2N Automation: Wake on LAN

We recently set up our 2N IP Vario to wake up our computers when we scan our key fobs to enter the office. This means that our employee’s computers are switched on and ready to go before they even arrive at their desk.

We did this by writing a web app which uses the ‘Wake on LAN’ protocol, this was then added to 2N’s automation feature. ‘Wake On LAN’ is an existing protocol supported by many desktop computers.

Once a user scans their key fob on the IP Vario it then sends a HTTP request to our web app that includes the id of the key fob. The app then finds which user has scanned into the building by looking up the id of the key fob which was used and finds the associated user. With the username, the app then looks up the mac address for that user’s computer which calls Wake On LAN to broadcast a magic packet across the network. If the PC has power but is not turned on the computer will then boot.

Here is an example of the config we set up in our IP Vario’s automation:

<automation><row><name>Event.CardEntered</name><value>Card=valid;</value></row><row><name>Action.SendHttpRequest</name><value>Event=1; Uri=http://webapp.provu.co.uk?Id=$(1.Card)</value></row></automation>

Discover Sennheiser’s Best-in-Class Warranty


 

It’s a situation we all hope will never occur, but on occasion, we know faulty goods arise and have to be returned. With Sennheiser‘s best-in-class warranty, returns couldn’t be simpler – thanks to their no quibble guarantee items are replaced with brand new products within 24 hours (subject to availability).

Why do Sennheiser offer a best-in-class returns policy?

  • Supplied with a 2-year warranty as standard (3 years with the Century headset range), Sennheiser is so convinced of the quality and durability of their products they offer a best-in-class warranty. With a return rate of less than 1% they have good reason to be confident in the quality of their products!
  • Sennheiser realise that you have better things to do with your time so we work with them to make the procedure as easy as possible for you.

    • Discover more about the Sennheiser Range!

Introducing the New Sangoma Vega 60G Gateway


 

We are pleased to announce the launch of the new Sangoma Vega 60G analogue/BRI media gateway. With new updated features, the Vega 60G enables you to seamlessly connect existing VoIP and PSTN networks together without the need to change your infrastructure.

Ideal for a variety of applications, the Vega 60G supports up to 8 analogue ports or 4 BRI* lines, plus with TR-069 support, Service Providers are able to manage their gateways remotely.

Provided with a 1 year manufacturer’s warranty as standard, you can also purchase an extended hardware warranty to protect your investment. Contact a member of the ProVu Sales Team to find out more.

*Please note, BRI gateways are currently under testing and will be available to purchase soon.

Find out more about the New Vega 60G Gateways

Top 5 Reasons to Choose Snom


 

1. Return on Investment
Snom products are German engineered and are renowned for their quality, resilience and durability. This ensures our customers have reliable products that they can depend on, in fact, some customers are still using Snom products 10 years on from their original purchase and they are still operating to the same high standards.

2. Industry Leading Software
Snom set the standard when it comes to software, all of their desk phones are based on the same software which ensures ease of use in a mixed model environment and reduces support and upgrade costs for your business – This is something competing vendors are still trying to replicate to this day.

3. Personalisation
Snom enables you to customise your devices through their development tool, Snom io. Imagine creating a specific app for your desk phone to enhance productivity in your office, this could save you both time and money.

4. VTech Relationship
Snom and VTech’s relationship provides Snom with greater knowledge around the DECT space and further funding for continued development within its existing range and other areas of IP end points. Watch this space for new exciting products within the Snom portfolio!

5. Easy to access Support
Snom has UK representatives who are on hand to support their reseller population with training,
demos, technical assistance and even support reseller partners win new opportunities.

Discover the Snom Range

Special Offers from 2N

Check out our new special offers from 2N, available until the end of the year!

A FREE security licence with every 2N Helios IP Force
2N’s security licence provides access to advanced features and standards that protect against threats in both cyberspace and daily use. Simply contact us when you order a 2N IP Force before the end of the year and we will include the security licence for free!


Help during your first installation of 2N Access Unit or 2N Access Commander
Installing new products can be a little daunting, that’s why 2N are offering you free remote assistance on your first installation of either the 2N Access Unit or Access Commander software. Register from now until the end of the year to schedule your remote assistance appointment!

Full factory reset on Vega 3050G

The new Vega 3050G gateway uses a different method for performing a full factory reset than other gateways.  This was called a “config clear” on other gateways.

Important

Before doing this make sure you have backed up the license key from the Vega as you will need to manually restore it afterwards.  Without this, the Vega will only process a couple of calls at a time.

Instructions on how to get the license key can be found here:

https://wiki.sangoma.com/display/VG/Factory+Reset

If you cannot do this for some reason (such as not knowing the admin password) then you will need to raise a support request with us and tell us the serial number of the unit.  But be aware, we have to then request the key from Sangoma and this can take a business day.  If your gateway is  being used, wait for the license key before doing the reset.

How-to

Connect a serial console cable to the Vega, instructions can be found in the link above.

With the console cable still connected, remove the power cable from the Vega.  Get ready to start pressing the enter key on your keyboard, put the power cable back in and immediately start pressing the enter key on your keyboard.

