Tech Notes – Provision

What is Provisioning?
Provisioning is the process by which phones receives firmware and configuration to stay
up-to-date and operational. There are several features that give Cetis phones flexibility
in the provisioning process.
Process
General process:
1. Phone is configured with a provisioning URL via manual or auto process
2. Phone requests firmware and configuration from this server.
3. Phones requests firmware and configuration updates from this server.
Below is an overview of the function of each provisioning feature. Some features have
separate notes to clarify configuration.
Provisioning Server
The provisioning server can be a TFTP, HTTP, or HTTP server. The URL for this server
can be configured on the phone manually or via the following ‘auto configuration’
processes:
1. Redirect server
2. DHCP Option 66
3. DHCP Option 60/43
Configuration and Firmware Management
MAC File - A MAC File is a file that uses the mac address of the phone to identify the
configuration file. 3.x firmware mac files take the following form: <mac>.cetis.cfg. By
default the phone requests its MAC file from the provisioning server first. MAC files are
very convenient because they are globally unique and require no configuration on the
phone.
ConfigID File - A ConfigID file is a file that uses the ConfigID to identify the
configuration file. 3.x firmware ConfigID files take the following form:
<configid>.cetis.cfg. By default the phone prompts for a ConfigID after its MAC file is
requested and/or downloaded. The ConfigID is not globally unique and is not known by
the phone without configuration, which is why it must be programmed. Autofill
ConfigID - However, the phone will remember an inputed ConfigID until a newer
configuration file erases that ConfigID. This means that a ConfigID does not have to be
in a downloaded configuration file to persist.
Mac File vs ConfigID File - Which is better? Depends on the installation. Many cloud
providers will like MAC files because they require no human interactions. Once the
phone has a provisioning server, it can provision itself without an installer. However, a
MAC requires more advanced work to create a list of MAC addresses, import mac

Cetis’ Tech Notes – Failover Server Supported Firmware: 3.x

 Tech Notes – Provision
addresses to configuration(if no PBX templates), and make sure the right phone goes to
the right room. ConfigIDs are not phone specific so they can be immediately
programmed and reprogrammed as needed without needing a telephone guy to enter
information into the PBX.
Firmware File – This file contains a list of firmware that the phone should
upgrade/downgrade too. After parsing this file, the phone will look for that firmware file
on the provisioning server, load it, and reboot.This file should be used carefully as the
phone will upgrade/downgrade to that firmware if it exists.
Updates – The configuration files (MAC or ConfigID) and firmware can be updated
automatically by either scheduling an update in the phone, or having the phones update
on reboot. Updating can also be disabled.
SIP Notify Reboot – This is a feature that some IP PBXs support that allows the
phone to be sent a reboot message via SIP signalling. This can be useful to initiate an
update of configuration and firmware.

Cetis’ Tech Notes – Failover Server Supported Firmware: 3.x