- 12 Aug 2024
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Auto-provisioning via Configuration File
- Updated on 12 Aug 2024
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Provisioning Principle
Auto-provisioning is a feature used to configure or upgrade devices in batch via third-party servers. DHCP, PNP, TFTP, FTP, and HTTPS are the protocols used by the Akuvox devices to access the URL of the address of the third-party server which stores configuration files and firmware, which will then be used to update the firmware and the corresponding parameters on the device.
Please see the flow chart below:
Introduction to the Configuration Files for Auto-Provisioning
Configuration files for auto-provisioning come in two formats: general configuration files and MAC-based configuration files.
Differences:
- General Configuration Provisioning:
A general configuration file is stored on a server, allowing all related devices to download the same file to update parameters.
- MAC-Based Configuration Provisioning:
MAC-based configuration files are specific to individual devices, identified by their unique MAC addresses. Files named with the device's MAC address will be matched automatically before downloading for provisioning.
- Configuration files must be in CFG format.
- The name of the general configuration file for batch provisioning varies by model.
- The MAC-based configuration file is named after its MAC address.
- Devices will first access general configuration files before the MAC-based ones if both types are available.
Autop Schedule
Akuvox provides you with different AutoP methods that enable the device to perform provisioning for itself according to the schedule.
To set up the schedule, go to the web Upgrade > Advanced > Automatic Autop interface.
Mode:
Power On: The device will perform Autop every time it boots up.
Repeatedly: The device will perform Autop according to the schedule you set up.
Power On + Repeatedly: Combine Power On mode and Repeatedly mode that will enable the device to perform Autop every time it boots up or according to the schedule.
Hourly Repeat: The device will perform Autop every hour.
DHCP Provisioning Configuration
Auto-provisioning URL can also be obtained using the DHCP option which allows the device to send a request to a DHCP server for a specific DHCP option code. If you want to use Custom Option as defined by users with option codes ranging from 128-255), you are required to configure DHCP Custom Option on the web interface.
To set up DHCP Autop with Power On mode, go to the web Upgrade > Advanced > Automatic Autop interface.
To set up the DHCP Option, scroll to the DHCP Option section.

Custom Option: Enter the DHCP code that matches with corresponding URL so that the device will find the configuration file server for the configuration or upgrading.
DHCP Option 43: If the device does not get a URL from DHCP Option 66, it will automatically use DHCP Option 43. This is done within the software and the user does not need to specify this. To make it work, you need to configure the DHCP server for option 43 with the upgrade server URL in it.
DHCP Option 66: If none of the above is set, the device will automatically use DHCP Option 66 to get the upgrade server URL. This is done within the software and the user does not need to specify this. To make it work, you need to configure the DHCP server for option 66 with the upgrade server URL in it.
Static Provisioning Configuration
You can manually set up a specific server URL for downloading the firmware or configuration file. If an auto-provision schedule is set up, the device will perform the auto-provisioning at a specific time according to the auto provision schedule you set up. In addition, TFTP, FTP, HTTP, and HTTPS are the protocols that can be used for upgrading the device firmware and configuration.
To download the template, go to the Upgrade > Advanced > Automatic Autop interface.
To set up the server, go to the Upgrade > Advanced > Manual Autop interface.

URL: Specify the TFTP, HTTP, HTTPS, or FTP server address for the provisioning.
Username: Enter the username if the server needs a username to be accessed.
Password: Enter the password if the server needs a password to be accessed.
Common AES Key: It is used for the intercom to decipher general Autop configuration files.
AES Key (MAC): It is used for the intercom to decipher the MAC-based Autop configuration file.
Note
AES as one type of encryption should be configured only when the config file is encrypted with AES.
Server Address Format:
TFTP: tftp://192.168.0.19/
FTP: ftp://192.168.0.19/(allows anonymous login)
ftp://username:password@192.168.0.19/(requires a user name and password)HTTP: http://192.168.0.19/(use the default port 80)
http://192.168.0.19:8080/(use other ports, such as 8080)HTTPS: https://192.168.0.19/(use the default port 443)
Tip
Akuvox does not provide user specified server. Please prepare TFTP/FTP/HTTP/HTTPS server by yourself.
PNP Configuration
Plug and Play (PNP) is a combination of hardware and software support that enables a computer system to recognize and adapt to hardware configuration changes with little or no intervention by a user.
To enable the function, go to the Upgrade > Advanced > PNP Option interface.