Telecom Reseller Podcast: VoIP Supply at Enterprise Connect 2018

March 27, 2018 by Ying-Hui Chen

VoIP Supply is once again featured on Telecom Reseller podcast! This podcast was recorded at Enterprise Connect 2018. This time, our President and CFO, Paula Griffo, talks about what separates the VoIP Supply team from the competitors and highlights the whole dedicated VoIP Supply team with active interest in every sale, before, during and after every purchase.

During the podcast, Paula also explains how VoIP Supply’s reseller partner program and fulfillment program help VoIP resellers and VoIP service providers make efficient and accurate sales while offering a wider range of finance options to facilitate transactions.

She also highlights the new VoIP Supply Rental Program that will be rolling out in the next couple of weeks!

“We are there for the customer every step of the way,” says Paula Griffo, President and CFO, “The whole team of VoIP Supply works behind the scene really cares about their customers and cares about what they do.”  

Click to listen now to learn more about the VoIP Supply team!

The VoIP Addict’s Guide – Polycom (Poly) and TFTP

Simply put: Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) is a no-frills method of moving files from one place to another. There’s no authentication, and there’s no encryption. It is, however, one of the most common ways to place a select version of firmware on a phone, and for our discussion, a Polycom phone.

Why Polycom? Well, it’s the golden standard by which we measure all other phones. Also, because it has the most confusing firmware.

So, why even bother changing firmware?

Well, you might not need to. However, we may change firmware on a phone for a few reasons:

  1. There might be a software bug
  2. There might be a vulnerability
  3. There might be an interoperability issue
  4. There might be a new feature

Typically, upgrading your phone system will require a phone firmware upgrade. Documentation might suggest making a phone firmware change to leverage a new feature. If you are an installer, or integrator, and want to be good at your job, always read your system’s firmware release documentation.

How to Upgrade a Polycom (Poly) Phone Firmware

Let’s get down to business. First, install a TFTP server.

Luckily, most TFTP servers are free, just like the best things in life. We recommend the one from SolarWinds.

After installing, open the TFTP server.

By default, TFTP uses UDP port 69, and c:\TFTP-Root as the root directory. You’re welcome to change the root directory by going to File -> Configure, and going to Storage, but for our purpose, we’ll leave it as it is.

Next, download the recommended firmware from Polycom. Double check your documentation for the correct version and also check your bootrom version currently on the phone.

Bootrom is code that is run when a phone first starts, and it executes the actual firmware. Older bootrom versions will not always be compatible with newer firmware, so when downloading from Polycom, make sure to RTFM (Google it if you don’t know) before proceeding with an upgrade because you end up in a boot loop. Luckily you should be provided with the correct bootrom file for the intended firmware version.

Extract the files you downloaded into the TFTP root directory, which is indicated on the bottom of the TFTP server window. Make sure the firmware files AND the bootrom file in included in the root directory to avoid any mishaps.

You’ll also notice that there are two types of downloads, combined, and split. Combined is a single universally accepted firmware across a range of phone models. The split has the firmware broken out by phone model. The split will load faster due to the files being much smaller.

Now configure your Polycom phone to connect to the TFTP server:

  1. Plug in your Polycom IP Phone and press the SETUP button to stop the auto-boot process when prompted.
  2. Enter the password 456 when prompted
  3. Scroll down and select server menu
  4. Edit the server type to “Trivial FTP”
  5. Edit the server address to the IP address of the PC running the TFTP server
  6. Exit the server menu, and exit the setup menu.
  7. The phone will prompt you to save and reboot, select OK
  8. After rebooting, the phone will go through its auto-boot process again, and then display “Uploading Bootrom” on the screen
  9. You will also see verification on the TFTP Server as the bootrom and firmware files are being uploaded to the phone
  10. When the phone completes its boot cycle, it will briefly display a welcome screen, which shows the current firmware version loaded
  11. If you see this version, you have successfully upgraded your Polycom phone

Using the DHCP option 66 method:

DHCP option 66 is a pointer some devices read when they receive their IP address information. By setting option 66 in your DHCP server to the IP address of the TFTP server, you can avoid manually setting the TFTP server address in all of the phones you are upgrading.

Multiple phones may upgrade at once, but if you are using the combined firmware, you could experience a much-delayed process.

Also keep in mind that because TFTP is an extremely unsecured protocol, you’ll want to keep these file transactions on your local network.

Thanks for reading and happy VoIPing!

Marc Spehalski’s Review of The Grandstream HT802 Analog Telephone Adapter

March 23, 2018 by Steve Lopian

There are a lot of ATA’s out there, and believe it or not, they are not all a good fit. It is important to know what you are getting into when purchasing your new Analog Telephone Adaptor. How many ports does it have? What is the interface like? All of these things can play a factor when choosing what is right for you.

