ping from Web UI of VVX phones running pre-6.4.0 firmware

[Voiponaught2024]

We have many older VVX phones in the files that can't be upgraded to FW 6.x (they can run up to 5.9)

I.e. VVX300 running:

UC Software Version

5.9.8.5760

I'm wondering if there's a way to run a ping/traceroute from their Web UI somehow (like some other phones that can just ping by entering 

<Phone IP>/admin/ping?<ping destination> in their Web UI)

In Firmware 6.4 this was finally added https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Desk-and-IP-Conference-Phones/Software-VVX-UC-Software-6-4-0/m-p/87983... but since we can't upgrade these older phones, I'm wondering if there's any alternate way (other than from menu which would involve customer)?

Thank you!

[M_Salman]

Hello , Welcome to the HP Poly Support Community.

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding the Poly device.

For Polycom VVX series phones, including older models such as the VVX 300 that run UC Software 5.9, you can perform network diagnostics, including ping and traceroute, through the phone's diagnostic tools. However, accessing these tools via a web interface similar to that in newer firmware versions like 6.4 is not natively supported in firmware 5.9.8.

Using the Phone's Local Interface

You can perform a network ping or traceroute using the local interface of your Polycom VVX phone. Here’s how you can do it:

Access the Phone Menu:

• On your VVX phone, navigate to Settings.

Open Diagnostics:

• Go to Status > Diagnostics > Network.

Perform a Ping:

• Select Ping.
• Enter the address you want to ping.
• Select Send to initiate the ping test.

Perform a Traceroute:

• If available, select Traceroute.
• Enter the address or IP for the traceroute.
• Start the traceroute to view the network path.

Limitations

Firmware version 5.9 does not have the enhanced web-based diagnostics that are provided in later firmware versions like 6.4, where you might access these tools via a URL path in a browser. Thus, running these diagnostic commands directly through a simple web UI command in the older firmware is unsupported.

Upgrading to a newer firmware version that supports web-based network diagnostics is recommended for better functionality if your phone hardware allows it. However, for the VVX 300 series running up to version 5.9, performing these diagnostics through the local interface is the practical approach.

Additional Information

For guidance on troubleshooting network connectivity using features present in version 6.0 and later releases, refer to the official Poly documentation or reach out to certified Poly support channels for assistance.

Sources

1. Polycom UC Software Administrator Guide -6.4
2. Polycom UC Software Administrator guide -6.0

Take care and have an amazing day!

If you would like to thank us for our efforts to help you, go to the public post and give us a virtual high-five by clicking on "Yes" for the question "Was this reply helpful?" below my message, followed by clicking on the "Accept as solution" on my public post.

Regards,

Salman

[Meghana_10]

Hi there! @Voiponaught2024,

We haven’t heard from you; this post is in reference to the thread you created on your friendly neighborhood (HP Support Community).

I would like to know if the resolution we provided worked for you.

If you have any other queries, feel free to reply at any time, and thank you for being a valuable member of our HP Family.

If you would like to thank us for our efforts to help you, go to the public post and give us a virtual high-five by clicking on "Yes" for the question "Was this reply helpful?" below my message, followed by clicking on the "Accept as solution" on my public post.

Have a great day ahead!
Regards,
Meghana 

[M_Salman]

@Voiponaught2024 , I hope this message finds you well. 
 

I wanted to follow up on the query that we discussed earlier and confirm that it has been successfully resolved.

If you still need further assistance or have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. 

We are here to assist you and provide any necessary support.

Regards,

Salman

[Voiponaught2024]

Hello, M_Salman!

Thank you for response!

I'm aware ping could be done from phone's menu, but that would involve customer's interaction thus I was looking to find out if there's a way to do it from Web UI. This feature only appeared in 6.4 (I really wish many of the useful features in this versions have been available years/decade ago!), and I was looking for an alternative.

As you know, older VVX phone models x[01]0 can't be upgraded to FW 6.x for some reason (being EOS, etc.), thus we have limited troubleshooting options with them via Web configuration utility

Could you also elaborate on "versions like 6.4, where you might access these tools via a URL path in a browser"? Is there a direct URL instead of going to Diagnostics -> ping and traceroute test?

[SteffenBaierUK]

Hello @Voiponaught2024 ,

Welcome back to the HP Poly community.

For new features to be backported to an older release, we would need a feature request etc. This is nearly impossible for End of Life products.

Have you tried using the REST API and the Screen Capture feature so you could simulate the key press remotely?

Best Regards

Steffen Baier

[Voiponaught2024]

Hi, Steffen!

Thank you for quick response.

Are you referring to https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Desk-and-IP-Conference-Phones/FAQ-REST-API/td-p/8795537 ? It seems a bit complicated/involves programming...

I get the point x[01]0 are EOL/EOS but not sure why these features haven't existed earlier, since FW 4.0 (which was a breakthrough IMO) 

[SteffenBaierUK]

Hello @Voiponaught2024 ,

I am not a product manager, so I am unsure how features are prioritized, and therefore, I cannot answer this question. It seems network providers never asked for it before, or did not put enough requests for it behind this.

It would mean a customer would have to provide access to their network for a VoIP provider.

Using ChatGPT or similar AI tools should make it relatively easy to create a PowerShell Script using a GUI, allowing you to have this up and running for your needs.

Our VoIP FAQ:

Oct 17, 2011 Question: How can I create a Screen Capture of the phone GUI?

Resolution: Please check => here <=

The above points out a tool developed by a colleague of mine called Device Operator Console. This should already allow you to do this.

Best Regards

Steffen Baier