You should see the uboot prompt on the screen:

U-Boot#

At this point, enter these commands one by one (pressing enter each each one) to action the reset:

sf probe

sf erase 0x70000 0x90000

boot

The Vega will now reboot with all factory settings including network and password settings.

Note: be very careful to type those commands in correctly, the 2nd one is erasing a section of the flash memory, getting the numbers wrong could damage your Vega gateway.

Lastly, restore your license key using the instructions found in the link above.

 

 

Comms Vision 2017

We recently sponsored the annual Comms Vision Conference in Gleneagles. Established in 2006, Comms Vision is one of the leading destinations for the UK’s major Channel Partners. It prides itself on providing a challenging and thought-provoking environment, helping industry professionals define future strategies, new technologies and opportunities.

2017 marked ProVu’s sponsor debut and it most certainly did not disappoint! Our Managing Director, Darren and Sales Director, Craig thoroughly enjoyed the conference with lots of interesting seminars, meetings and even some Golf and Clay Pigeon Shooting along the way. We look forward to returning again next year and would like to say thank you to the Comms Dealer team for putting on such a fantastic event!

Here’s a short video of Darren talking about ProVu to Professional TV journalist, Bridgid Nzekwu at the event.

Konftel Webinar: SMART CONFERENCING – Combine Networks & Applications

Have you explored the latest trends in conferencing? Konftel invites you to join their upcoming webinar ‘Smart Conferencing – Combine Networks and Applications’ on Tuesday 28th November, at 11 am when Konftel’s Regional Sales Director, Jeff May will be taking a look at the latest conferencing trends and collaboration in the workplace.

Konftel’s product line allows for smoother communication across platforms by combining HD IP voice calls with Skype meetings in boardrooms and/or huddle rooms. Prepare yourself for the year ahead and register now for this free 20-minute webinar to learn how the Konftel range embraces Hybrid conferencing and IoT to meet your customers’ ever-changing requirements.

Register Now

The New Yealink W60 Package is now available!

The new Yealink W60 DECT package has arrived! Designed for small to medium-sized businesses looking for a flexible, scalable solution, the W60B DECT base features upgraded firmware with support for up to 8 DECT Handsets, up to 8 simultaneous calls and built-in Opus Codec support for a truly future-proof phone system.

Supplied as a package, the W60 comes with a W56H handset which offers up to 30 hours talk-time and up to 400 hours stand-by time. For expanding your system further, you have the option to add additional W56H or W52H handsets.

Please note: The W60B base station will be available to purchase individually from February 2018.

Discover More Here

Polycom Recovery (Resolve a Formatted File System)

If you’ve ever pressed the wrong button trying to perform a factory reset on a Polycom phone and accidentally pressed “Format File System” instead. You’ll most likely know it can be time consuming to recover the unit if you don’t have a provisioning server set up for this.

Well, you’re in luck! (Hopefully)

You should be able to use our server to download the application back on to the unit. Below is a list of all the units that can be recovered via our server.

Available for Polycom Models:

2345-12365-001.sip.ld = SoundPoint IP 331
2345-12450-001.sip.ld = SoundPoint IP 450
2345-12560-001.sip.ld = SoundPoint IP 560
3111-19000-001.sip.ld = SoundPoint IP 560
2345-12360-001.sip.ld = SoundPoint IP 321
2345-12375-001.sip.ld = SoundPoint IP 335
2345-12500-001.sip.ld = SoundPoint IP 550
2345-12600-001.sip.ld = SoundPoint IP 650
3111-30900-001.sip.ld = SoundStation IP 5000
3111-40250-001.sip.ld = VVX 101
3111-44600-001.sip.ld = VVX 600
3111-46161-001.sip.ld = VVX 310
3111-48350-001.sip.ld = VVX 311
3111-48500-001.sip.ld = VVX 501
3111-40450-001.sip.ld = VVX 201
3111-46135-002.sip.ld = VVX 300
3111-46162-001.sip.ld = VVX 410
3111-48400-001.sip.ld = VVX 401
3111-48600-001.sip.ld = VVX 601
3111-44500-001.sip.ld = VVX 500
3111-46157-002.sip.ld = VVX 400
3111-48300-001.sip.ld = VVX 301
3111-48450-001.sip.ld = VVX 411

Just follow these easy steps:

1) Connect the phone to the network (and power supply if required).

2) The phone will power up and display “starting application, press cancel to interrupt”. You need to press the “cancel” button.

3) It should then display a new screen that displays three options. “Start”, “Setup”, “About”. Press the button for “Setup” and enter the password. (by default it is 456)

4) Then it will display “provisioning server” > Press “Select” and set the “Server” type to “HTTP” > Scroll down to “Server Address” and press “Edit” and enter the following: polycom.provu.co.uk/fw/recovery/

5) Then Press “Exit” and then “Exit” again and select “Save and Reboot”.

6) Wait for the phone to reboot and contact our servers, if successful it should say something similar to “Updating XXXX-XXXXX-XXX.sip.ld, please wait”. Where X are numbers.

7) Leave the phone to download the application and wait until it boots up to the default Idle screen.

Important Note: Remember to upgrade the firmware version of the unit to the latest once the recovery has been completed. We can’t guarantee the firmware on the recovery server will be the latest.