One of the more popular ATA’s that’s available is the Grandstream HT802. This compact VoIP adapter is packed with features and can deliver exceptional functionality to your VoIP setup.

But don’t take my word for it! Check out the full review from Marc Spehalski in the video above, and let him shed some light on the VoIP adapter that should be on the top of your list.

Are you currently using an ATA? If so, what are you using? If you’re familiar with the HT802, then let us know your experience in the comments below.

Refurbished IP Phones: Quality and Affordability

March 21, 2018 by Youleidy Vega

Here at VoIP Supply, we strive to always stay on top of our customers’ needs and on top of the voice over IP market finding solutions and providing excellent service. Following this motto, we have become a leading VoIP hardware retailer in the United States and worldwide working with industry leading manufacturers. We also offer VoIP services in partnership with major service providers. One thing that sets us apart is our successful venture in our Refresh program in which we sell refurbished VoIP equipment to customers who are looking for a quality solution but that have a tight budget.

Refresh Manager Mike Rehac expressed his thoughts on the roots of Refresh by saying,

“Our “Refresh” line was created because we wanted to meet the need for a low-cost alternative to new equipment while differentiating ourselves from the used and crummy product offerings being by our competitors.”

Refresh equipment goes through a 10 step reconditioning process that includes examining the products we take in, upgrading those products to the latest firmware, setting to defaults so that the new user can configure the setting as they please, cleaning the products and repacking the products in new boxes and bubble wrap. The products come looking, working and smelling like new.

The great thing about Refresh is that all the products come with a six-month guarantee that can be extended to an additional six months for a small fee. Customers can have peace of mind knowing that if anything were to go wrong with the product(s) they would be taken care of.

Watch the video below to  learn more about the Refresh process!

Check out our featured Refresh picks of the month!

Polycom VVX 410

The Polycom VVX 410 supports 12 lines and has a 3.5” color LCD display with intuitive controls to applications.

This productivity-enhancing IP Phone allows you to set up meeting reminder, receive alerts and access the instant messaging/presence status right on the phone’s display.

Top features for the VVX 410

  • 3.5″ TFT (320 x 240)
  • 12 lines or speed dial keys
  • HD Voice up to 7KHz on all audio paths (Speaker, Handset, Headset)
  • 2 x Ethernet 10/100 or GigE (VVX410 )
  • Asian character support
  • Hard Keys: 12-key dial pad, home, speaker, mute, headset, volume, messages, hold, transfer
    4-way navigation cluster with center “select” key
  • Supports VVX Expansion Module and VVX Color Expansion Module (Expandability up to 3 modules)
  • Skype for Business and Office 365 Cloud PBX interoperability (order “Skype for Business Edition” codes ending in “-019”)

VVX 410 Datasheet

Polycom VVX 500

Polycom VVX 500 VoIP Phone

The Polycom VVX 500 is an IP Phone designed for managers and employees that need a tool that keeps up with their multitasking. The VVX 500 complements the user’s desktop computer by acting as an interface to the applications via its touch-screen display.

Top Features for the VVX 500:

  • 3.5” (9-cm) TFT (320 x 240)
  • Up to 12 line appearances
  • Immersive capacitive touch UI
  • Streaming media video playback
  • Video conferencing via external USB cam (coming post FCS)
  • Full Browser (Webkit)
  • HD Voice up to 14KHz on all audio paths (Speaker, Handset, Headset)
  • 2 x Ethernet 10/100/1000
  • 2 x USB 2.0 host
  • “Green” – low power
  • Hard Keys: 12-key keypad, home, speaker, mute, volume, headset
  • Supports expansion modules
  • Headset and Accessories: RJ9 wired headsets, Wireless connectivity via electronic hook-switch, read headset, Tech bulletin
  • USB-wired headsets
  • Wireless USB headsets

VVX 500 Datasheet

Yealink T42G

The Yealink T42G is a mid-level business phone that supports 12 lines and is equipped with productivity-enhancing features to help the user do more with less effort during the day.

Top T42G Features:

  • 12 Line Appearances
  • Dual-port Gigabit Ethernet
  • Yealink Optima HD Voice Supported
  • Up to 12 SIP accounts
  • Full-duplex hands-free speakerphone
  • No expansion module support
  • RJ9 Headset Port
  • 2.7″ 192×64-pixel backlit Graphical LCD
  • Wall mountable

T42G Datasheet

To learn more about Refresh or for questions or to inquire about selling your old VoIP equipment, contact Mike Rehac, Refresh Manager at [email protected]

Is The Polycom IP 7000 Phone Compatible with a Shortel Phone System?

