5.3.2 TFTP Root Storage

What Is TFTP?

The Trivial File Transfer Protocol is a very simple file transfer protocol, containing just basic FTP functions. The TFTP works over the connectionless UDP protocol. A single file can only be transferred through one connection. A single packet is only present in the network during communication. Having sent a packet, the program waits for confirmation and only then sends another one. Due to such simplification, the protocol provides just a low transmission rate to lines with a high latency. The TFTP uses port 69.

It has some restrictions and differences compared with the FTP:

  1. Directories cannot be browsed through.
  2. No user login and/or password entering is possible.
  3. Can be used for data reading and/or remote writing only.
  4. Supports the following three different transfer modes:
    1. netascii – for an ASCII text with modifications from the Telnet protocol
    2. octet – for raw binary 8–bit data
    3. mail – for e-mail sending; this mode should not be used any longer
  5. The maximum size of the file to be transferred is 32 MB.

TFTP in 2N® NetStar

In 2N® NetStar, the TFTP storage is used as a root directory for the TFTP server where the files provided by the TFTP server (which is part of every 2N® NetStar unit) to TFTP clients are located. The typical TFTP client is an IP phone, which requests configuration, a phone directory or new firmware from the TFTP server. The TFTP server searches this directory and provides the file, if found, to the client. 

Using TFTP in 2N® NetStar

The TFTP is used for downloading the following files from 2N® NetStar:

  1. gs_phonebook.xml, which contains the GrandStream compatible  phone book. Set the source phone directory in the SIP phonebooks menu.
  2. tftpPhoneBook.xml, which contains the 2N® StarPoint IP Txx compatible phone book. Set the source phone directory in the SIP phonebooks menu .
  3. y0000000000xx.cfg and <MAC_address>.cfg, plus  contactData1.xml, which contain the configuration and phone directory, respectively, for the 2N® StarPoint IP Txx phones.
  4. hipv-common.xml and hipv-MAC_address.xml configuration files for the 2N® Helios IP Vario intercom.

Configuration

The context menu provides the following options:

  • Refresh – refresh the root storage for updated view.
  • Delete – remove a file from the root storage.
  • Rename – rename a file within the root storage.
  • Add file – add a PC file to the root storage.
  • Save file – save a root storage file into your PC.
  • The meanings of the table columns are as follows:
  • Name – display the file name within the root storage.
  • Size – display the size of the file added.
  • Changed – display the date and time of the last file update.
  • Attributes – display additional information on the file.

Example for 2N® StarPoint IP T28

Log in to the telephone web interface (default login data: admin, admin) and move to the Phone directory tab. Here select the Remote phone directory middle link in the upper part. Enter the following string into one of the fields: tftp://PBX_IP_address/tftpPhoneBook.xml. Save the data. Go to the Users – Phone directories – SIP phone directories menu in 2N® NetStar and select the phone directory source. Now push the directory access button on your phone to download the directory from the PBX.