Connect the BRI cable from the BRI connector on the back of the system to

ISDN or to your NT-1 device, as appropriate.

3. If you are using an NT-1 device, connect it to the ISDN.

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Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

Connecting Headphones

You can connect optional headphones to the V500 system to listen to your calls
privately.

The back panel view, shown on page 2-1, shows the location of the headphone
jack.

To connect headphones to the system:

¾ Connect the headphone cable to the headphone jack on the back of the

system.

Installing Batteries in the Remote Control

The remote control uses three AAA batteries, which are included with the
system.

To install batteries in the remote control:

1. Remove the battery cover from the back of the remote control.

2. Refer to the diagram inside the remote control, and install the batteries in

the orientation shown.

3. Reinstall the battery cover on the remote control.

Powering On the System

The V500 system has an external power supply.

Do not use a power supply other than the one supplied with your V500 system.
Using the wrong power supply will void the warranty and may damage your system.

The back panel view, shown on page 2-1, shows the location of the power
connector and power switch.

To connect power and power on the system:

1. Connect the power supply to the power connector on the back of the

2. Connect the power cord to the power supply.

2 - 4

system.

Setting Up Your System Hardware

3. Make sure you have connected all equipment to the system, and then
connect the power cord to a wall outlet.

4. Press the power switch located at the back of the system.

2 - 5

Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

2 - 6

Configuring Network Use

The V500 system is factory configured to enable you to easily and quickly
make video calls in most network situations. In many cases, you simply need
to physically connect the system as described in Chapter 2, power it on, and
follow the setup wizard.

However, because networks vary from business to business and home to
home, you may need to change some of the default settings or perform other
network configuration. For example, if you’re using a router, you need to
configure that router to allow video calls.

This chapter begins by helping you determine which type of network
configuration you have. It then provides you with the steps you need to take
to prepare your particular network for video calling. It also describes the
various IP and ISDN settings, and which of these you may need to change for
your network environment. For example, if you have a gatekeeper and
gateway, this chapter describes how to configure those.

3

Once you have done this, you can set your call preferences and, if you choose,
set up your system to use the global directory. Then you’re ready to place your
first test call. This chapter describes how to perform all of these tasks, so that
you can successfully enjoy video calling with your V500 system.

3 - 1

Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

Using the Setup Wizard

When you power on the system for the first time, a setup wizard begins to run.
The setup wizard automatically detects your system’s IP and ISDN
connections, and it leads you through the minimum steps you need to take to
place a video call.

As you go through the setup wizard, you may need additional information or
you may want to change a default setting. If this is your situation, refer to the
rest of this chapter. You will find information there about how to configure
your IP and ISDN connections for your particular network environment.

The setup wizard enables you to set an administrator password, which allows
you to limit access to the Admin Settings. The default administrator password
is the system’s serial number.

Make sure you can recall the administrator password if you set one. If you forget the
password, you will have to reset the system, delete the system files, and run the
setup wizard again in order to access the Admin Settings and reset the password.
You cannot set the administrator password from a remote location.

You can run the setup wizard or view the configuration screens in either of
these two ways:

• Directly on the system — Use the remote control to navigate the screens
and enter information. You can use the number pad on the remote control
to enter text just like you can with a cell phone.

• From a remote location — Use a web browser to access the V500 web
interface. To do this, your network must be set up and you need to know
the IP address of the system; therefore, this may not be an option if you are
installing your system for the first time in a new location.

You can use the V500 web interface to configure all of the system settings
except the remote management settings. These settings must be configured on
the local system by an administrator. For more information about the V500
web interface, refer to refer to Managing the System Remotely on page 5-1.

3 - 2

Configuring Your IP Connection

To configure your IP network connection, you need to:

• Configure LAN properties

• Set up your IP network connection

• Configure IP network support

Configuring LAN Properties

The first step in setting up your IP connection is to configure the LAN
properties.

If you are connecting your V500 system directly to a cable or DSL modem,
before you begin you need to know the public IP address assigned to your
syste m by your Internet Service Provider (ISP ). Your ISP will provide you with
one of these IP addresses:

• Static IP address – This address is reserved for your system and will not
change. When you configure the LAN properties of the system, choose the
Enter IP Address Manually option. Your ISP should also provide you
with the DNS server address, default gateway address, subnet mask, and
WINS server IP address.

Configuring Network Use

• Dynamic IP address – This address is obtained from your ISP’s DHCP
server and, therefore, may change. When you configure the LAN
properties of the system, choose the Obtain IP Address Automatically
option. When you choose this option, the DNS server address, default
gateway address, and other settings should fill in automatically.

To configure LAN properties:

1. Go to System > Admin Settings > LAN Properties.

2. Configure these settings:

Setting Description

Connect to my
LAN

Allow IP Calls Enables the system to make and receive IP calls.

Host Name Indicates the system’s DNS name.

Specifies whether the system is part of the LAN.

Changing this setting causes the system to restart.

Changing this setting causes the system to restart.

3 - 3

Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

Setting Description

IP Address Specifies how the system obtains an IP address.

• Obtain IP address automatically — Select if the

system gets an IP address from the DHCP server on the
LAN.

• Enter IP address manually — Select if the IP address

will not be assigned automatically.

Changing this setting causes the system to restart.

Your IP Address
is

or

Use the Following
IP Address

If the system obtains its IP address automatically, this area
displays the IP address currently assigned to the system.

If you selected Enter IP Address Manually, enter the IP
address here.

Changing the IP address causes the system to restart.

Domain Name Displays the domain name currently assigned to the system

if the system is a member of a corporate domain.

If the system does not automatically obtain a domain name,
enter one here if needed for your corporate network.

3. Select and configure these settings:

Setting Description

DNS Servers Displays the DNS servers currently assigned to the system.

If the system does not automatically obtain a DNS server address,
enter up to four DNS servers here.

Changing this setting causes the system to restart.

Default
Gateway

Displays the gateway currently assigned to the system. (If you are
using a router for Internet access, the Default Gateway will be the
router’s internal address.)

If the system does not automatically obtain a gateway IP address,
enter one here.

Changing this setting causes the system to restart.

Subnet Mask Displays the subnet mask currently assigned to the system.

WINS Server Displays the WINS server currently assigned to the system.

WINS
Resolution

3 - 4

If the system does not automatically obtain a subnet mask, enter
one here.

Changing this setting causes the system to restart.

If the system does not automatically obtain a WINS server IP
address, enter one here.

Changing this setting causes the system to restart.

Sends a request to the WINS server for WINS name resolution.

Setting Description

LAN Speed Specifies the LAN speed to use. Note that the speed you choose

must be supported by the switch.
Choose Auto to have the network switch negotiate the speed

automatically. If you choose 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps, you must also
select a duplex mode.

Note: The LAN speed setting for the V500 and the switch must
match. Polycom strongly recommends that you do not select Auto
for either only the V500 or only the router; the settings for both
must be the same. Typically, selecting Auto for both is sufficient.

Changing this setting causes the system to restart.

Duplex Mode Specifies the Duplex mode to use. Note that the Duplex mode you

choose must be supported by the switch.
Choose Auto to have the network switch negotiate the Duplex

mode automatically.

Changing this setting causes the system to restart.

Setting Up Your IP Network Connection

Configuring Network Use

The following is a list of the common ways you can connect your V500 to an IP
network so that you can make video calls. Pick out the IP network connection
type that most closely resembles how you plan to make your calls, then read
the section that corresponds to that connection type. If you need help
determining how your V500 connects to the network, contact your network
administrator, network service provider, or Internet Service Provider (ISP).

• If you’re limiting your calls to other systems within your company’s
intranet, refer to Calling Within an Intranet on page 3-5.

• If your V500 system plugs directly into a cable or DSL modem, without a
router in between, refer to Calling Through a Cable or DSL Modem on
page 3-6.

• If your V500 system connects to the network through a router, with or
without a firewall or Network Address Translator (NAT), refer to Calling

Through a Network Router on page 3-6.

• If your V500 system is set up in a Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), refer to

Calling Through a Router, Using a DMZ on page 3-12.

Calling Within an Intranet

An intranet is a private network within a company or organization. Calls
within an intranet don’t access the Internet, so security isn’t an issue. Even if
your company has a firewall, intranet calls remain within the firewall, so you
can easily communicate with anyone within your office network.

3 - 5

Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

If, therefore, you’re limiting your calls to other systems within your intranet,
you don’t need to perform any additional network configuration to use your
V500. Simply go on to Configuring IP Network Support on page 3-13.

Calling Through a Cable or DSL Modem

You can access the network and make video calls by directly connecting your
V500 to a cable modem or Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) modem, without
using a network router.

If you have a DSL connection and you are in a home environment or your DSL
modem does not maintain a connection state automatically, Polycom recommends
that you use a network router.

Directly connecting your V500 to the network with a cable or DSL modem
does not provide you with a security barrier between your home or business
network and the Internet; however, it is an easy way to set up your V500
network connection.

Visit the Polycom Security Center at www.polycom.com for timely security
information. Systems deployed outside a firewall are potentially vulnerable to
unauthorized access. You can also register to receive periodic email updates and
advisories.

If your V500 system is directly connected to a cable or DSL modem, you don’t
need to perform any additional network configuration to use your V500.
Simply go on to Configuring IP Network Support on page 3-13.

Calling Through a Network Router

Network routers let you connect more than one computer, video conferencing
system, or other device to your cable or DSL modem so that they all can share
the same high-speed network connection. This is accomplished by using
Network Address Translation (NAT) services. Routers also often offer firewall
protection.

• In a typical IP network, all the devices within the network have their own
unique IP address, which is available for everyone in or outside the
network to access. With a NAT, each device within the network retains its
own IP address, but the NAT presents a single IP address to the outside
world. This provides an extra level of security because devices inside the
network are masked behind that single, external IP address.

• A firewall acts as a security barrier between one network and another.
Often that barrier is between a smaller network, like you might have at
your home or business, and an exterior network, such as the Internet. The
firewall prevents unsolicited external network traffic from accessing your
internal network.

3 - 6

Configuring Network Use

Because NATs and firewalls provide security for your network, they limit
outside access to your internal network. Some access, however, is necessary
for video communications. To enable your V500 to freely place and receive
calls with the outside world, while still maintaining protection for your
network, you must open ports in the firewall. This process is known as port
forwarding or pinholing.

The following sections describe the steps you need to take to place video calls
through a network router, including:

• Configuring router port forwarding

• Configuring firewall and NAT properties on the V500

Configuring Router Port Forwarding

To make video calls with your V500 system when you have a router, you must
open and assign ports in the firewall. This section describes how to do that
with the most common routers from NetGear®, Linksys®, and D-Link®. Most
other routers require similar procedures.

Before you can change your router configuration, you must know:

• The IP address of your router, which you can find in your router’s
documentation. (Note that many routers use the default address

192.168.1.1.)

• Your router’s administrator name and password, which you can find in
your router’s documentation. (Note that many routers use the default user
name admin and the password blank or password.)

• The IP address that has been assigned to your system if you’re using
DHCP, which you can find on the LAN Properties screen. (See

Configuring LAN Properties on page 3-3 for more information.)

With any router brand or model, you must open the ports listed here:

Port Function TCP or UDP

1720 H.323 call setup TCP

3230-3235 Signaling and control for audio, call,

video, and data/FECC

3230-3253 Audio and video RTP media streams UDP

1503
(optional)

T.120 data collaboration TCP

TCP

Refer to the Actions that Cause the System to Restart section in the Appendix
if you want advanced port configuration information.

3 - 7

Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

To configure a NetGear router:

1. Check if you have a NetGear MR814v2 or RP614v2 router. If you have a

2. In a browser such as Internet Explorer, type the IP address of your router,

3. Log in to your router setup using the user name and password, which

4. From the Advanced menu on the left of the page, select Port Forwarding.

5. On the Port Forwarding page, select Add Custom Service.

6. On the Ports-Custom Services page, enter this information for the first

Setting Description

Service Name Any unique identifier (for example, you can use the

Start Port The specific port or the starting value of the range of

different model, the settings in these steps may vary slightly.

which you can find in your router’s documentation.

you can find in your router’s documentation.

port you need to open (such as port 1720):

text from the Function column in the table on page

3-7).

ports (see the table on page 3-7 for the list of ports).

End Port The specific port or the ending value of the range of

ports (see the table on page 3-7 for the list of ports).

Server IP Address The IP address that the NAT has assigned to your

system.

NetGear routers automatically pass TCP and UDP traffic through the same port.
You do not have to designate TCP or UDP when you open ports.

7. Click Apply.

8. Repeat Steps 5 through 7 of this procedure for the remaining ports that

you need to open. (For the list of ports that you need to open, refer to the
table on page 3-7.)

9. When you have opened and assigned all of the ports listed in the table on
page 3-7, review the Port Forwarding page. Check that all the ports are
correct, enabled, and assigned to the correct Server IP (internal) Address.