Our tech support team at VoIP Supply offers great pre- and post-sales support plus provisioning, consultations, configuration, and installation help. We get a lot of VoIP hardware and software questions and would like to share the solutions with everyone.

In previous Mom’s calling Q&A series, we have discussed: What is my password for the Grandstream UCM? Today, we have more new real questions and answers from VoIP users just like you.  

Is the Polycom IP 7000 Phone Compatible with a Shortel Phone System?

Question: We have a Shortel Phone System and would like to know if the Polycom IP 7000 conference phone is compatible.

Answer: Yes! Shortel PBX will support 3rd party open SIP phones including the Polycom IP 7000 conference phone.

STAY TUNED

Come back for more VoIP questions and answers next time! If you have VoIP questions to ask us, please submit a technical support ticket or contact our VoIP experts today at (866) 582-8591

Sangoma FAXStation Frequently Asked Questions

The Sangoma FAXStation webinar was a blast! We appreciate the great interactions with our audience. We’d like to share the questions and answered that being discussed during the webinar with you.

Also, don’t forget to join our next Sangoma webinar: User Control Panel on April 5th, 2018!

Sangoma FAXStation Frequently Asked Questions

Question1: Can I port or spoof my Fax number to Sangoma’s FAXStation?

Answer: Yes, you absolutely can port numbers over, however, spoofing is not allowed. Click here to learn how the number porting works: https://wiki.sangoma.com/display/ST/Number+Porting

Question2: Is FAXStation just for the USA or can it accommodate international FAX DID’s? Can FAXs be sent to international numbers or just within the USA/ North America?

Answer: Canada is the only international country where we can accommodate DIDs and also the only place we can send international faxes.

Question3: How many FAXStation appliances can I have at one location?

Answer: As many as you have room for!

Question4: How many ports can FAXStation appliances handle?

Answer: 1-4 ports

Have more questions? Contact our VoIP expert, Brian Hyrek, at [email protected] or 716-531-4318!

Digium GA080: Simple, Intuitive, Easy-to-use Analog Gateways

March 15, 2018 by Ying-Hui Chen

Are you searching for an analog gateway that simply works? Look no further! Digium’s new 8-port analog gateway series can be your perfect match!

The GA080 gateway series is available in 3 separate analog loop-start configurations to help you build the most powerful and intuitive VoIP phone system. The available models are:

 

Intuitive Point-and-click Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Digium’s analog gateways provide the best value for connecting disparate topologies of traditional telephony to SIP. The Asterisk-based VoIP gateway software is managed through Digium’s Graphical User Interface (GUI) to enable easy navigation and effortless setup. You will be able to get your VoIP system up and running in no time!

 

Cost-Effective, Robust Analog Gateways

The GA080 gateway series is built to last with no moving parts so the analog gateways can be deployed in the toughest environments. They provide proven reliability with just a fraction of the cost of other competing gateways on the market! The application program interface (API) and the easy setup process reduce your administration and troubleshooting costs whether you are a small business or a large enterprise.

That’s not all! Digium’s analog gateways have more robust features to offer at a competitive price. Explore more with the helpful datasheet and e-book!

Download Digium VoIP Gateway datasheet

Download Digium VoIP Gateway E-Book

Unique features:

  • Easy-to-navigate GUI
  • Intelligent call routing
  • Fax and modern support
  • No moving parts
  • Remote configuration and software download
  • Cost-effective
  • Low power consumption
  • Octasic DSP processor

“I have been representing the Digium brand here at VoIP Supply for over two years now and I have nothing but great things to say about the brand and products. ” They are a very responsive company and I give them two thumbs up and highly recommend trying out their products.” – Youleidy Vega, Senior Product Specialist at VoIP Supply

Have questions? Contact our VoIP experts at 1-800-398-8647 today to learn more about how your business can take advantage of Digium’s VoIP gateways!

Grandstream UCM Series Technical Training Recap – March 13th, 2018

March 14, 2018 by Ying-Hui Chen

Yesterday’s Grandstream UCM Series webinar was a success! Our apologies if you were not able to join the webinar due to it being at our max guest capacity. But no worries, if you missed the webinar, or if you simply want to rewatch it, here is the webinar recording and the Q&A session for your convenience!

Grandstream UCM Series Technical Training Q&A

Question 1: can the UCM be connected to an existing PBX like a Panasonic ns 700 or nec sl-100 to used the feature from the UCM

Answer: Yes, you will need to use Grandstream FXO gateways model GXW4108. We have a white paper on our website

 

Question 2: How to connect a cellular line to the UCM? Is there a Grandstream device for that?

