Polycom 321 connection issues

[cameronPerth]

We are looking at upgrading our pbx to 3CX and I've been playing around with the software on a new VM (hosted on a Public IP Address). Last night I configured one of our spare trunks with MNF and got it working with a SPA112 ATA adaptor, however, I'm having difficulties connecting to the server using a Polycom Soundpoint phone.

On our current FreePBX box, the Policom phones connect as soon as we changed the IP back to the existing server however as soon as the IP address to 3CX server, we can't connect.

I've tripled check the passwords, tried the Authentication ID and the extension # as well as tested it on the SPA 112 (note it works). Just having trouble trying to get it working on a SIP phone. Any ideas on what I can try?

 

[cobaltit]

Yes you can try a supported phone like Yealink

If you insist on this path you should read the guide for this phone:

https://www.3cx.com/sip-phones/polycom-soundpoint-450-550-560-650-670/

Basically that phone isn't supported as a remote phone unless using a VPN. There's a number of issues that can prevent connection but since it sounds like you are manually provisioning your phone I would assume you one of following:

• Uncheck the box 'Disallow use of extension from outside the LAN' for that extension. This would be evident in the activity log
• IP is blacklisted. Remove from the blacklist and white list the public IP the phone is trying from
• Change the auth id to match the extension number. 3CX will complain but some phones don't like the complex alphanumeric SIP IDs 3CX generates by default.

 

[StefanW]

I think the setup you try is not compatible with your devices and 3CX needs to be on-premis.

https://www.3cx.com/sip-phones/polycom-soundpoint-450-550-560-650-670/

Limitations
Note that these phones can not be used from a remote location or in combination with a 3CX in the cloud.

Known limitations of Polycom 321, 331, 335, 450, 550, 560, 650 & 670 are:

1. No PnP Support
2. No STUN Support
3. No SBC Support
4. No Full CTI Support (Make Call Only)
5. BLF Functionality (on applicable models)

• No Extension Monitoring
• No Shared Parking Orbit
• No Speed Dial

1. Manual DST Support
2. No Distinctive Ringing for external, queues or ivrs

 

[cameronPerth]

I did follow that Polycom link before posting here but, no luck.

So much for Elastix been brought out by 3CX. If I go out and buy a Snom phone, are they compatible with 3CX cloud version?

 

[Saqqara]

Any support phones that has SBC or Stun are capable with hosted 3BC - https://www.3cx.com/sip-phones/

For 2 or 3 phones, you can get away with configuring the phone using stun

For more, than you need a SBC server - https://www.3cx.com/docs/3cx-tunnel-session-border-controller/

https://www.3cx.com/docs/3cx-tunnel-session-border-controller/

https://www.3cx.com/docs/3cx-tunnel-session-border-controller/

 

[cameronPerth]

The more the reason why I am starting to stick to my Elastix Distro now. I realize 3cx is aimed towards the commercial sector however, the system has never failed me in years. I just thought to see what's out there and swapping over is looking to be an expensive exercise for something that is not a need.

 

[cobaltit]

Well it looks like your current Elastix solution is on-premise judging by the comment that 3CX is hosted with a public IP. A on-premise 3CX would work with the Polycom 321 phones just fine. And I wouldn't say 3CX is expensive if it's simply a matter of buying better supported phones. The Polycom 321 phones were/are more expensive than many 3CX supported phones so if anything it's likely cheaper than when you started with Elastix.

 

[cameronPerth]

Nope, my Elastix solution is hosted in a rack in a data center on a VM.

 

[cobaltit]

Ahh ok. You mentioned a public IP with the 3CX trial but just said when you switched back to Elastix. Anyways it doesn't sound like you are using any provisioning tools for Elastix if you are just changing the IP back and forth then it should work if you check the items I mentioned. Otherwise stick with Elastix. Nothing wrong with that product and 3CX is not for everyone.

 

[cameronPerth]

Nope, I can provision my Polycom321 from my Elastix box.

I spun up another VM to try 3CX. I also host in the DC due to a limitation in the upload speeds - NBN has kind of fixed this but mainly power issues. At the moment, we're running 4g at our office due to no physical phone line. Our provider has blocked normal 5060 SIP Port but I have found a way to bypass the block not to mention that the provider also runs CGNAT. All working fine for the past 7 years.

I also have extensions running at home so I can work from home if needed and the features I use with Elastix. If I move over to 3CX, I will need to pay for the features that is not included in the FREE edition.

Just a pity that a great piece of software was chewed up by another company who decided to discontinue it.