To configure a Linksys router:

1. Check if you have a Linksys BEFSX41 router. If you have a different

model, the settings in these steps may vary slightly.

2. In a browser such as Internet Explorer, type the IP address of your router,
which you can find in your router’s documentation.

3 - 8

Configuring Network Use

3. Log in to your router setup using the user name and password, which
you can find in your router’s documentation.

4. Locate the Port Range Forwarding page.

5. Depending on your router model, the Port Range Forwarding page may

be listed in the Advanced menu or the Applications and Gaming menu.

6. On the Port Range Forwarding page, enter this information for the first
port you need to open (such as port 1720):

Setting Description

Application Any unique identifier (for example, you can use the

text from the Function column in the table on page

3-7).

Start The specific port or the starting value of the range of

ports (see the table on page 3-7 for the list of ports).

End The specific port or the ending value of the range of

ports (see the table on page 3-7 for the list of ports).

TCP/UDP Either TCP or UDP, whichever is listed in the table on

page 3-7 for that particular port or range of ports. If
the table lists both TCP and UDP, enter the
Application twice: once as TCP and once as UDP.

IP Address The IP address that the NAT has assigned to your

system.

Enabled Check this box.

7. Repeat Step 6 of this procedure for the remaining ports that you need to
open. (For the list of ports that you need to open, refer to the table on
page 3-7.)

8. When you have opened and assigned all of the ports listed in the table on
page 3-7, review the Port Range Forwarding list. Check that all the ports
are correct, enabled, and assigned to the correct IP (internal) Address.

To configure a D-Link router:

1. Check if you have a D-Link DI-604 router. If you have a different model,

the settings in these steps may vary slightly.

2. In a browser such as Internet Explorer, type the IP address of your router,
which you can find in your router’s documentation.

3. Log in to your router setup using the user name and password, which
you can find in your router’s documentation.

4. Select the Advanced tab.

5. Click Firewall.

3 - 9

Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

6. On the Firewall page, enter this information for the first port you need to

Setting Description

Enabled Click this radio button.

Name Any unique identifier (for example, you can use the

Action Click Allow.

Source Interface: WAN

Destination Interface: LAN

open (such as port 1720):

text from the Function column in the table on page

3-7).

IP Range Start: *

IP Range End: (blank)

IP Range Start: The IP address (internal) that the NAT
has assigned to your system.

IP Range End: (blank)

Protocol: TCP, UDP, or * for both

Port Range: The specific port or the starting and
ending value of the range of ports (see the table on
page 3-7 for the list of ports).

Schedule Click Always (or select a time for the port to be open).

7. When you have opened and assigned all of the ports listed in the table on
page 3-7, review the Firewall Rules list. Check that all the ports are
correct, enabled, and assigned to the correct IP (internal) Address.

Configuring Firewall and NAT Properties

Once you’ve set up your router, you must configure the V500 system so that it
works with the firewall and NAT.

Before making changes on the Firewall screen, you should know whether or
not your firewall device is H.323 compatible. Firewall devices that are H.323
compatible have been programmed with logic that can detect H.323 video
conferencing traffic as it passes between the LAN and WAN. Because of this,
they are able to open the necessary ports dynamically as needed, on a
call-by-call basis.

Some firewall devices can even insert the NAT Public WAN Address
automatically during the H.323 call. For these devices, it is not necessary to
configure the V500 system with fixed ports or even, in some cases, with NAT.
Check with the manufacturer of your device to see if it supports H.323
compatibility.

3 - 10

Configuring Network Use

To set up the V500 system to work with a firewall and NAT:

1. Go to System > Admin Settings > Network > IP > Firewall.

2. Configure these settings:

Setting Description

Fixed Ports Lets you specify whether to define the TCP and UDP ports.

If you select Fixed Ports, the V500 system will restrict its
port usage to the range of TCP and UDP ports you specify.
(The system defaults to a range beginning with port 3230 for
both TCP and UDP.) If you do not select Fixed Ports, the
system will dynamically allocate ports on a call-by-call
basis.

• If the firewall is not H.323 compatible, enable this option.

• If the firewall is H.323 compatible or if the system is not

behind a firewall, you may not need to enable this
option.

TCP Ports
UDP Ports

Lets you specify the range of TCP and UDP ports used by
the system.

Note: The TCP and UDP port ranges you open here must
match those that you opened for your router (including TCP
port 1720, which allows H.323 traffic). Refer to the previous
section, Configuring Router Port Forwarding on page 3-7,
for information about opening ports for your router.

NAT Configuration Lets you specify whether the system should attempt to

determine the NAT Public WAN Address automatically.

• If the system is behind a NAT that allows HTTP traffic,
select Auto. The system will attempt to automatically
discover the NAT Public WAN Address.

• If the system is behind a NAT that does not allow HTTP
traffic or if Auto fails to discover the NAT Public WAN
address, select Manual.

• If the system is not behind a NAT, select Off.

• If the system is behind a firewalled NAT router that is

UPnP™ (Universal Plug and Play) certified, select
UPnP.

Many routers used in homes and small businesses
support UPnP NAT traversal. If this is your situation, try
selecting UPnP first. If this selection does not work for
your router, select Auto or Manual.

NAT Public (WAN)
Address

Displays the address that callers from outside the LAN use
to call your system.

If you chose to configure the NAT manually, enter the NAT
Public WAN Address here. You can obtain this address by
looking at your router configuration or by asking your
network service provider.

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Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

Setting Description

NAT is H.323
Compatible

Address Displayed
in Global Directory

Specifies that the system is behind a NAT that is capable of
translating H.323 traffic.

Lets you choose whether to display this system’s public or
private address in the Global Directory.

Calling Through a Router, Using a DMZ

A Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a way to configure a network so that the
device that is in the DMZ (such as the V500) is served by the router, but is
outside the firewall. Depending on your router, configuring the V500 system
to be in the DMZ may affect its ability to communicate locally with other
devices on the internal LAN.

With a DMZ, no unauthorized external connections are allowed with the
devices inside the firewall, but the V500 is allowed free access to the Internet.
Therefore, this configuration leaves the V500 without protection from external
sources.

Visit the Polycom Security Center at www.polycom.com for timely security
information. Systems deployed outside a firewall are potentially vulnerable to
unauthorized access. You can also register to receive periodic email updates and
advisories.

There are two types of DMZs:

• Virtual DMZ — With a virtual DMZ, all ports through the router are
opened for the device in the DMZ (in this case, the V500). This has the
affect of placing the V500 on the outside of the router’s firewall. Keep in
mind, however, that the V500 may still be protected by some global
firewall securities, which may adversely affect video conferencing.

• Physical DMZ — With a physical DMZ, there is an actual, physical port on
your router, usually labeled DMZ, into which you plug your V500 LAN
cable. This port places the V500 physically outside of the firewall, which is
usually less restrictive, but is also less secure.

Typically, you should only use a DMZ when other configurations fail to allow
H.323 traffic to flow through unobstructed. If you do choose to place your
V500 in a DMZ, you must:

1. Make sure your router’s firewall software provides a DMZ.

2. Assign the internal IP address of the V500 to the DMZ.

For more information about how to perform these steps, refer to the
documentation that came with your router.

3 - 12

Configuring IP Network Support

After you have configured LAN properties and set up your IP network
connection, you need to configure IP network support if you plan on making
IP video calls.

Configuring H.323 Settings

Before you can make any IP video calls, you must check the Enable IP H.323
setting on the Call Preferences screen, as described on page 3-20. You can then
configure the H.323 settings by following the steps in this section.

H.323 settings enable you to set up H.323, as well as set up gatekeepers and
gateways:

• A gatekeeper supervises network traffic and manages functions such as
bandwidth control and admission control. The gatekeeper also handles
address translation, which allows you to make calls using static aliases
instead of IP addresses that can change each day.

• A gateway performs code and protocol conversion between IP networks
and ISDN, so that users on different networks can call one another. If the
system is configured to use a gateway, you must also configure it to use a
gatekeeper.

Configuring Network Use

To configure H.323 settings:

1. Go to System > Admin Settings > Network > IP > H.323 Settings.

2. Configure these settings:

Setting Description

Display H.323
Extension

H.323 Name Specifies the name that gatekeepers and gateways can use to

H.323 Extension
(E.164)

Lets you place gateway calls by entering the H.323 extension
separately from the gateway ID.

If you do not check this box, you can make gateway calls by
entering the call information in this format:

gateway ID + TCS4 delimiter + extension

To determine your TCS4 delimiter, ask your network provider.

identify this system. You can make point-to-point calls using
H.323 names if both systems are registered to a gatekeeper.

The H.323 Name is the same as the System Name, unless
you change it. Your dial plan may define the names you can
use.

You can place point-to-point calls using the extension if both
systems are registered with a gatekeeper.

You can change the default H.323 Extension. Your dial plan
may define the extensions you can use.

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Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

3. If you have a gatekeeper, select and configure these settings:

Setting Description

Use Gatekeeper Specifies whether to use a gatekeeper. Gateways and

H.323 Name The name that gatekeepers and gateways use to identify this

gatekeepers are required for calls between IP and ISDN.

• Off — Calls do not use a gatekeeper.

•Auto — System automatically finds an available

gatekeeper.

• Specify — Calls use the specified gatekeeper. Enter the

gatekeeper’s IP address or name (for example,
gatekeeper.companyname.usa.com, or 10.11.12.13).

• Specify with PIN — Calls use the specified E.164
address and require an Authentication PIN. This setting
is available only when the Avaya option key is installed.

system. You can make point-to-point calls using H.323
names if both systems are registered to a gatekeeper.

The H.323 Name is the same as the System Name, unless
you change it. Your dial plan may define the names you can
use.

H.323 Extension
(E.164)

Gatekeeper IP
Address

Authentication
PIN

Alternate
Gatekeeper

You can place point-to-point calls using the extension if both
systems are registered with a gatekeeper.

The default H.323 Extension is based on the system serial
number, but you can change it. Your dial plan may define the
extensions you can use.

If you chose to use an automatically selected gatekeeper,
this field displays the gatekeeper’s IP address.

If you chose to specify a gatekeeper, enter the IP address
here.

Specifies the password PIN to use for authentication with the
Avaya Communications Manager. This setting is available
when Use Gatekeeper is set to Specify with PIN.

If your H.323 network infrastructure has been configured to
use an alternate gatekeeper when the primary gatekeeper is
not available, the alternate gatekeeper is displayed in this
field.

Alternate gatekeeper support is configured on the primary
gatekeeper, and the V500 is notified of this configuration
when it registers to the gatekeeper on startup.

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Configuring Network Use

4. If you have a gateway, select and configure these settings:

Setting Description

Country Code Specifies the country code for the system’s location.

Area Code Specifies the area or city code for the system’s location.

Number Specifies the gateway’s number.

H.323 Extension
(E.164)

Gateway
Number Type

Number of
Digits in DID
Number

Number of
Digits in
Extension

Specifies the extension that identifies this system for incoming
gateway calls. You can place point-to-point calls using the
extension if both systems are registered with a gatekeeper.

The default H.323 Extension is based on the system serial
number, but you can change it. Your dial plan may define the
extensions you can use.

Specifies the number type users enter to call this system:

• Direct Inward Dial — Users enter an internal extension to

call this system directly.
Note: If you choose this setting, you must also register

the number with the gatekeeper as an E.164 alias.

• Number + Extension — Users enter the gateway number

and the system’s extension to call this system.

Specifies the number of digits in the DID number.

The national or regional dialing plan for your location
determines the standard number of digits. For instance, the
US standard is 7 digits.

This setting is only available when Gateway Number Type is
set to Direct Inward Dial.

Specifies the number of digits in the extension.

Your organization’s dial plan determines this number.
This setting is only available when Gateway Number Type is

set to Direct Inward Dial.

5. Select and enter a prefix or suffix for each bandwidth you want to

allow for gateway calls.

Associating prefixes and suffixes with particular bandwidths on your
gateway can optimize the use of bandwidth by your organization. Be sure
to configure the gateway to use the same prefixes and suffixes you define
for the system.

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Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

Configuring SIP Settings

The Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is a signaling protocol for Internet
conferencing.

Before you can make any SIP video calls, you must check the

Enable SIP

setting on the Call Preferences screen, as described on page 3-20. You can then
configure the SIP settings by following the steps in this section.

If you are unfamiliar with SIP, Polycom recommends that you do not change
the default settings.

To configure the SIP settings if your network supports SIP:

1. Go to System > Admin Settings > Network > IP > SIP Settings.

2. Configure these settings:

Setting Description

Transport
Protocol

User Name Specifies the system’s SIP name. If you leave this field blank, the

Indicates the protocol the system uses for SIP signaling.

The SIP network infrastructure in which your V500 system is
operating determines which protocol is required. For example, if
your V500 system is operating in a Microsoft Live
Communication Server (LCS) SIP network, choose TCP. If your
V500 system is operating in a Nortel Multimedia Communication
Server (MCS) SIP network, choose UDP.

system’s IP address is the SIP user name.

