Strange TFTP/DHCP Problem

[IPXTech]

Hey, all.

This is my problem, and it's a strange one (or, at least, one I've never run into). I've got the VoiceMail server acting as a DHCP server for about 60 stations with 5610 IP Phones. I've got the custom 176 string, and DHCP works perfect when I first plug in a phone. However, after it grabs the first firmware update, it resets, grabs a DHCP address, and then the screen goes blank and nothing happens. Occasionally, if I let the phone sit for about 5 minutes, it'll start on the 46xxsettings.txt file, get to 109KB, and then again, stop completely.

Here's the odd thing: if I set a static IP on the phone, it runs through TFTP updates perfectly. Then once all is done, I can reset back to DHCP and it works.

So, hopefully someone has run into this problem before. I really can't figure out where the issue lies. Only the DHCP setup makes sense, but it confuses me why it works initially then stops working after the first update --

Thanks in advance!

 

[l33byt1980]

Whats your 176 scope containing. Are you sure your not sending it onto another VLAN with no further settings or something silly like that.


ACA - IPOffice implement
ACA - IP Telephony
CCNA - Passed at last

 

[IPXTech]

MCIPADD=192.168.10.5,MCPORT=1719,TFTPSRVR=192.168.10.6

That's what I've got for the string. Obviously, 10.5 is the IPO, 10.6 is the TFTP server.

 

[l33byt1980]

I cant see it being this. But considering static works fine, has some one messed with the 46xx settings accidentally and that is doing some thing it should not be.

ACA - IPOffice implement
ACA - IP Telephony
CCNA - Passed at last

 

[l33byt1980]

The other thing I have been looking at my self is using something like DHCP turbo on larger IP installs so I can be in control of all my IP Office related network components,

I dont know how well these actually do work in such cases, especially when your also looking at it serving TFTP sessions as well as VM Pro.

Can you run a wire shark or something like that to see what is happening. Also are you using manager as your TFTP server or another sever?

ACA - IPOffice implement
ACA - IP Telephony
CCNA - Passed at last

 

[IPXTech]

The 46xxsettings.txt file should be default. I loaded Manager directly off Avaya's website. But I'm not sure if possibly running both DHCP and TFTP off the same server might be causing a problem? I'll try running TFTP off my laptop when I'm onsite next time to test it out.

And I tried 2 methods of TFTP.. I've tried both Manager as well as SolarWinds TFTP Server, which has been very, very reliable for me in the past. I'll see if I can monitor it a little bit more with some network utilities when I get a chance.

And one thing I did notice and I figured I'll add to it, I am able to ping the phone when it's in the 'stalled' state.

 

[TheDoz]

When using option 176 for ip phones sometimes it takes 15 minutes when first initalizing an ip phone. It will download and reboot serveral times. After the first initialization it only takes a few minutes to come up.

I was just wondering if you waited long enough for it to come up.

"The lack of money is the root of all evil"

 

[IPXTech]

It takes up to 15 minutes for the TFTP and firmware updates to finish?

I let it sit for about 15-20 minutes at one point..

However I've never had this problem before? I've had other installations where DHCP was used (however I didn't set it up) and it didn't just stall out on the updates at it is now. I know that the multiple firmware updates take a while, but I've never seen where the screen either goes blank or the 46xxsettings.txt file just stops for 10+ minutes.

 

[tlpeter]

Did you edit the 46xxsettings.txt file ?
I have seen blank screens when doing this


ACA - Implement IP Office
ACS - Implement IP Office
ACA - Voice Services Management
______________
Women and cats can do as they please and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea!

 

[Bas1234]

It must be the 46xxsettings.txt file.
Did you try to set the ip phone by hand and use your own pc as a tftp server, does it work then?!
Try to do a HOLD CLEAR#

Greetzzzz..Bas

___________________________________________
It works! Now if only I could remember what I did...
___________________________________________

 

[mattKnight]

Is the DHCP server in the same address range as the IP Office?
What is the gateway being issued (I've had wierdies when the gateway is not set or set wrong)

Eliminate that DHCP server by disabling the DHCP and turning DHCP on on the IP Office (obviously you need to set the correct values in IPO)

Try a fresh 46XX settings and 46xxUpgrade files

Take Care

Matt
If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you.

 

[IPXTech]

Thanks for the advice so far.

The 46xxsettings.txt file was not edited at all as far as I know. However I'll try re-loading this file to make sure it's not corrupt or something. Everything is on the same subnet (.10 address range), and the gateway being issued is 192.168.10.1.

I'll try using the IPO as a DHCP server, although I really, really don't like using the IPO as a DHCP server. However, I s'pose it would definitely be worth trying at least for testing purposes.

Thanks!