Answer: You will need a GSM gateway (non-Grandstream) and add it to your UCM as a VOIP trunk

 

Question 3: Does Grandstream Affinity need to be installed on a PC that is directly connected to the UCM on the same network, if so how does that affect security if someone compromises the PC?

Answer: Yes, Affinity is a Windows-based software that needs to be connected to a PC on the same LAN as the GXP phone. Only models GXP16xx and 21xx supports it. You need to secure your PC as you normally do on normal operations.

 

Question 4: UCM as Open VPN server?

Answer: No, only as a client

 

Question 5: Is there a way to have an extension that is outside the PBX on another Asterisk server via SIP URI?

Answer: SIP URI is not recommended for security reasons. If you are sure to use this feature you need to “Allow Guest Calls”. Look for this setting in Sip Settings.

 

Question 6: where would we go for Grandstream support and documentation?

Answer: You can find more information at Grandstream’s product page and our technical support center.

For more information on Grandstream’s UCM Series please visit the product page or contact Joe Shanahan at 716-531-4316.

VoIP Supply Celebrates Its 16th Anniversary with Dedicated Employees Behind the Website!

Buffalo, New York, March 14th, 2018 – VoIP Supply, a leading VoIP solutions provider in North America, celebrates its 16th year anniversary with over 30 dedicated employees.

In the past year, VoIP Supply continually builds strong relationships with our partners, customers, manufacturers, and dedicated employees. Today, VoIP Supply has been recognized as not just an efficient website where our customers fulfill their VoIP needs, but a place where they grow their business with our dedicated VoIP experts, customer service, technical support, dedicated employees and resources behind the website.

Read more to learn about the VoIP Supply team!

See what our employees have to say about working at VoIP Supply:

“One of the reasons why it is rewarding to work at VoIP Supply is because we are able to volunteer to help Non-profit organizations. It is nice to see the look on their faces because they know we care.” Josephine Taibbi, Customer Service Lead at VoIP Supply

“Working at VoIP Supply has been extremely rewarding for many reasons. The people, the culture, and the consistent opportunities to help customers create solutions and solve problems with VoIP makes it all worthwhile,” said Joe Shanahan Senior VoIP Consultant, “ Having the most dedicated and knowledgeable people in the industry working for VoIP Supply has brought us to the top, and the company-wide commitment to being the best will keep us there.”

About VoIP Supply

VoIP Supply, LLC (https://www.voipsupply.com) is your trusted source for everything VoIP; from our large selection of name-brand hardware to our CloudSpan Marketplace. VoIP Supply provides you with a fully staffed inbound call center with licensed, certified and highly trained VoIP experts that can help you with any problem you might have. Whether you are a home user, business, reseller or service provider, VoIP Supply has the products, experience and expertise to make your deployment a success.

VoIP Supply is a three-time Inc. 500/5000 honoree, listed by Business First as one of WNY’s Most Admired Companies, as well as being consistently ranked one of Western New York’s Best Places to Work. VoIP Supply is also the first Certified B Corporation in Western New York.Our dedicated Solution Specialists are here to help, so call us today at 1-800-398-8647 or visit our website at https://www.voipsupply.com

VoIP Supply: More Than Just a Website for Everything VoIP!

March 12, 2018 by Ying-Hui Chen

VoIP Supply has been a leading provider of VoIP hardware and services for over 16 years. Serving more than 125,000 customers worldwide, we are dedicated to delivering comprehensive and valuable VoIP solutions.

When talking about VoIP Supply, you may think of VoIP Supply as an efficient website where you place your VoIP orders; however, that is just a fraction of what the VoIP Supply team has to offer! We are more than just a website supplying you with all things VoIP, we are here to help you grow your business.  

VoIP Supply is More Than Just a Website for VoIP

 

  • VoIP Experts: We have the most experienced VoIP experts in the industry and the access to over 150 years of combined in-house VoIP experience. Take advantage of the free consultations with our VoIP experts at your convenience regarding your VoIP hardware and service needs.  
  • Reseller Partner Program: VoIP Supply’s Reseller Partner Program is a window where you can resell VoIP hardware and service through VoIP Supply with all the support you need. As a partner with VoIP Supply you’ll benefit from exclusive educational materials, top consultants in the industry, better margins, massive inventory with same day shipping and much more!
  • Fulfillment Service: By taking advantage of the services that we have to offer and the expertise we have in-house, you are able to focus on your core business rather than trying to get pallets and boxes shipped in and out of your offices.

Being more than a website is what makes us the best VoIP provider for your business in the industry. Visit our website today or give us a call at 1-800-398-8647 to learn more about the services we provide and the whole team behind the website!

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