3 - 16

Password Specifies the password that authenticates the system to the

Registrar Server using Digest Authentication.

Registrar
Server

Proxy Server Specifies the DNS name or IP address of the SIP Proxy Server. If

Specifies the name or IP address of the SIP Registrar Server.

By default, the SIP signaling is sent to port 5060 on the registrar
server. To specify a different port, add it to the address as shown
here:

10.11.12.13:5070

you leave this field blank, no proxy server is used.

By default, the SIP signaling is sent to port 5060 on the proxy
server. To specify a different port, add it to the address as shown
here:

10.11.12.13:5070

Configuring Network Use

Points to note about SIP:

The SIP protocol has been widely adapted for voice over IP communications and
basic video conferencing; however, many of the advanced video conferencing
capabilities are not yet standardized. Many capabilities also depend on the SIP
server.

Examples of features that are not supported using SIP are:

• Polycom Video and Audio Error Concealment

• Encryption

• People and Content (H.239 and Polycom People+Content)

Configuring Quality of Service (QOS)

If your network is configured to recognize and prioritize network traffic using
QOS, you can configure the V500 system to mark IP packets with the values
recognized by your network. Keep in mind that enabling QOS on the V500 is
not enough; all devices in the network path must also be configured for QOS.

If you are unfamiliar with QOS, Polycom recommends that you do not change
the default settings.

To configure the Quality of Service (QOS) options:

1. Go to System > Admin Settings > Network > IP > Quality of Service.

2. Configure these settings:

Setting Description

Type of Service Specifies your service type and lets you choose how to set the

priority of IP packets sent to the system:

• IP Precedence — Represents the priority of IP packets

sent to the system. The value can be between 0 and 5. If
this setting is selected, enter the value in the Ty p e o f

Service Value field.

• DiffServ — Represents a priority level between 0 and 63. If

this setting is selected, enter the value in the Type of
Service Value field.

Type of Service
Value

Enable PVEC Allows the system to use PVEC (Polycom Video Error

Enable RSVP Allows the system to use Resource Reservation Setup Protocol

Specifies the IP Precedence or Diffserv value for Video, Audio,
and Far End Camera Control.

Concealment) if packet loss occurs.

(RSVP) to request that routers reserve bandwidth along an IP
connection path. Both the near site and far site must support
RSVP in order for reservation requests to be made to routers
on the connection path.

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Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

3. Select and configure these settings:

Setting Description

Dynamic
Bandwidth

Maximum
Transmit
Bandwidth

Maximum
Receive
Bandwidth

Specifies whether to let the system automatically find the
optimum line speed for a call.

Specifies the maximum transmit line speed between 48 Kbps and
768 Kbps.

Since DSL and cable modems typically allow for faster download
(receive) speeds compared to upload (transmit) speeds, this
setting enables you to regulate differences.

Specifies the maximum receive line speed between 48 Kbps and
768 Kbps.

Configuring Your ISDN Connection

If you have the ISDN option, you can connect your V500 through ISDN as well
as through one of the IP network connections described earlier in this chapter.

Preparing Your ISDN Network

Before you set up your connection using ISDN:

1. Refer to the Preparing Your Network for Collaboration document, available

at www.polycom.com/videodocumentation.

This document contains information you need to get your network ready,
such as worksheets that will help you order ISDN. Note that this
document may not pertain to all countries.

2. Obtain this information from your ISDN service provider:

— ISDN address

— SPIDs (in North America only)

— ISDN switch protocols

Configuring the ISDN Network Interface

To configure the ISDN network interface settings:

1. Go to System > Admin Settings > Network > ISDN.

2. Configure these settings:

3 - 18

Setting Description

Configuring Network Use

Enable ISDN
H.320

Number of ISDN
Channels to
Dial in Parallel

Outside Line
Dialing Prefix

ISDN Switch
Protocol

Numbering
Plan

ISDN Voice
Algorithm

Auto BRI
Configuration

Allows this system to make H.320 (ISDN) calls.

Specifies how many channels to dial at one time.

You can specify up to eight channels. If you experience
network problems, decrease the number.

Specifies the ISDN dialing prefix used to call outside the
network.

Specifies the protocol used by your network’s switch.

Specifies the numbering plan for your location. Select ISDN if
your numbering plan is ISDN; otherwise, select Unknown.

Specifies which voice algorithm (aLaw or uLaw) is used for
ISDN voice calls.

Do not change this setting unless you experience audio issues
in all ISDN voice calls.

Allows the NI-1 switch to automatically configure the directory
numbers and SPIDs.

This setting is only available if you have selected the NI-1
switch protocol.

3. Select and configure these settings:

Setting Description

Area Code Specifies the area code for this system’s location.

Directory
Numbers

Enable Specifies whether to enable the ISDN line.

Specifies the numbers assigned to the B1 and B2 channels for
the BRI line.

The two numbers for a line may be the same or different,
depending on the switch protocol in use.

If you selected Standard ETSI Euro-ISDN protocol, you must
enable the BRI line.

The ISDN BRI Numbers screen also displays the country selected as the
system’s location and the Country Code used for international calls to the
system. To specify the system’s location, go to System > Admin Settings
> General Settings > Location. The system automatically supplies the
country code when you specify the country.

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Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

4. If you have configured the ISDN switch protocol to be AT&T 5ESS

Multipoint, NI-1, or Nortel DMS-100, select and enter the ISDN BRI
SPIDs provided by your service provider.

After you enter the SPIDs, the system verifies them. If the system is unable
to verify the SPIDs, make sure the system is connected and that the ISDN
numbers you entered are correct.

If you do not have the SPIDs from your service provider, you can click
Start to Auto-Detect SPIDs.

Configuring Call Preferences

Call preferences help you manage the network bandwidth used for calls. For
example, you can specify the default and optional call settings for outgoing
calls, and limit the call speeds for incoming calls.

If you have just set up your network, use the screens described in this section
to specify your call settings. If your network has been set up for some time, but
you notice that your call quality is not optimal, you may want to change some
of these call preference settings to increase the quality of your calls.

To configure call preferences:

1. Go to System > Admin Settings > Network > Call Preference.

2. Configure these settings:

Setting Description

Enable H.239 Specifies standards-based People+Content data collaboration.

Note that some H.323 devices do not recognize this new
standard. You can try disabling this option if you suspect a
compatibility issue.

Enable IP H.323 Allows the system to make IP calls.

Enable SIP Allows the system to use SIP when connecting IP calls.

Enable ISDN
H.320

Enable Voice
Over ISDN

Allows the system to make ISDN calls.

This selection is only available when the system has ISDN
networking capability.

If you have the ISDN option, this allows the system to make
voice-only calls to phones connected to an ISDN network,
such as an organization’s PBX.

3 - 20

Configuring Network Use

3. If you have the ISDN option, select to go to the Network Dialing

screen and specify the dialing order preference between IP and ISDN.

Dialing Order specifies how the system places calls to directory entries
that have both IP and ISDN numbers. It also specifies how the system
places calls dialed manually when the call type selection on the home
screen is either unavailable or set to Auto. If a call attempt does not
connect, the system tries to place the call using the next call type in the
Dialing Order.

If the call type on the home screen is set to a specific call type, the system
does not attempt to place the call using a different call type, even if other
types are listed in the Dialing Order.

4. Select to go to the Preferred Speeds screens and configure these

settings:

Setting Description

Preferred Speed
for Placing Calls

Maximum Speed
for Receiving
Calls

One way to determine what your optimal call speeds should be is to select the
lowest call speed for each direction: upload and download. Try the call at that speed
and see how it looks. You can then keep increasing the call speeds and checking
the results until you find your optimal call speed for each direction.

Keep in mind, however, that optimal call speeds may vary at different times of day
depending on the traffic on the network. Also, if another system in the video call
cannot upload at the speed you specified, the call may suffer from poor video
quality or you may not be able to view video at all (black screen). Call speeds also
do not reflect additional IP overhead (such as timestamps) of approximately 20%.

Determines the speeds that will be used for calls from this
system in either of these cases:

• Call Quality is set to Auto on the home screen and

Directory screen

• The Call Quality setting is not available for users.

If the far-site system does not support the selected speed, the
system automatically negotiates a lower speed.

Note: Cable and DSL modems typically have bandwidth
restrictions for upload (transmit) and download (receive).
Therefore, if you’re making calls through a cable or DSL
modem, you need to find out what your upload and download
capabilities are in order to select the correct speed for your
system. If you don’t know, ask your ISP.

Allows you to restrict the bandwidth used when receiving
calls. For example, if you have a DSL connection that it is
limited to 384 Kbps upload and 1.5 MB download, you should
restrict your calls to 384 Kbps or less for better call results.

If the far site attempts to call the system at a higher speed
than selected here, the call is re-negotiated at the speed
specified in this field.

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Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

5. Select to go to the Call Speeds screen and specify the call speeds to

make available to users, if you are allowing them to choose speeds on a
call-by-call basis.

Configuring the Global Directory

If you use the Polycom Global Management System, you can configure your
system to use the Global Directory. The Global Directory provides a list of
other systems that are registered with the Global Directory Server and are
available for calls. The other systems appear in the Directory, allowing you to
place calls to other users by selecting their names.

Configuring the Directory Server Settings

To configure the Directory Server settings:

1. Go to System > Admin Settings > Global Services > Directory Servers.

2. Configure these settings:

Setting Description

Global Directory
(GDS)

Password Lets you enter the Global Directory password, if there is one.

Register Registers this system with the Global Directory Server.

Display Global
Addresses

Display Name in
Global Directory

Save Global
Directory to
System

Group Name Specifies the group name used for Global Directory entries in

Specifies the IP address or DNS address of the Global
Directory Server. You can enter up to five addresses.

Displays other registered systems in the Global Directory.

Specifies whether to display the system’s name in the Global
Directories of other registered systems.

Copies the Global Directory to this local system.

the local Directory.

3 - 22

Setting the Dialing Rules

If your system is connected to a private network and also to a public network,
you may need to specify the codes and prefixes necessary for dialing other
systems.

To set the dialing rules:

1. Go to System > Admin Settings > Global Services > Dialing Rules.

2. Configure these settings:

Setting Description

Configuring Network Use

Placing a Test Call

When you finish configuring the system, you can use one of the sample
numbers in the directory to test your setup.

To place a test call:

1. On the Place a Call screen, select Directory.

2. Select Group.

3. Select Sample Sites and highlight a location.

4. Press Call on the remote control.

You can also find a list of worldwide numbers that you can use to test your
V500 system at www.polycom.com/videotest.

If you have trouble making video calls:

Always Dial Area
Code

Dial 1+ for all USA
calls

Specifies that calls to sites in the same area code must
include the area code.

Specifies that calls to systems in the United States must
include a “1” before the area code.

• Make sure the number you dialed is correct, then try the call again. For

• To find out if the problem exists in your system, ask the person you were

example, you may need to dial 9 for an outside line or include a long
distance access code or country code.

trying to reach to call you instead.

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Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

• Find out if the system you are calling has its power turned on and is
functioning properly.

• If you can make calls but not receive them, make sure that your system is
configured with the correct number.

Checking System Status

The System Status screen provides detailed information about system settings,
IP and ISDN connections, time server connections, and other information that
is important to the functioning of the system. For an explanation of any of the
status items, select the item and press on the remote.

When there is a change in system status that is a potential problem, you see an
alert at the bottom of the Place a Call screen.

To view System Status information:

¾ Go to System > Diagnostics > System Status.

To get information about a status message:

¾ Select the status message and press or on the remote control.

Keeping your Software Current

If you have Internet access and a software key, you can use the web-based
Softupdate application to upgrade the V500 software. If you do not have
Internet access, your reseller can supply you with the V500 software update on
CD-ROM.

Do not power off the system during the software upgrade process. If the upgrade is
interrupted, the system may become unusable.

3 - 24

Configuring Network Use

To update your software via the Internet:

1. Using a web browser, go to www.polycom.com/videosoftware and log

in to the Polycom Resource Center.

You will need to set up a PRC account, if you don’t already have one.

2. Navigate to your product page.

Refer to the Release Notes for information about the latest software version.
Refer to Updating Polycom Video Software for detailed information about
obtaining software key codes and using the SoftUpdate program.

3. Download the V500 system software update file in .zip format.

4. Double-click the software.zip file to extract the file.

5. Double-click Softupdate.exe to run the update program.

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Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

3 - 26

Customizing the V500 System

Everybody who uses the Polycom V500 system has different needs. That’s
why your system has a customizable user interface. You can design the video
conferencing experience to meet your needs and the needs of any other users
who use the system.

You can customize the look and behavior of the system, and then build in the
required access levels for the different users, depending on how much or how
little you want them to change system behaviors.

When you set up the system for the first time, the system is configured with
the most commonly used settings. If you need to change any of these initial
settings, you can adjust the screen settings as described in this chapter.

