Configure Grandstream Phones on Elastix PBXs to Automatically Download XML Phone Book Files

On Enterprise-level phone systems like Avaya, Cisco and Alcatel-Lucent, when a new extension or user is added to the system, an entry is automatically created in the internal phonebook and thus, pushed to the phones.

While working with Elastix, I noticed that under Agenda>Address Book extensions showed up there after creation. All, except virtual extensions. After some google searches, I ran across a post about the Elastix Address Book and Grandstream phones. Personally, since I really like the Grandstream GXP-series phones, I was more than willing to give this a try.  I read through the article and figured I would test this out in the lab. First thing I found; the links to download the scripts were dead. I added a post on the site to let the author know and he corrected the issue. The links now work properly.

Place the script in  /var/www/html on your Elastix or FreePBX-Distro server. I tested this on Elastix 2.5 and FreePBX 6.12.65 successfully. I tested this successfully on Grandstream GXP-series phones with the exception of the GXP-2200 which is Android based so it did not work properly. I tested the following specifically:

GXP-1160/1165, GXP-1400/1405, GXP-2130, GXP-2140, GXP-2160. I even tested on an old GXP-2000. I also tested on a GXV-3240 and it did not go well as 10 entries became 101 upon download. My solution was to export from one of the GXP phones and then import into the GXV-3240.

Once you have installed the script and have updated your phones to download the script automatically, even virtual extensions like general mailboxes will appear in the phonebook. Here is the link: http://ethertubes.com/grandstream-phone-book-creator-for-elastix/. The scripts as well as instructions can be found there. The author also references a script he has written to have the Grandstream phones pull the phonebook config automatically. I did not use this as it took only a few seconds per phone to set this manually from within each phones web interface. I will be testing the FreePBX Commercial Endpoint Manager module for the next few weeks, and my hope is that I can add this entry into the config file I push to the phones. This would then completely automate the process.

Go ahead and give it a try yourself.

Since the dawn of the age of the 1930 Baird Televisor – well maybe not that long ago, but at least since the early 2000’s, there seems to be a stigma surrounding purchasing refurbished technology. As a business owner, you may think to yourself, “Why would I invest in ‘refurbished’ anything, no less technology? Won’t my ROI be greater when I purchase new?”

I can honestly admit that I am totally guilty of turning my nose up to refurbished phone systems, monitors, tablets, CPUs, etc…  but it wasn’t until I understood the reality, quality, and cost-effectiveness of buying refurbished that my boss, and my wallet began to thank me.

Let’s take a quick look at why refurbished or “Refreshed” technology is the way to go:

Quality: It’s Pretty Much Brand New

Believe it or not folks, the term “refurbished” doesn’t mean “used”. A refurbished product is simply a product that has been returned to the manufacturer for one of several reasons; some of which may be that:

• The product was a floor model at a retail location. So it has some finger prints on it? Big deal.

• The product was unused, but returned by the purchaser. Don’t tell me you’ve never returned an item that you just didn’t like when you got it home.

• The item has a minor internal defect or part missing upon arrival. If a product is labeled as Certified or has a Warranty, it has typically gone through a thorough inspection process and has been brought back to near “brand-new” standards – it’s just been handled by two or more people in the process.

Cost Effectiveness

The average cost savings for a consumer when they buy a refurbished product is on average around 15-30%. So this could take, let’s say, a $5,000 office phone system upgrade and possibly knock it down to only $3,500. That’s $1,500 dollars back in your pocket… or maybe for a new pool table in your employee lounge. The bottom line is that if you’re on a budget, in which most successful businesses are, saving money is key – and that will be totally accomplished when going down the path of purchasing refurbished products.

Be Careful

Not all items are refurbished equally. Be leary of items that do not offer warranties, return policies or are stated in “as is” condition. You want to know that your product will work when it arrives, and if not, you can get a new one.

KEY TAKE AWAY: Purchase wisely and don’t let silly stigmas or ideas prevent you from saving money.

Stay savvy my friends.