Polycom (Poly) and TFTP in The VoIP Addict's Guide

In a nutshell, TFTP, or the Trivial File Transfer Protocol, is a simple way to transfer files between locations. Both authentication and encryption are absent. On the other hand, it is one of the most popular methods for flashing a certain firmware version onto a phone—in this case, a Polycom phone.

Why Polycom? That is, after all, the gold standard by which we evaluate all other phones. In addition, its firmware is the most perplexing.

So why even think about updating the firmware?

Perhaps you won't have to. Nonetheless, there are a few reasons why we might update a phone's firmware:

1. Perhaps a software bug exists.

2. There could be a weakness. .

3. There could be a problem with compatibility.

4. Perhaps a new feature will appear.

Generally, updating the firmware on your phone is necessary to improve your phone system. The documentation might advise updating the firmware on your phone to take use of a new function. Read the firmware release documentation for your system every time if you work as an installer or integrator and want to excel in your position.

How to Update the Firmware on a Polycom (Poly) Phone

Now let's get to work. Install a TFTP server first.

Fortunately, like with the finest things in life, the majority of TFTP servers are free. The one from SolarWinds is the one we suggest.

Launch the TFTP server after installation.

TFTP by default uses c:\TFTP-Root as the root directory and UDP port 69. Although you can modify the root directory by selecting File -> Configure and then Storage, we'll keep it in its current state for the sake of this discussion.

Next, download Polycom's suggested firmware. Check your documentation twice to make sure you have the latest version, and check the bootrom version on your phone right now.

When a phone boots up for the first time, code known as bootrom runs and the firmware is actually executed. Newer firmware may not always work with older bootrom versions, thus before updating from Polycom, make sure to RTFM (Google it if you're not familiar with it) to avoid becoming stuck in a boot loop. Fortunately, the appropriate bootrom file for the requested firmware version ought to be sent to you.

The TFTP server window's bottom indicates the location of the TFTP root directory, where you should extract the contents you downloaded. To prevent any issues, confirm that both the bootrom file and the firmware files are present in the root directory.

Additionally, you'll see that there are split and combined download options. combined is a single firmware that works with several different phone types and is widely acknowledged. The firmware has been divided by phone models for each division. Because the files are significantly smaller, the split will load more quickly.

Finally, set up your Polycom phone so that it can connect to the TFTP server:

1.When prompted, plug in your Polycom IP phone and hit the SETUP button to halt the auto-boot procedure.

2.When asked, enter the password 456.

3.Choose the server menu by swiping down.

4.Change the type of server to "Trivial FTP."

5.Modify the IP address of the computer hosting the TFTP server to match the server address.

6.Close both the setup and server menus.

7.When the phone asks you to save and restart, click OK.

8.The phone will restart itself, go through the auto-boot procedure once more, and then sho

9."Uploading Bootrom" on the screen.

10.Along with the firmware and bootrom files being uploaded to the phone, you will also notice verification on the TFTP server.

11.Following the phone's boot cycle, a welcome screen will momentarily appear.

Using the DHCP option 66 method:

Certain devices read DHCP option 66 as a pointer when they obtain their IP address details. You can avoid having to manually set the TFTP server address in each phone you are upgrading by configuring option 66 in your DHCP server to the IP address of the TFTP server.

It is possible for many phones to upgrade simultaneously, however the process may take significantly longer if you are using the merged firmware.

Remember that you should keep these file transactions on your local network because TFTP is a very unsafe protocol.