4

If you established an administrator’s password during the initial
configuration, you must enter it each time you access advanced settings.

Designing Video Behaviors

You can configure the following video behaviors to accommodate your
environment:

• Camera Settings

• Monitor

• People+Content IP

4 - 1

Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

Configuring Camera Settings

The Camera screen lets you specify camera settings.

To configure camera settings:

1. Go to System > Admin Settings > Camera.

2. Configure these settings:

Setting Description

Backlight
Compensation

Camera
Brightness

Power
Frequency

Configuring the Monitor

The V500 system allows you to customize the display to suit your room and
equipment configuration.

Specifies whether to have the camera automatically adjust
for a light background. Backlight compensation is best used
in situations where the subject appears darker than the
background.

Specifies how much light is let into the camera’s iris. A low
number allows in less light; a high number allows in more
light.

Synchronizes the screen display with the local electrical
power frequency in order to eliminate video flicker. Typically,
the default setting is correct for your system and location.
However, if your system experiences video flicker, you may
want to change the setting:

• 60 Hz — Select this if the power frequency in your

location is 60 Hz and you have a PAL system.

• 50 Hz — Select this if the power frequency in your

location is 50 Hz and you have an NTSC system.

To configure the monitor:

1. Go to System > Admin Settings > Monitor.

4 - 2

2. Configure these settings:

Setting Description

Monitor Specifies the monitor’s aspect ratio:

•4:3 — Select if you are using a regular TV monitor.

•16:9 — Select if you are using a wide-screen monitor.
Note: If you select 16:9, you will also need to set up the monitor

for full-screen display. In the monitor’s setup menu, choose the
setting that stretches the picture uniformly without clipping the
edges, which is usually called Full, Widescreen, or 16x9.

Use this setting: Not this setting:

PIP Specifies PIP (Picture-in-Picture) behavior:

•On — The PIP window stays on for the duration of the call.

• Off — The PIP window is not displayed during the call.

•Auto — The PIP window is displayed when a user picks up

the remote.

Note: PIP settings are also available in the User Settings screen.

Users can turn the PIP on or off and change its location on the
screen using the PIP button on the remote control.

Customizing the V500 System

Display Icons
in a Call

Snapshot
Timeout

Dual Monitor
Emulation

Specifies whether to display all on-screen graphics, including
icons and help text, during calls.

Lets you choose whether to have snapshots time out after a
period of four minutes.

If you want to return to live video before four minutes have
elapsed, press the Near button on the remote control twice.

Specifies whether the system can show multiple views on a single
display. If content is being viewed, different views can be
displayed by pressing the PIP button on the remote control.

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Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

Using Dual Monitor Emulation

Dual Monitor Emulation is designed for rooms or offices with one monitor only. Users see
both near and far sites on one monitor in two different views. During presentations, users
see content and the near and far sites. What you see during a call can depend on factors
such as the number of sites in the call, and whether content is being shared.

Setting Up

Using the monitor controls, select the full-screen setting that stretches the picture
uniformly, without clipping. On the V500 system Monitor screen:

1. If you are using a wide-screen monitor, set Monitor to 16:9.
Otherwise, set Monitor to 4:3.

2. Select Dual Monitor Emulation.

Using in a Call

The following are examples of Dual
Monitor Emulation.

Near and far site are the same size and

Far site Near site

Call connects

appear side by side.

4 - 4

Near site presses PIP

Size of far site window increases.

Near site presents to far site

Content, near site, and far site are displayed

with Dual Monitor Emulation.

Customizing the V500 System

Adjusting the Monitor’s Color Balance

In most cases, the monitor you connect to your system provides natural color
without any adjustment. Depending on your environment as well as the
model of monitor, however, the video may exhibit one of these problems:

• Picture is too dark

• Colors appear faded

• Picture has too much of one color — for example, the picture may appear

greenish

If you notice any of these, the monitor needs to be adjusted.

To adjust the monitor for natural color:

1. Go to System > Diagnostics > Video.

2. Select the color bars icon to display the color bar test screen.

3. Adjust the color using the monitor’s controls for color, contrast, and

brightness. Your monitor may also have controls for tint and
temperature.

4. When the colors look right on the test screen, press Near on the

remote control to stop the color bars test and show video of the room.

5. If the color appears natural, you do not need to make further

adjustments.

If the color still needs adjustment, use the monitor’s controls to make small
adjustments until the picture appears natural.

Displaying Content with People+Content IP

People+Content IP is an optional software application available for the
V500 system. It enables a presenter to show content from a computer to other
sites in a video conference using only an IP network connection.

The presenter can show PowerPoint® slides, video clips, spreadsheets, or any
other type of content that runs from a computer. Supported resolutions
include 640x480, 800x600, 1024x768, and 1280x1024.

Before a presenter can use a computer to show content with
People+Content IP, you need to:

• Enable People+Content IP on the V500 system.

When you purchase this option, you receive a software activation key.
This key allows you to enable People+Content IP on a V500 system.

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Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

• Install the People+Content IP software application on the computer(s) that

• Connect the computer(s) to the IP network.

For information about purchasing the People+Content IP option, please
contact your Polycom distributor.

the presenter will use to show content.

You don’t need to change the computer resolutions and you don’t need
special cables or hardware, but the computer(s) must meet these
requirements:

— Operating System: Windows 2000, Windows XP Home, or Windows

XP Professional

— Minimum computer: 500 MHz Pentium® III (or equivalent); 256 MB

memory
Recommended computer: 1 GHz Pentium III (or equivalent); 512 MB
memory

Note that, although you can use the license key on only one V500 system,
you can install the software application on an unlimited number of
computers.

To enable People+Content IP on a V500 system:

1. On a computer, open a web browser and go to the Polycom Resource

Center Video Downloads page at http://extranet.polycom.com.

2. Enter the license number you received when you purchased the

People+Content IP option.

3. Enter the serial number of the V500 system onto which you want to

install People+Content IP.

You will then receive a People+Content IP software activation key.

4. Go to System > Admin Settings > General Settings > Options on the

V500 system.

5. Enter the People+Content IP software activation key.

To install People+Content IP on a computer:

1. On the computer, open a web browser and go to the Polycom Resource

Center Video Downloads page at http://extranet.polycom.com.

2. Locate the People+Content IP application and click the link to download

the file locally.

3. Double-click setup.exe.

4 - 6

4. Follow the steps in the Setup Wizard to finish installing the application

on the computer.

Anyone using that computer can then double-click on the
People+Content IP icon to present content during video conferences using
the V500 system.

You can make the application available to all users in your organization by
downloading the setup.exe file to a local location that everyone can access.

Designing Audio Behaviors

This section describes how to configure the audio behaviors of the
V500 system.

To configure general audio settings:

1. Go to System > Admin Settings > Audio.

2. Configure these settings:

Customizing the V500 System

Setting Description

Master Audio
Volume

Sound Effects
Volume

Incoming Video
Call

User Alert Tones Specifies the tone used for user alerts.

Bass Sets the volume level for the lower frequencies without

Treble Sets the volume level for the higher frequencies without

Mute Auto-Answer
Calls

Enable Internal
Ringer

Sets the volume level for audio from the far site.

Sets the volume level of the ring tone and user alert tones.

Specifies the ring tone used for incoming calls.

changing the master audio volume.

changing the master audio volume.

Specifies whether to mute incoming calls.

Incoming calls are muted by default until you press the
Mute button on the remote control.

Specifies an additional ring tone when receiving an
incoming call. The internal ringer is built into the system and
alerts you to incoming calls.

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Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

Designing the User Experience

You can configure the following general system behaviors to accommodate
the needs of your organization:

• User Access to Settings and Features

• Passwords and Security Options

• AES Encryption

• Call Settings

• Call Answer Mode

• Directory Settings

• Date, Time, and System Location

• Workspace Appearance

• Remote Control Behavior

Managing User Access to Settings and Features

You can manage access to various settings and features by using passwords
and by configuring the system to show only those options you want other
users to see.

To maintain this
security level:

High

(Kiosk mode)

Medium Place calls using the restrictions you specify for length of

Low Configure user settings.

Very low Configure all system settings.

Setting the Admin Password

Set an administrator’s password to restrict who can:

• Make changes other than those in the User Settings screen

• Upgrade the V500 system software

• Perform remote management using the V500 web interface

You can allow users to:

Call only the numbers you specify on the home screen.

See Using the System for Specialized Applications on page

4-11 and Designing the Home Screen on page 4-17.

call, type of call, and use of the directory.

See Limiting What Users Can Do With the System on page

4-10.

See Letting Users Customize the Workspace on page 4-10.

4 - 8

Customizing the V500 System

To set or change the Admin Password:

1. Go to System > Admin Settings > General Settings > Security.

2. Enter or change the password.

The default administrator password is the 14-digit system serial number.

To reset a forgotten Admin Password:

1. Get the system’s serial number from the system or from the System

Information screen.

2. Go to System >Diagnostics > Reset System.

3. Enter the system’s serial number and select Delete System Settings.

4. Select Reset System.

When the system completes the reset, it leads you through the setup wizard.
You can enter a new Admin Password when you set up the system.

Screens that Require the Admin Password for Access

Only screens within Admin Settings require the administrator’s password.

Admin Settings Diagnostics System Information User Settings

General Access

General Settings Network LAN PropertiesAudioCamera Monitor Global Services

System Settings

Home Screen Settings

Security

Location

Options

IP

ISDN*

Call Preference

Recent Calls

H.323 Settings

SIP Settings

Quality of Service

Firewall

Password Protected

Utilities

Directory Servers

Dialing Rules

SNMP

Management Servers

Account Validation

My Information

* May not be present for all system types

4 - 9

Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

Letting Users Customize the Workspace

You can allow other users of the V500 system to change common user
preferences by providing access to the User Settings screen.

To allow users to customize the workspace:

1. Go to System > Admin Settings > General Settings > Security.

2. Check the Allow Access to User Settings option to make the User

User Settings contains the following options, which are also available to
administrators on the Admin Settings screens:

• Backlight Compensation

• Camera Brightness

• Meeting Password

• Auto-Answer Point to Point

• Mute Auto-Answer Calls

Settings button available to users on the System screen.

• PIP

• Keypad Audio Confirmation

• Color Scheme

• Far Site Name Display Time

• Dual Monitor Emulation

• Allow Video Display on Web

Limiting What Users Can Do With the System

You can limit what you allow other users to do with the system by configuring
the following:

• Maximum Time in Call — If you want to specify the maximum time a call
can last, go to System > Admin Settings > General Settings > System

Settings > Call Settings and enter the maximum call length allowed.

• Allow Directory Changes — If you do not want anyone to save changes
to the local directory of the system, go to System > Admin Settings >
General Settings > System Settings > Directory and clear this option.

4 - 10

Using the System for Specialized Applications

You can customize the system to show only a specific set of numbers to call.
This mode, also known as “kiosk mode,” can be used for specialized
applications, such as customer query stations or systems used for calling the
same numbers on a regular basis. Kiosk mode requires little or no training and
instructions can be incorporated into the screen design.

See Designing the Home Screen on page 4-17 for more details about the kiosk
mode and its applications.

Setting Passwords and Security Options

You can enter or change the administrator and meeting passwords as well as
specify whether to allow remote access to the system.

To set passwords and security options:

1. Go to System > Admin Settings > General Settings > Security.

2. Configure these settings:

Customizing the V500 System

Setting Description

Admin Password Enter or change the Admin Password.

When the Admin Password is set, you must enter this
password to:

• Make configuration changes not in the User Settings

screen.

• Update the software.

• Manage the system using the V500 web interface.

Meeting Password Enter or change the meeting password, if any.

Allow Access to
User Settings

AES Encryption Specifies whether to encrypt calls with other sites that

Specifies whether the User Settings screen is accessible to
users via the System screen.

Check this option if you want to allow users to change
limited environmental settings.

support AES encryption. If the far site does not have AES
encryption enabled, the call connects without encryption.

4 - 11

Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

3. Select and configure these settings:

Setting Description

Enable Remote
Access

Web Access Port Specifies the port to use when accessing the system using

Allow Video
Display on Web

Specifies whether to allow remote access to the system by:

• FTP

• Web

• Telnet

• SNMP

You may select any of these, or any combination of them.
Note: The system restarts if you change the remote access

settings. This setting does not deactivate the associated
port, only the application. Use Web Access Port to disable
the port.

the V500 web interface.

If you change this from the default (port 80), specify a port
number of 1025 or higher, and make sure the port is not
already in use. You will need to include the port number with
the IP address when you use V500 web interface to access
the system. This makes unauthorized access more difficult.

Note: The system restarts if you change the web access
port.

Specifies whether to allow viewing of the room where the
system is located, or video of calls in which the system
participates, using the V500 web interface.

Note: This feature activates both near site and far site video
displays in Web Director.

Enabling AES Encryption

AES encryption is a standard feature on every V500 system. When it is
enabled, the system automatically encrypts calls to other systems that have
AES enabled.

