Provisioning is the automated configuration of IP phones or DECT base stations via the provisioning server of the PBX from which the devices can transmit the necessary configuration data.
The device accepts the configuration data directly from a file distributed pver the network. A specific provisioning file is output for each device type supported in the PBX.
The time of provisioning is determined by two factors. For each device type, there is a defined weekday and point of time in the device-specific provisioning file in order to guarantee a regular provisioning. This is initiated by the PBX. Furthermore, a provisioning is initiated, if there are individual changes for the end device such as the new assignment of a user. In this example, the impuls is given by the requirements for the end device.
The content of provisioning is determined by the PBX. If there are changes such as a new assignment of a user to a telephone, the PBX send a message to the end device. It then requests the current data, the provisioning file for the device is updated.
First commissioning with activated auto provisioining
1.Auto provisioning is activated in the PBX.
2.The end device is connected to the PBX.
3.The PBX checks on demand of the device (multicast), if there is an appropriate template for this device type.
4.In the case of a match, the PBX transfers the URL of the provisioning server to the device.
5.The appropriate provisioning file is assigned to the device, the configuration data is transferred to the device.
First commissioning without auto provisioining
1.Auto provisioning is deactivated in the PBX.
2.The end device is connected to the PBX.
3.The URL of the provisioning server is manually entered on the end device.
4.The PBX checks on demand of the device (multicast), if there is an appropriate template for this device type.
5.In the case of a match, the PBX transfers the URL of the provisioning server to the device.
6.The appropriate provisioning file is assigned to the device, the configuration data is transferred to the device.
Note: There are further options for transferring the URL of the provisioning server to the end device such as using a DHCP server.
Requirements for provisioning
The following is necessary for provisioning:
•A provisioning server configured in the PBX
•In the PBX activated provisioning server
•If required, auto provisioning activated
•PBX supported telephones or DECT base stations (see table below) are configured as device type SIP telephone or DECT base
Note: In case of used option Auto provisioning active: If there is another PBX with connected devices in the same network, it is recommended to keep this option disabled. Auto-provisioning can only be switched on after all devices in the network have been checked for the necessity of automatic configuration (and the associated implementation of appropriate measures).
Note: If for the first commissioning of a telephone no user has been assigned, calling is impossible except for emergency calls.
Configurability
COMfortel D-series (all models)
Yes
COMfortel 1400 IP
Yes, with restricted provisioning function
COMfortel 2600 IP
Yes, with restricted provisioning function
COMfortel 3600 IP
Yes, with restricted provisioning function
COMfortel WS-500x
Yes
Snom IP phones
Yes, with restricted provisioning function
Yealink IP phones
Yes, with restricted provisioning function
Characteristics
COMfortel D-series (all models)
These telephones automatically find the provisioning server in the delivery state.
With the templates contained in the assigned provisioning file, the functionality of the phone can be extended. These additional functions can be assigned to function keys.
You will find more information in the Advanced Information of the phone.
COMfortel 1400 IP / 2600 IP / 3600 IP
These telephones automatically find the provisioning server in the delivery state from firmware version 2.4.
COMfortel WS-500x
If a DECT base station is connected with the PBX and the device is switched on, the PBX checks on request of the device (multicast) the correct usage like it does with a telephone.
The DECT base station sends the request only three times after the connection is established (whereas telephones repeat sending signals again and again). For this reason and because of further specialties when configuring the base station and handsets, a special procedure is recommended.