Cisco 7940 Will Make Calls but Not Receive Them

[solarmainframe]

Hello,
I recently downloaded the Debian install of 3CX and tried provisioning a Cisco 7940. I understand that this phone is not supported anymore, but hopefully someone could help me out in terms of provisioning it. I don't have a DHCP server (this is a simple home router setup), but I found a setting on the 7940 called "TFTP Server" where you could type in an address instead of it trying to receiving the IP from a nonexistent DHCP server. This did not change anything, as the files I had stored on my server were never accessed by the phone during the boot-up process. I then found a method in which you could type authentication method directly into the phone instead of by sending the configuration file. This was painful, but it did work (partially) because I can make calls successfully from the handset. The issue starts when I receive a call. Since the phone is not formally provisioned 3CX assumes that it should go directly to voicemail. My phone does work, but, as previously stated, is not formally provisioned. Is there a way to dupe my 3CX install into thinking that it is provisioned so calls can go through? Or, as a better solution, what do you recommend for trying to reconfigure the phone?

Thank you,
solarmainframe

 

[cobaltit]

Provisioning has nothing to do with voicemail. The phone is not registered which is why it is going to voicemail. But save yourself some time and get a phone off the supported list. The entry level phones can be had for less than $50. I'm assuming your time is worth something.

 

[solarmainframe]

I'd really just prefer to get this one working.

 

[jcostlow]

Might be easier to just designate a computer/server as the DHCP server to handle DHCP. If you don't have a windows server box that can have the role you can try using http://www.dhcpserver.de/cms/

 

[leejor]

Most home routers have DHCP, but not all are able to tell the set the IP of a tftp server (DHCP option 66) to download the configuration file.

https://www.3cx.com/sip-phones/cisco-7940g-7960g/

 

[JohnS_3CX]

Hi @solarmainframe

Those phones have specific needs, and the environment you deployed it in does not meet them.

a) You need a TFTP Server -> This gives the provisioning files and firmware to the phone

b) You need a DHCP Server -> This tells the phone where to find a)

If you can provide an environment where you control the DHCP server, then it's definitely doable and you can provision them automatically at startup. Otherwise, you will have better luck with something newer that supports plug and play provisioning (recommended).

 

[leejor]

The Pumpkin tftp server is the one that has been recommended, for a while by 3CX. It can be run on any PC on your network, for the duration required. It does not have to be running, once the set is provisioned unless changes are required.

https://www.3cx.com/sip-phones/tftp-server/

If you require a router that can be set to for the DHCP option 66, you might want to look into provisioning one with DD-WRT software. It can be uploaded to many (older) routers, that can be found at thrift shops and the like. If you want more info on the subject you can PM me.
It is all going to depend on how much effort you are willing to expend on getting these sets working.

I did a 7940, 7941,7960 and 7961 a few years ago, because I was given the sets, and it was an interesting exercise, but they have all been packed away now.. They work fine, to an extent, but there are many newer sets, for a low price, that are easier to work with, and offer more flexibility.