To enable AES encryption:

¾ Go to System > Admin Settings > General Settings > Security and select

4 - 12

AES Encryption.

Configuring Call Settings

The Call Settings screens provide access to high-level options for the entire
system. For convenience, some of the User Settings options are repeated on
these screens.

To configure call settings:

1. Go to System > Admin Settings > General Settings > System Settings >

2. Configure these settings:

Setting Description

Customizing the V500 System

Call Settings.

Maximum Time in
Call

Auto-Answer
Point to Point

Display Time in
Call

Call Detail Report Specifies whether to generate a report of all calls made with

Recent Calls Specifies whether to display the Recent Calls button on the

Enter the maximum number of minutes allowed for call
length.

When that time has expired, you see a message asking you
if you want to hang up or stay in the call. If you do not answer
within one minute, the call automatically disconnects. If you
choose to stay in the call at this time, you will not be
prompted again.

Choosing 0 removes any limit.

Specifies whether to answer incoming point-to-point calls
automatically.

Specifies whether to display the elapsed time or the local
time during a call. You can also choose not to display the
time.

the system. When selected, details for all calls can be
viewed via the V500 web interface and downloaded as a
.csv file.

home screen. The Recent Calls screen lists the site number
or name, the date and time, and whether the call was
incoming or outgoing.

Note: If the Call Detail Report option is not selected, the
Recent Calls option is not available.

Far Site Name
Display Time

Turns the far site name display on or off, or specifies the
time period the far-site name appears on screen when calls
first connect.

4 - 13

Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

Setting the Call Answering Mode

You can choose to answer calls automatically or manually, or you can set the
system to automatically refuse any incoming calls.

To set the call answering mode:

1. Go to System > Admin Settings > General Settings > System Settings >

Call Settings.

2. Select Auto-Answer Point to Point.

3. Select one of the following:

—Yes – Answers calls automatically.

—No – Enables you to answer calls manually.

— Do Not Disturb – Refuses incoming calls automatically. The caller

receives a message that the site is unavailable.

Automatically answering calls is convenient, but keep in mind that an
unexpected caller could interrupt you or see and hear you without your
knowledge. If you still want to automatically answer calls but you want to
prevent incoming callers from seeing and hearing you, you can mute all
automatically answered calls and make sure your lens cover is closed.

Configuring Directory Settings

You can customize the behavior of the Directory on the Directory screen.

To configure system settings:

1. Go to System > Admin Settings > General Settings > System Settings >

Directory.

4 - 14

Customizing the V500 System

2. Configure these settings:

Setting Description

System Name Enter or change the system name in this field. This name

appears on the screen for the far site when you are making
calls.

Localized System
Name

Allow Directory
Changes

Confirm Directory
Additions

Confirm Directory
Deletions

Setting Date, Time, and Location

You can update the system with regional settings, including the
location-specific language and calling parameters.

Displays the localized system name, if you have entered
one. You can enter a Localized System Name for
Simplified Chinese on this screen using the Chinese Virtual
Keyboard. You must use the V500 web interface to enter
localized system names for other languages.

The localized system name is sent to the far site and
displayed as the caller ID by V500 systems using version

8.0 or later, when the user interface is set to that language.
However, the English/Pinyin name is the name used by the
Global Directory Server and the gatekeeper, and it is also
the name that shows up in the Recent Calls list.

Specifies whether users can save changes they make to the
directory.

Specifies whether users are prompted to confirm new
directory entries when saving the information for the last site
called.

Specifies whether users are prompted to confirm deletions
of directory entries.

To set the date, time, and location:

1. Go to System > Admin Settings > General Settings > Location.

2. Configure these settings:

Setting Description

Country Specifies the country where the system is located.

Language Sets the language for the user interface.

Country Code Specifies the country code for the system location.

Changing the country automatically adjusts the country code
associated with your system number.

4 - 15

Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

Setting Description

Area Code
Required

ISDN International
Access

Room Telephone
Number

Specifies if an area code is required to place ISDN calls in
the specified country.

Specifies the international code required for placing ISDN
calls from the system location to another country.

Indicates the telephone number of the room where the
system is located.

3. Select and configure these settings:

Setting Description

Date Format and
Time Format

Daylight Saving
Time

Time Difference
from GMT

Display Time in
Call

Specifies your format preference for the date and time display
and lets you enter your local date and time.

Specifies daylight savings time. When you enable this option,
the system clock moves ahead one hour. When you disable
this option, the system clock moves back one hour.

Specifies the time difference between GMT (Greenwich
Mean Time) and your location.

Specifies the time display in a call:

• Elapsed Time – Displays the amount of time in the call.

•Local Time – Displays the local time on the screen during

a call.

•Off – Time is not displayed.

Time Server Specifies connection to a time server for automatic system

time settings.

Customizing the Workspace Appearance

You can customize the V500 system workspace appearance to suit your
environment functionally and aesthetically. For example, by customizing the
home screen into kiosk mode, anyone who uses the system only has to select a
site and press the Call button on the remote control to place a call.

4 - 16

Customizing the V500 System

Designing the Home Screen

Customize the system functionality according to your users’ needs, skill levels, and environments.

Infrequent Users (Kiosk Mode)

Provide a simple workspace so no training is
needed:

• Let users make calls to pre-defined

numbers with one button click.

• Include instructions on screen.

New Users

Provide more options but keep it simple:

• Dialing entry field

• Directory numbers

• Recent Calls

Advanced Users

Provide additional options for advanced video
conferencing users:

• Call Quality (bandwidth and call type)

• User Settings, Diagnostics, and System

Information

• Speed Dial list of frequently called sites

• Alerts

Include a short

list of specific
items for users
to select

Use the marquee

to add instructions

Add features
for users
as needed

Add more
features as
users gain
experience

4 - 17

Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

To design the home screen:

1. Go to System > Admin Settings > General Settings > Home Screen

2. Configure these settings:

Setting Description

Dialing Display Specifies which dialing option to display:

Call Quality Allows users to select the bandwidth for calls, as well as the

Settings.

• Dialing entry field — Allows users to enter numbers

manually.

• Display marquee — Displays text in the dialing entry field.

Can be used to display user instructions. Users cannot
enter numbers manually when this option is selected.

•None — Removes the dialing entry field from the screen.

call type if more than one type is available in the system’s
dialing order.

H.323 Extension
(E.164)

Directory Allows users to access the directory.

System Allows users to access the System screen, which includes

Allows users to enter extensions on the home screen.

User Settings, Diagnostics, and System Information. If you
remove the System button, you can still access the System
screen by navigating to the home screen, pressing on the
remote, and selecting System.

3. Select and configure these settings:

Setting Description

System Name Specifies whether to display the name of the system on the

home screen above the PIP window.

IP or ISDN
Information

My Information Specifies whether to display the system’s IP address on the

Local Date and
Time

Specifies whether to display the system’s IP address, ISDN
number, or both on the home screen.

home screen.

Specifies whether to display the local date and time on the
home screen.

4 - 18

Setting Description

Customizing the V500 System

Do Not Disturb
Icon

Call Detail
Report

Recent Calls Allows users to access a list of recent calls made with the

Allows users to set the system to automatically accept or ignore
incoming calls using the Do Not Disturb button on the home
screen.

Specifies whether to generate a report of all calls made with the
system. When selected, all calls can be viewed through and the
V500 web interface and downloaded as a .csv file.

system by displaying the Recent Calls button on the home
screen.

If the Call Detail Report option is not selected, the Recent Calls
option is not available.

4. Select and configure these settings:

Setting Description

Sites Allows users to access any pre-defined sites from a My

Contacts/Speed Dial list on the home screen.

Last Number
Dialed

Specifies whether to display the last number dialed or clear the
dialing field on the home screen.

Adding Sites to the Home Screen

Creating Site buttons on the home screen makes it easy for you to place calls
to sites that you call on a regular basis.

Sites can appear as individual buttons or as part of a list called Speed Dial or
My Contacts.

You must enter the site information in the directory before creating specific
Site buttons for the home screen.

To add sites on the home screen:

1. Go to System > Admin Settings > General Settings > Home Screen

Settings.

2. Select three times to access the Sites screen.

3. Select Add and choose the sites to add from the directory.

4. Select either Speed Dial or Contacts as the name you want to appear on

the button.

4 - 19

Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

Adding Marquee Text

You can create marquee text to display in the dialing entry field on the home
screen. You can create context-specific instructions or, if the home screen has
Site buttons, the marquee text can provide information that helps other users
choose which site to call.

To enter marquee text using the V500 system interface:

1. Go to System > Admin Settings > General Settings > Home Screen

2. In Dialing Display, select Display Marquee and enter the text.

You can also add marquee text through the V500 web interface. For Russian,
Korean, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese, you must use
the V500 web interface to add marquee text.

To enter marquee text using the V500 web interface:

1. On a PC, open a web browser.

2. In the browser address line, enter the system’s IP address, for example,

Settings.

http://10.11.12.13, to go to the V500 web interface.

3. Enter the user name and administrator’s password, if a password has
been established.

4. Click System Setup > Admin Settings > General Settings > Home
Screen Settings and enter.

— Dialing Display— Set to Display marquee.

— Enter Marquee Text — Type the text to display on the home screen.

5. Click Update.

Adding Screen Saver Text

You can customize the V500 system to display text when the system is in sleep
mode. For instance, you can display on-screen instructions.

To enter screen saver text:

1. On a PC, open a web browser.

2. In the browser address line, enter the system’s IP address (for example,

http://10.11.12.13) to go to the V500 web interface.

3. Enter your user name and the password, if a password has been
established.

4 - 20

Customizing the V500 System

4. Click System Setup > Utilities > Screen Saver and enter:

— Screen Saver Text — Appears as scrolling text when the system is in

sleep mode. You can use this scrolling text to provide instructions or
next steps for users of the system.

— Logo Screen Text — Appears underneath the logo before the system

goes into sleep mode.

5. Click Update.

Adding a Screen Saver Logo

You can customize the V500 system to display your own logo instead of the
Polycom logo.

To upload a screen saver logo:

1. On a PC, open a web browser.

2. In the browser address line, enter the system’s IP address, for example,

http://10.11.12.13, to go to the V500 web interface.

3. Enter the user name and administrator’s password, if a password has
been established.

4. Click System Setup > Utilities > Screen Saver, click Next, and follow the
onscreen instructions for uploading a logo file.

Adding a Screen Saver News Feed

You can customize the V500 system to display a news feed when the system is
in sleep mode.

To configure a screen saver news feed:

1. On a PC, open a web browser.

2. In the browser address line, enter the system’s IP address, for example,

http://10.11.12.13, to go to the V500 web interface.

3. Enter the user name and administrator’s password, if a password has
been established.

4. Click System Setup > Utilities > Screen Saver, and click News Feed.

5. Select a stream content, click Submit, and close the stream content

window.

6. Click Update.

4 - 21

Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

Changing System Appearance

Different user interface color schemes are available, allowing you to
coordinate the system interface with the room décor.

To change the system appearance:

1. Go to System > Admin Settings > General Settings > System Settings >

2. Configure these settings:

Setting Description

Color Scheme Customizes the look of your system with different color

Appearance.

schemes.

Screen Saver
Wait Time

Specifies how long the system remains awake during periods of
inactivity. The default is 3 minutes. Setting this option to Off
prevents the system from going to sleep.

You can allow users to change color schemes by allowing user access to the
User Settings screen.

Setting Ring Tones and Alert Tones

To set ring tones and alert tones:

1. Go to System > Admin Settings > Audio.

2. Select a tone, as desired.

To set the V500 system internal ringer:

1. Go to System > Admin Settings > Audio.

2. Select Enable Internal Ringer to specify an additional ring tone when

receiving an incoming call. The ringer is built into the system and will
alert you to incoming calls.

4 - 22

Configuring Remote Control Behavior

You can customize the behavior of the remote control to support your
environment.

To co nf ig ure re mo te control behavior:

1. Go to System > Admin Settings > General Settings > System Settings >

Remote Control.

2. Configure these settings:

Setting Description

Customizing the V500 System

Keypad Audio
Confirmation

Remote Control
Keypad

Chinese Virtual
Keyboard

Specifies whether to play a voice confirmation of numbers
selected with the remote control.

Specifies whether the camera creates DTMF tones when
the remote control keypad buttons are pressed.

Specifies the type of onscreen keyboard to display for
Chinese.

• Computer—Sets the Chinese Virtual Keyboard to an

•Cell—Sets the Chinese Virtual Keyboard to a cell phone

Configuring Closed Captioning

You can provide real-time text transcriptions or language translations of the
video conference by displaying closed captions on your system. When you
provide captions for a conference, the captioner uses a web browser to listen
to the conference audio and enter the caption text in the system’s web
interface. When the captioner sends a unit of text, all sites see it on the main
monitor for 15 seconds. The text then disappears automatically.

English computer keyboard without number keys.

keypad.

4 - 23

Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

Audio Options for Closed Captioners

When you provide captions for a conference, the captioner may be present, or
may use a telephone or web browser to listen to the conference audio.

The captioner must receive all audio from the conference using one of these
methods:

• Attending one of the conferences sites

• Listening to the conference via the V500 web interface

• Listening to the conference via a speakerphone in the room at one of the

sites

Providing Closed Captions for Conferences

Captions can be provided in any language that uses the Latin alphabet.

The captioner can enter caption text in one of these ways:

• In the room or remotely, using the V500 web interface

• In the room or remotely, using a Telnet session

Providing Captions Via the V500 Web Interface

Closed captioners can provide captions from inside the conference room, or
from a remote location, by entering the captions directly into the V500 web
interface, as shown in the following diagram.

V500 web interface

LAN

V500 System

LAN
port

To supply closed captions for a conference using the V500 web interface:

1. On a PC, open a web browser.

2. In the browser address line, enter the IP address of the system (for

example,

http://10.11.12.13) to go to the V500 web interface.

3. Go to System Setup > Utilities > Closed Caption.

4. Enter your user name and the password, if a password has been

established.

4 - 24

Customizing the V500 System

5. In the Closed Caption screen, type the caption text into the text field. Text
wraps to the next line after 59 characters.

6. Press Enter to send the text to the sites in the conference.

Providing Captions Via a Telnet Session

Closed captioners can provide captions from inside the conference room, or
from a remote location, by entering captions via a Telnet session, as shown in
the following diagram.

Telnet session

To supply closed captions for a conference using a Telnet session:

1. On a PC, open a command line interface.

2. Start a Telnet session using the V500 system IP address and port 24 (for

example,

telnet 10.11.12.13).

3. Enter the command

4. Press Enter to send the text.

5. To stop sending closed captions, press Ctrl-Z.

Getting Started with Calling

The system is installed and you’ve finished the network configuration and
designed the behaviors. Now it’s time for you to start placing calls. You may
want to spend time becoming familiar with basic calling tasks.

LAN

cc to start captioning.

V500 System

LAN
port

The following resources are available:

• Getting Started Guide for the V500 System— This guide is for all users, from

beginners to the more experienced. It covers meeting basics, different
ways to place calls, how to use the remote control, and how to deliver
presentations.

It is included on the V500 system documentation CD and is also available
on the web. Print out copies to hand out in training classes, post it on your
Intranet, or email it to everyone in your organization who meets via video.

4 - 25

Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

• Screen Help — The home and Directory screens have context-specific

• www.polycom.com/videodocumentation — Refer to the video

help. Users can press Help on the remote control to access help topics.

documentation page on the Polycom website for the latest documents
supporting these products.

4 - 26

Managing the System Remotely

You can configure, manage, and monitor the system from a remote computer
using the system’s web interface, the V500 web interface. You can also use the
Polycom Global Management System, or SNMP.

Your choice of management tool depends on your network environment:

• V500 web interface requires only a web browser to control the system.

• Polycom Global Management System requires the Global Management

System application to be installed on your network.

• SNMP requires network management software on your network
management station.

5

Using the V500 Web Interface

You can use the V500 web interface to perform most of the calling and
configuration tasks you can perform on the local system.

Accessing the V500 Web Interface

To configure your browser to use the V500 web interface:

1. Be sure that you use Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or later as your web

browser.

2. Configure these settings:

— Allow cookies: Enabled

— Force pages to reload on every visit to a page: Enabled

5 - 1

Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

To access the system using the V500 web interface:

1. On a computer, open a web browser.

2. In the browser address line, enter the system’s IP address (for example,

http://10.11.12.13) to go to the V500 web interface.

3. Enter admin as the user name, and the admin password, if a password
has been established.

You can use the V500 web interface to configure all of the system settings
except the remote management settings. For security reasons, these settings
must be configured on the local system by an administrator.

Monitoring a Room or Call with the V500 Web Interface

The Web Director feature within the V500 web interface allows administrators
of the V500 system to monitor a call or the room where the system is installed.
For security reasons, this feature can only be enabled on the local system by an
administrator.

To enable room and call monitoring:

1. Go to System > Admin Settings > General Settings > Security.

2. Select and enable Allow Video Display on Web to allow the room

or call to be viewed remotely.

To view a room or call:

1. On a computer, open a web browser.

2. In the browser address line, enter the system’s IP address (for example,

http://10.11.12.13) to go to the V500 web interface.

3. Go to System Setup > Utilities > Web Director.

4. Perform any of the following tasks:

— Place or end a call

— View near and far sites

— Change PIP properties

— Adjust system volume settings

— Mute and unmute the microphone

You can view near and far sites without opening Web Director by clicking on
System Setup and then clicking on the monitor icon in the top right corner of
the browser window.

5 - 2

Managing the System Remotely

Creating a Localized System Name with the V500 Web Interface

Localized system names are sent to the far site and displayed as the caller ID
by V500 systems using version 8.0 or later. When you enter a localized system
name, it is also entered in English/Pinyin. The English/Pinyin name is the
name used by the Global Directory Server, the gatekeeper, and other systems
that do not support this feature, and it is also the name that shows up in the
Recent Calls list.

To create a localized system name using the V500 web interface:

1. On a computer, open a web browser.

2. In the browser address line, enter the system’s IP address (for example,

http://10.11.12.13) to go to the V500 web interface.

3. Go to System Setup > Admin Settings > General Settings > System
Settings.

4. Enter the localized system name in the appropriate language field.

Implementing Basic Mode with the V500 Web Interface

Basic Mode is a limited operating mode that uses H.261 for video and G.711
for audio. It provides administrators with a workaround for interoperability
issues that cannot be solved using other methods. The Basic Mode setting stays
in effect until you change it.

To enable Basic Mode using the V500 web interface:

1. On a computer, open a web browser.

2. In the browser address line, enter the system’s IP address (for example,

http://10.11.12.13) to go to the V500 web interface.

3. Go to System Setup > Admin Settings > Network > Call Preference >
Call Preference.

4. Select Enable Basic Mode.

5 - 3

Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

Managing System Profiles with the V500 Web Interface

The customization options for V500 systems have been extended with the
ability to store your system settings as separate profiles. Profiles can be stored
on your computer as a .csv file using the V500 web interface. There is no limit
to the number of profiles you can save.

This is particularly useful if you are managing systems that support multiple
applications. Changing the interface and behaviors of the V500 system can be
done quickly and easily.

The following settings are included in a profile:

— Home screen settings

— User access levels

— Icon selections

— Option keys

— System behaviors

Passwords are not included when you store a profile.

Attempting to edit a stored profile or upload it to a different system can result in
unexpected problems. Polycom recommends using profiles as a way to back up
system settings.

To store a profile:

1. On a computer, open a web browser.

2. In the browser address line, enter the system’s IP address (for example,

http://10.11.12.13) to go to the V500 web interface.

3. Go to System Setup > Utilities > Profile Center.

4. Click V500 -> PC to download the .csv file from the V500 system.

5. Save the file to a location on your computer.

To upload a profile:

1. Reset the V500 system to restore default settings.

2. On a computer, open a web browser.

3. In the browser address line, enter the system’s IP address (for example,

http://10.11.12.13) to go to the V500 web interface.

4. Go to System Setup > Utilities > Profile Center.

5. Click Browse and browse to the location of the .csv file on your computer.

6. Click PC -> V500 to upload the .csv file to your system.

5 - 4

Managing Directories with the V500 Web Interface

The V500 web interface import/export directory feature allows you to
efficiently maintain consistency of V500 system directories. It is particularly
useful if you are managing multiple systems that call the same locations. You
can:

• Transfer existing directory entries between V500 systems

• Develop directory entries on one system, save them to your computer, and

then distribute them to other systems

• Create localized directory entries

Only local directories can be downloaded. The directory file is in .csv format.

To download a V500 system directory to your computer:

1. On a computer, open a web browser.

2. In the browser address line, enter the system’s IP address (for example,

http://10.11.12.13) to go to the V500 web interface.

3. Go to System Setup > Utilities > Import Directory.

Managing the System Remotely

4. Click V500 -> PC to download the .csv file from the V500 system.

5. Save the file to a location on your computer.

To upload V500 system directory entries:

1. On a computer, open a web browser.

2. In the browser address line, enter the system’s IP address (for example,

http://10.11.12.13) to go to the V500 web interface.

3. Go to System Setup > Utilities > Import Directory.

4. Click PC -> V500.

5. Click Browse and browse to the location of the .csv file on your computer.

6. Click Export Directory to upload the .csv file to the V500 system.

To create a localized directory entry using the V500 web interface:

1. On a computer, open a web browser.

2. In the browser address line, enter the system’s IP address (for example,

http://10.11.12.13) to go to the V500 web interface.

3. Go to Place a Call > Directory.

Edit an entry to enter a localized directory entry name in the Localized
Name field, and specify the language for the localized directory entry.

5 - 5

Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

Configuring Global Services

If you use the Polycom Global Management System, you can configure,
manage, and monitor the V500 system using the Global Management System
server. The Global Management System is a web-based client/server software
tool that allows administrators to manage a network of video conferencing
systems.

To use global services for the system, configure the following:

• Management Servers

• Account Numbers

• My Information

Viewing the Management Servers List

On networks managed by the Global Management System, several Global
Servers may be configured to manage this system remotely. The system also
has a primary Global Management System server that performs account
validation. You can view information about these servers, but this information
can only be changed by the Global Management System Administrator.

To view the management servers list:

¾ Go to System > Admin Settings > Global Services > Management

Servers.

Requiring an Account Number for Calls

If your system is set up for use with the Global Management System, the
system can prompt you to enter an account number before placing a call. The
account number is added to the Global Management System’s Call Detail
Record (CDR) and the system’s local CDR file (localcdr.csv), and this
information can be used for call tracking and billing purposes.

If you configure the system to validate the account number, calls placed
without a valid account number are not completed. If you do not configure the
system to validate account numbers, calls are completed regardless of whether
the account number is valid. Account numbers are set up in the Global
Management System by the Global Management System administrator

For more information about account validation, please contact your Global
Management System administrator.

.

5 - 6

To require an account number for calls:

1. Go to System > Admin Settings > Global Services > Account

2. Specify whether to require an account number for placing calls and

Adding My Information

If your system is managed by the Global Management System, you can
configure the V500 system so that you can request help from the Global
Management System administrator.

To configure Global Management System contact information:

1. Go to System > Admin Settings > Global Services > My Information.

2. Enter the contact information for the Global Management System

Managing the System Remotely

Validation.

whether that number should be validated by the Global Management
System server.

administrator for technical support.

The following section illustrates the interaction between the Global
Management System and the system you are configuring.

5 - 7

Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

Requesting Technical Support from the Global Management System
Administrator

1. From the Place A Call screen, press on the remote.

2. Select Support and press on the remote.

You see the following message:

Tech Support will be alerted to phone you at the
following number. Continue?

Enter your contact telephone number.

The V500 system sends your information to the
Global Management System administrator.

You see the following message:

Tech Support has been alerted. You can also call this
number for assistance.

The message displays the telephone number you entered
for Tech Support on the My Information screen.

The V500 system displays the message from Global
Management System:

Your request for help has been acknowledged.

The Global Management System
administrator opens the alert message
containing your telephone number.

Global Management System sends a
message to your V500 system.

The Global Management System
administrator calls you.

5 - 8

Setting Up SNMP

Downloading MIBs

Managing the System Remotely

The V500 system sends SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)
reports to indicate conditions, including the following:

• All alert conditions found on the V500 system’s alert page

• Details of jitter, latency, and packet loss

• Low battery power is detected in the remote control

• A system powers on after a long period powered off

• Administrator logon is successful or unsuccessful

• A call fails for a reason other than a busy line

• A user requests help

• A telephone or video call connects or disconnects

In order to allow your SNMP management console application to resolve
SNMP traps and display human-readable text descriptions for those traps, you
need to install Polycom MIBs (Management Information Bases) on the
computer you intend to use as your network management station.

The MIBs are available for download from the V500 web interface.

To download the Polycom MIBs:

1. On a computer, open a web browser.

2. In the browser address line, enter the IP address of the system (for

example, http://10.11.12.13) to go to the V500 web interface.

3. Go to System Setup > Admin Settings > Global Services > SNMP.

4. Click Download MIB and follow the onscreen instructions.

5 - 9

Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

Configuring for SNMP Management

To configure the V500 system for SNMP management:

1. Access the SNMP configuration screen either in the V500 web interface or

on the V500 system:

— In the V500 web interface, go to System Setup > Admin Settings >

Global Services > SNMP.

— On the V500 system, go to System > Admin Settings > Global

Services > SNMP.

2. Configure these settings:

Setting Description

Enable SNMP Allows administrators to manage the system remotely

Community Specifies the SNMP management community in which you

using SNMP.

want to enable this system. The default community is

public.

Contact Name Specifies the name of the person responsible for remote

management of this system.

Location Name Specifies the location of the system.

System Description Specifies the type of video conferencing device.

Console IP
Address

Specifies the IP address of the computer you intend to use
as your network management station and to which SNMP
traps will be sent.

5 - 10

System Usage and Statistics

The V500 system provides various screens that allow you to review
information about calls made by the system and to review network usage and
performance.

Call Summary

The Call Summary screen provides details about the calls placed by the
system, including:

• Duration of the last call

6

• Total number of calls placed and received

• Number, total time, and percentage of IP calls

• Number, total time, and percentage of ISDN calls

To view the Call Summary screen:

• Go to System > Diagnostics > Call Statistics and then select four
times.

• View Call Summary during a call by pressing Help on the remote
control.

6 - 1

Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

Call Statistics

The two Call Statistics screens provide information about the call in progress,
including:

This screen: Displays this information:

Call Statistics (1) • Call speed (transmit and receive)

Call Statistics (2) • Audio and video data rates specified (transmit and

• Video protocol, annexes, and format in use (transmit

and receive). The video protocol is shown in green if
the system is currently using error concealment.

• Audio protocol in use (transmit and receive)

• Number of packets lost and percentage packet loss

(transmit and receive) in IP calls

• Encryption type, key exchange algorithm type, and

key exchange check code (if the encryption option is
enabled and the call is encrypted)

• Far site details and call type

receive)

• Video data rate and frame rate in use (transmit and

receive)

• Video packet loss and jitter in IP calls

• Audio packet loss and jitter in IP calls

• Far site details and call type

Call Status

6 - 2

To view the Call Statistics screen:

• Go to System > Diagnostics > Call Statistics and then select .

• View Call Statistics during a call by pressing Help on the remote

control.

The Call Status screen provides call connection information. The spheres on
the screen provide details for each line. When you place a call, you’ll see the
status change as the call connects.

To view the Call Status screen:

• Go to System > Diagnostics > Call Statistics.

• View Call Status during a call by pressing Help on the remote control.

You can highlight the spheres on this screen to see the number dialed, the
relevant status code, and details of any errors.

Content Statistics

Recent Calls

System Usage and Statistics

The Content Statistics screen shows statistics for content shared during a call.
This screen does not display transmit statistics for People+Content IP.

To view the Content Statistics screen:

• Go to System > Diagnostics > Call Statistics and then select three
times.

• View Content Statistics during a call by pressing Help on the remote
control.

Recent Calls shows a list of up to 99 calls made by the system. It includes the
following information:

• Site name or number

• Date

• Time

• Call in or out

The Recent Calls list shows incoming and outgoing calls that connect, as well
as outgoing calls that do not connect.

If Do Not Disturb has been enabled, any incoming calls attempted by other
sites will not be listed.

The home screen can be configured to include Recent Calls. For more
information about including the Recent Calls list on the home screen, see

Designing the Home Screen on page 4-17.

To view the Recent Calls screen:

¾ Go to System > Admin Settings > Network > Recent Calls.

You can see more detail about any call by highlighting an entry and pressing

Help on the remote control. Information includes the far site’s number

and name, and the type, speed (bandwidth), and duration of the call.

You can call any site on the Recent Calls list by highlighting the entry and
pressing

If you need even more detail about calls, you can download the Call Detail
Report (CDR) from the V500 web interface. For more information about the
CDR, see Call Detail Report (CDR) on page 6-4.

Call or Select on the remote control to place the call.

6 - 3

Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

Call Detail Report (CDR)

The Call Detail Report (CDR) provides the system’s call history. You can view
the CDR from the V500 web interface, and you can download the data in CSV
format for sorting and formatting. CSV (Comma Separated Value) files can be
imported into spreadsheet and database programs.

Every call that connects is added to the CDR, whether it is a call that you make
or that you receive. If a call does not connect, the report shows the reason.

The CDR does not include incoming calls that the V500 system does not
answer, so if calls were missed while Do Not Disturb was enabled, details will
not be included in the CDR.

To view and download the CDR via the V500 web interface:

1. On a computer, open a web browser.

2. In the browser address line, enter the system’s IP address (for example,

http://10.11.12.13) to go to the V500 web interface.

3. Enter admin as the user name, and the admin password, if a password
has been established.

4. Click System Setup > Utilities > Call Detail Report to view the details of
the file.

5. Click Save and then specify a location on your computer to save the file.

Information in the Call Detail Report

The following table describes the data fields in the CDR.

Data Description

Row ID Each call is logged on the first available row. A call is a

Start Date The call start date, in the format dd-mm-yyyy.

Start Time The call start time, in the 24-hour format hh:mm:ss.

End Date The call end date.

End Time The call end time.

Call Duration The length of the call.

Account Number If Require Account Number to Dial is enabled on the

connection to a single site, so there may be more than one
call in a conference.

system, the value entered by the user is displayed in this
field.

Remote System
Name

6 - 4

The far site’s system name.

System Usage and Statistics

Data Description

Call Field Number 1 The number dialed from the first call field, not necessarily

the transport address.

For incoming calls — The caller ID information from the first
number received from a far site.

Call Field Number 2

(If applicable for
call)

For outgoing calls — The number dialed from the second
call field, not necessarily the transport address.

For incoming calls — The caller ID information from the
second number received from a far site.

Transport Type The type of call — Either H.320 (ISDN) or H.323 (IP).

Call Rate The bandwidth negotiated with the far site.

System
Manufacturer

The name of the system manufacturer, model, and software
version, if they can be determined.

Call Direction In — For calls received.

Out — For calls placed from the system.

Conference ID A number given to each conference.

Call ID Identifies individual calls within the same conference.

Total H.320
Channels Used

The total number of ISDN B channels used in the call. For
example, a 384K call would use six B channels.

Endpoint Alias The alias of the far site.

Endpoint Additional

An additional alias of the far site.

Alias

Endpoint Type Terminal, gateway, or MCU.

Endpoint Transport
Address

The actual address of the far site (not necessarily the
address dialed).

Audio Protocol (Tx) The audio protocol transmitted to the far site, such as G.728

or Siren 14.

Audio Protocol (Rx) The audio protocol received from the far site, such as G.728

or G.722.

Video Protocol (Tx) The video protocol transmitted to the far site, such as H.263

or H.264.

Video Protocol (Rx) The video protocol received from the far site, such as H.261

or H.263.

Video Format (Tx) The video format transmitted to the far site, such as CIF or

SIF.

Video Format (Rx) The video format received from the far site, such as CIF or

SIF.

6 - 5

Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

Data Description

Disconnect Reason The description of the Q.850 (ISDN) cause code showing

Q.850 Cause Code The Q.850 cause code showing how the call ended.

Total H.320 Errors The number of errors during an H.320 call.

how the call ended.

Average Percent of
Packet Loss (Tx)

Average Percent of
Packet Loss (Rx)

Average Packets
Lost (Tx)

Average Packets
Lost (Rx)

Average Latency
(Tx)

Average Latency
(Rx)

Maximum Latency
(Tx)

The combined average of the percentage of both audio and
video packets transmitted that were lost during the 5
seconds preceding the moment at which a sample was
taken. This value does not report a cumulative average for
the entire H.323 call. However, it does report an average of
the sampled values.

The combined average of the percentage of both audio and
video packets received that were lost during the 5 seconds
preceding the moment at which a sample was taken. This
value does not report a cumulative average for the entire
H.323 call. However, it does report an average of the
sampled values.

The number of packets transmitted that were lost during an
H.323 call.

The number of packets from the far site that were lost
during an H.323 call.

The average latency of packets transmitted during an H.323
call based on round-trip delay, calculated from sample tests
done once per minute.

The average latency of packets received during an H.323
call based on round-trip delay, calculated from sample tests
done once per minute.

The maximum latency for packets transmitted during an
H.323 call based on round-trip delay, calculated from
sample tests done once per minute.

Maximum Latency
(Rx)

Average Jitter (Tx) The average jitter of packets transmitted during an H.323

Average Jitter (Rx) The average jitter of packets received during an H.323 call,

Maximum Jitter (Tx) The maximum jitter of packets transmitted during an H.323

Maximum Jitter (Rx) The maximum jitter of packets received during an H.323

6 - 6

The maximum latency for packets received during an H.323
call based on round-trip delay, calculated from sample tests
done once per minute.

call, calculated from sample tests done once per minute.

calculated from sample tests done once per minute.

call, calculated from sample tests done once per minute.

call, calculated from sample tests done once per minute.

Call Detail Report Archives

Calls are added to the CDR until the file size reaches 50 KB, which is equivalent
to about 150 calls. The system then automatically archives the CDR and creates
a new CDR file. If an archive is already present, the new archive overwrites it.

Each CDR starts with Row 1, but the conference numbers continue from the
file most recently archived. Conference numbering restarts at 1 after the
system assigns conference number 100,000.

To get an archived CDR:

1. From your computer, open an FTP client.

2. FTP into the V500 system.

3. Enter this FTP command:

GET localcdr_archive.csv

4. Close your FTP session.

System Usage and Statistics

6 - 7

Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

6 - 8

Diagnostics and General
Troubleshooting

This chapter covers the diagnostic screens of the V500 system. It is organized
by category to help you troubleshoot any issue.

Diagnostic tools are available via the system itself and the V500 web interface.
To connect to the V500 web interface, enter your system’s IP address in a web
browser and browse to the required diagnostic tool.

7

Sending a Message

If you are experiencing difficulties with connectivity or audio, you may want
to send a message to the V500 system.

Only the near site can see the message; it is not broadcast to the far site in the
call.

To send a message via the V500 web interface:

1. On a computer, open a web browser.

2. In the browser address line, enter the system’s IP address (for example,

3. Click System Setup.

4. Enter admin as the user name, and the admin password, if a password

5. Go to Diagnostics > Send a Message.

6. In the Send a Message page, enter a message (up to 100 characters in

http://10.11.12.13) to go to the V500 web interface.

has been established.

length), then click Send Message.

The message is displayed for 15 seconds on the screen of the system.

7 - 1

Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

System Screens Quick Reference

These screens allow you to view information about the system, configure the
system, and diagnose performance issues if they arise. They are available on
the system and through the V500 web interface.

To view information about the system, go to the home screen and select
System. Then choose the type of information you need:

This choice: Presents this information or capability:

Admin Settings User interface customization, system customization,

security, dialing requirements and network configuration,
key-enabled options, Global Management System
information.

Diagnostics System status and performance and system tests. The

V500 web interface also offers the Send Message function
and provides access to the Call Detail Report.

System Information Identifying information.

Utilities Call scheduler and calendar.

User Settings System behavior and appearance.

Diagnostic Screens

You can view network statistics and perform diagnostic tests from the
V500 system’s Diagnostics screens.

To access the Diagnostics screens on the system:

¾ Go to System > Diagnostics.

To access the Diagnostics screens from the V500 web interface:

1. On a computer, open a web browser.

2. In the browser address line, enter the system’s IP address (for example,

3. Click System Setup.

4. Enter admin as the user name, and the admin password, if a password

http://10.11.12.13) to go to the V500 web interface.

has been established.

5. Click Diagnostics.

7 - 2

Diagnostics and General Troubleshooting

The following diagnostic screens and tools are available.

Status Tools

Diagnostic Tool In the system’s user interface In the V500 web interface

System Status screen

Displays system status information,
including auto-answer point to point,
remote control battery, time server,
Global Directory, IP network,
gatekeeper, and ISDN BRI line.

Call Summary screen

Displays calling information, such
as time spent in calls, total number
of IP and ISDN calls, and
percentage of time spent in IP and
ISDN calls.

Call Status screen

Displays call type, data speed, and
number dialed for the current call.

In ISDN calls, this screen also
displays connection status for each
channel. Selecting a channel call
progress indicator displays its ISDN
number.

Call Statistics screen

Displays call speed, audio and
video protocols, annexes, and error
count for the call in progress.

On the Diagnostics screen, select

System Status.

1. On the Diagnostics screen,

select System Status.

Select Diagnostics > System
Status.

Select Diagnostics > System

Status > Call Summary.

2. Select to go to the Call

Summary screen.

For more information about this screen, see Call Summary on page 6-1.

On the Diagnostics screen, select

Not available.

Call Statistics.

For more information about this

screen, see Call Status on page 6-2.

For more information about this screen, see Call Status on page 6-2.

1. On the Diagnostics screen,
select Call Statistics.

Select Diagnostics > Call

Statistics.

2. Select to go to the Call

Statistics screen.

Content Statistics screen

Displays content format, data rate,
frame rate, and packet loss for the
call in progress. Also provides
information about the far site
systems.

Call Detail Report screen

Displays the current Call Detail
Report (CDR) and provides access
to the archived CDR.

For more information about this screen, see Call Statistics on page 6-2.

1. On the Diagnostics screen,

Not available.

select Call Statistics.

2. Select three times to go to

Content Statistics screen.

the

Not available. Select Utilities > Call Detail

Report.

For more information about this screen, see Call Detail Report (CDR) on
page 6-4.

7 - 3

Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

Network Tools

Diagnostic Tool In the system’s user interface In the V500 web interface

Near End Loop test

Tests whether your system is able
to make IP calls successfully.

Monitor displays the video and plays
the audio that would be sent to the
far site in a call.

This test is not available when you
are in a call.

PING test

Tests whether the system can
establish contact with a far-site IP
address that you specify.

Trace Route test

Tests the routing path between the
local system and the IP address
entered.

1. On the Diagnostics screen,
select Network.

2. Select Near End Loop to start
the test.

3. Press any button on the remote
control to stop the test.

1. On the Diagnostics screen,
select Network > PING.

2. Enter the IP address that you
wish to test.

3. Select Start.

If the test is successful, the
V500 system displays a
message indicating that the IP
address under test is available.

1. On the Diagnostics screen,
select Network > Trace Route.

2. Enter the IP address that you
wish to trace.

3. Select Start.

If the test is successful, the
V500 system lists the hops
between the system and the IP
address you entered.

1. Select Diagnostics > Network
> Near End Loop.

2. Click Near End Loop to start
the test.

3. Click Near End Loop again to
end the test.

1. Select Diagnostics > Network
> PING.

2. Enter the IP address that you

wish to test.

3. Click the PING icon.

If the test is successful, the
V500 system displays a
message indicating that the IP
address under test is available.

1. Select

Diagnostics > Network

> Trace Route.

2. Enter the IP address that you

wish to test.

3. Click Trace Route.

If the test is successful, the
V500 system lists the hops
between the system and the IP
address you entered.

7 - 4

Diagnostics and General Troubleshooting

Video and Audio Tools

Diagnostic Tool In the system’s user interface In the V500 web interface

Color Bar test

Tests the color settings of your
monitor for optimum picture quality.

If the color bars generated during
the test are not clear, or the colors
do not look correct, the monitor
needs to be adjusted.

Speaker test

Tests the audio cable connections.
A 400 Hz audio tone indicates that
the local audio connections are
correct.

Audio Meter test

Measures the strength of audio
signals from the system’s
microphone.

1. On the Diagnostics screen,
select Video.

2. Select the Color Bars icon.

3. Press any button on the remote

control to stop the test.

1. On the Diagnostics screen,
select Audio > Speaker Test.

2. Select the Speaker Test icon.

3. Press any button on the remote

control to stop the test.

If you are in a call, the far site will
also hear the tone.

1. On the Diagnostics screen,
select Audio.

2. Select Audio Meter.

The audio meter should
register between 0 and 15 dB
for each active input.

3. To check the microphone,
speak into the microphone.

4. To check far-site audio, ask a
participant at the far site to
speak or call a phone in the
far-site room to hear it ring.

1. Select Diagnostics > Video.

2. Click the Color Bars icon.

3. Click the Color Bars icon again

to stop the test.

1. Select Diagnostics > Audio >
Speaker Test.

2. Click the Speaker Test icon.

3. Click the Speaker Test icon

again to stop the test.

The people at the site you are
testing will hear the tone, but you
will not. You can send a message to
tell them how to notify you when
they hear the speaker test.

Select Diagnostics > Audio >
Audio Meter to start the test.

The audio meter should register
between 0 and 15 dB.

7 - 5

Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

Reset

Diagnostic Tool In the system’s user interface In the V500 web interface

Reset System

Cycles power to the system.

When you reset the system using
the remote control, the system’s
user interface allows you to:

• Keep your system settings

(such as system name and
network configuration) or
restore factory settings.

• Keep or delete the directory

stored on the system.

1. On the Diagnostics screen,
select Reset System.

2. Enter the system’s serial
number.

3. If you wish to restore the
original factory settings, select
Delete System Settings.

This deletes the administrator’s
password, CDR, and CDR
archive along with the other
system settings. You may wish
to download the CDR and CDR
archive before you reset the
system. See Call Detail Report

(CDR) on page 6-4. If you

delete system settings, the
setup wizard will lead you
through the initial configuration
after the system restarts.

4. If you wish to remove the
directory, select Delete
Directory Entries.

This only deletes the system’s
local directory. System reset
does not affect the Global
Directory.

5. Select Reset System.

1. Select Diagnostics > Reset
System.

2. Click the Reset System icon.

7 - 6

General Troubleshooting

This section presents problems, likely causes, and corrective actions. Problems
are grouped as follows:

• Power and Start-up

• Remote Control

• Access to Screens and Systems

• Calling

• Display

• Audio

• Error Indications

• System Lights

• Network Interface Lights

Diagnostics and General Troubleshooting

Power and Start-up

Symptom Problem Corrective action

The system does not start
or respond in any way

The system starts in the
software update screen

The system restarts over
and over

The power switch is off. Turn on the power switches for the system and any

equipment connected to it.

The power cord is not
connected.

The power outlet is not
active, or the system’s
power supply is not
operating properly.

The system software is
corrupted or not loaded
properly.

The power plug is not fully
seated.

The socket is corroded. Unplug and reseat the power plug 5 times.

The power plug is damaged
or the power supply is bad.

Make sure the power pack is connected to a power
outlet, and that its power cords are seated securely.

Check the power outlet by unplugging the system
and plugging in a lamp, radio, or other small
appliance. If it does not operate, the outlet is not
active — connect the system to a different outlet.

If the outlet is active, the problem is in the system’s
power supply. In this case, call Polycom Technical
Support and arrange to return the system for service.

Load the system software from your computer. For
instructions on how to do this, refer to Keeping your

Software Current on page 3-24.

Make sure the power plug is seated securely.

Return the system for service.

7 - 7

Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

Remote Control

Symptom Problem Corrective action

The system does not
respond to the remote
control.

The monitor screen
remains blank when you
pick up the remote control.

No, low, or dead batteries
in the remote control.

The batteries are installed
incorrectly in the remote
control.

The room lights operate in
the 38 Khz range and
interfere with the remote
control signals.

The infrared sensor is not
receiving signals from the
remote control.

The monitor’s power cord is
not plugged in.

The monitor is powered off. Power on the monitor.

The monitor is not
connected correctly to the
system.

Access to Screens and Systems

Install three AAA batteries in the remote control.

Insert the batteries in the correct +/- position.

Turn off the lights in the room and try the remote
control again.

Make sure you are pointing the remote control at the
infrared sensor on the front of the system (the black
semi-circle located to the right of the camera).

Connect the monitor’s power cord and then power on
the monitor.

Verify that the monitor is connected correctly
according to the installation procedures in

Connecting the Monitor on page 2-2.

Symptom Problem Corrective action

Cannot navigate to Admin
screens — System button
is not displayed.

Cannot navigate to Admin
screens without a
password.

7 - 8

The home screen is not
configured to display the
System button.

The system administrator
has set a password
or
The default password was
not deleted.

Press the button on the remote and select
System at the end of the help message, or access
the system remotely using the V500 web interface,
FTP, Telnet, or SNMP.

From the V500 web interface, you can add the

System button back to the home screen. Click
System Setup and navigate to Admin Settings >
General Settings > Home Screen Settings, then

select System. The change takes effect after you
navigate away from the home screen and then back
again on the system.

Enter the password.

The default password is the system’s serial number.

Symptom Problem Corrective action

Diagnostics and General Troubleshooting

Cannot access the system
remotely.

The system does not allow
remote access.

The system or your
computer is not connected
to the LAN.

The LAN cable to the
system or to your computer
is bad.

To verify this, check the
lights on the system. There
should be a steady green
light indicating a connection
to the LAN, and a flashing
orange light indicating LAN
traffic if the cable is good.

DHCP Client is ON and no
DHCP server is available.

There is a firewall between
your computer and your
system.

Your computer is on a
different subnet and there
is a router between you and
your system.

On the system, go to Admin Settings > General
Settings > Security and enable web access.

Check the LAN cable to the LAN port on the rear of
the system.

Check the LAN cable to your computer.

Replace the LAN cable.

Contact your network administrator.

Contact your network administrator.

Place your computer and system on the same
subnet. If this corrects the problem, check your router
configuration. If it does not, contact your network
service provider.

Cannot manage the system
remotely.

You have not entered the
correct password.

Too many managers are
logged into the system.

Enter the correct user name and password.
Note: The user name is admin, and the default

password is the unit’s serial number.

Only five system managers are allowed at any one
time. To log everyone out, restart your system.

7 - 9

Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

Calling

Symptom Problem Corrective action

Error message occurs
when placing an IP (H.323)
call.

The system is not
connected to the LAN.

The system’s LAN cable is
bad.

The far site is not
connected.

The system is not
configured correctly for the
network.

The IP
Gateway/Gatekeeper is not
operating or is not
configured correctly.

Calls do not connect. PING the far site to determine whether it is an H.323

Verify that the LAN cable is connected properly.

Replace the system’s LAN cable.

Use the PING test (System > Diagnostics >
Network > PING) to determine whether the far site is
accessible to your system. If the test fails, the far site
system is unavailable.

Check your IP configuration.

Contact the gatekeeper/gateway administrator.

device.

If it is not an H.323 device and you are sure the IP
address is correct it is likely that address is not on
your network. This is especially true with addresses
beginning with 10., 168.254, 172.16 through 172.31,
or 192.168, which are private networking addresses.

7 - 10

Unable to place calls to
known sites on your
network because the
gatekeeper is blocking calls
from unregistered systems.

Register the V500 system with the gatekeeper.

Symptom Problem Corrective action

Diagnostics and General Troubleshooting

ISDN: Line Status icons do
not go away so video calls
cannot be made.

The system is not
connected to an ISDN.

The ISDN number is
entered incorrectly.

The ISDN line is
provisioned incorrectly by
the ISDN service provider.

The V500 system is in an
unknown state.

The BRI network interface
is directly connected to a U
interface.

The BRI network interface
is connected to an NT-1
then to a PBX S/T interface.

The system was not able to
auto-detect SPIDs, or the
SPID numbers are entered
incorrectly.

Note: The AT&T
point-to-point protocol does
not require SPIDs.

Check the ISDN line connections.

Check the ISDN numbers with your service provider.

Check that your ISDN line is provisioned for
Voice/Data.

Power off the system, wait five seconds, and power
on the system.

Install an NT-1 device between your network
interface module and the ISDN connection.

You do not need an NT-1device when connecting to
a PBX S/T interface. Connect the system directly to
the PBX S/T connection.

Select the Clear icon on the Auto Detect SPIDs
page, and then select the Start icon to automatically
detect the new SPIDs. Make sure your ISDN
numbers are entered correctly.

Check with your ISDN service provider and enter the
SPIDs and switch protocol manually.

ISDN: When placing a call,
progress indicators do not
turn green.

The call does not connect
properly.

The NT-1 is not powered
on.

Try the call again.

Verify power on the NT-1.

7 - 11

Administrator’s Guide for the V500 System

Symptom Problem Corrective action

Error message occurs
when placing an ISDN
(H.230) call.

Cannot complete calls to
sites that do not use
encryption

An ISDN cause code is
received from the ISDN
line.

The highest-numbered
channel did not connect.
The system cannot make a
call if this channel does not
connect.

The ISDN switch type is not
configured correctly on the
V500 system.

The system displays a
message stating that
encryption is required.

Try the call again.

For more information, please refer to Q.850 Cause

Codes on page Appendix-5.

Be sure you are calling the correct number. The
number may need to include:

• A digit for an outside line

• A long distance access code

• An international access code

• A country code

• An area code or city code

Check that all network cables are properly
connected.

Power off the system, wait five seconds, and power
on the system. Then wait about two minutes to allow
the ISDN lines to resynchronize.

Ask the person at the far site to call your system.

Check the ISDN configuration and verify with your
ISDN service provider that the system is configured
correctly.

Your system is configured to require all calls to be
encrypted, and encryption is not available at the far
site.

Cannot dial remote system
in bonding calls. (The call
progress circles only show
blue or yellow.)

Dialing a remote site in
calls above some particular
speed does not work. (The
call progress circles do not
turn green, or remain blue.)

Cannot select the desired
speeds for bonding calls
from the speed selection.

Switch protocol issue. Start by calling the far site at 1x56 and progressively

try higher speeds, as appropriate. This will verify the
primary number.

Being able to dial non-bonded but unable to dial
bonded to all locations is usually a switch protocol
issue. Verify your ISDN provisioning with the

The far site may be unable
to accept calls above this
speed.

telephone service provider.

Go to the Call Status screen. Highlight the circle for
the channel dialed. The number dialed for the
channel will be displayed as you highlight the circle.
Make sure that the far site has entered the number
for its ISDN lines correctly.

Speeds do not show when
selecting the speed icon.

1. Go to Admin Settings > Network > Call
Preference and select four times to go to
the Call Speeds screen.

2. Select the desired call speeds.

7 - 12