Understanding the Firmware Update Process

Oct 13, 2025 by pynkocean.com 119 views

Introduction

The OBi (Open Business Internet) is a series of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) devices that were popular among VoIP enthusiasts and small businesses. However, the OBi was discontinued by its manufacturer, Obihai Technology, in 2017. Despite its discontinuation, many users still rely on their OBi devices for their VoIP needs. One of the common issues that users face is updating their OBi firmware, which often requires an XML file. In this article, we will explore the possibility of locally hosting the update and changing the current path to a locally hosted XML file.

Understanding the Firmware Update Process

Before we dive into the details of locally hosting the update, it's essential to understand the firmware update process for the OBi device. The firmware update process typically involves downloading an XML file from the manufacturer's website or a third-party source. The XML file contains the necessary instructions for updating the device's firmware.

In your case, you have a VVX150 device that requires a firmware update from an XML file. You have also mentioned that you have the latest SIP.ld file that was available. However, you are unsure about the contents of the XML file that was previously hosted at the link address https://storage.googleapis.com/voice-deskphone/polycom/6-3-1-0.

Locally Hosting the Update

Locally hosting the update involves hosting the XML file on your own server or device, rather than downloading it from a third-party source. This approach can be beneficial in several ways:

Improved security: By hosting the update locally, you can ensure that the XML file is not tampered with or modified during the download process.
Reduced latency: Locally hosting the update can reduce the latency associated with downloading the file from a third-party source.
Customization: You can customize the XML file to suit your specific needs, which can be particularly useful if you have a unique configuration or requirement.

To locally host the update, you will need to:

Host the XML file: You will need to host the XML file on your own server or device. You can use a web server such as Apache or Nginx to host the file.
Update the XML file path: You will need to update the XML file path in the OBi device's configuration to point to the locally hosted XML file.

Updating the XML File Path

To update the XML file path, you will need to modify the XML file that is currently hosted on the OBi device. You can do this by:

Accessing the OBi device's web interface: You will need to access the OBi device's web interface by navigating to its IP address in a web browser.
Navigating to the firmware update section: You will need to navigate to the firmware update section of the web interface.
Modifying the XML file path: You will need to modify the XML file path to point to the locally hosted XML file.

Example XML File Path

Here is an example of how you might update the XML file path in the OBi device's configuration:

<firmware>
    <file>https://example.com/obi-firmware.xml</file>
</firmware>

In this example, the XML file path has been updated to point to a locally hosted XML file hosted at the URL https://example.com/obi-firmware.xml.

Conclusion

Locally hosting the update and updating the XML file path can be a useful approach for updating your OBi device's firmware. By hosting the XML file on your own server or device, you can improve security, reduce latency, and customize the update process to suit your specific needs. We hope that this article has provided you with the information and guidance you need to successfully update your OBi device's firmware.

Troubleshooting Tips

Here are some troubleshooting tips that you can use if you encounter any issues during the update process:

Check the XML file path: Ensure that the XML file path is correct and points to the locally hosted XML file.
Check the XML file contents: Ensure that the XML file contents are correct and contain the necessary instructions for updating the device's firmware.
Check the OBi device's configuration: Ensure that the OBi device's configuration is correct and allows for the update process to proceed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions that you may have about locally hosting the update and updating the XML file path:

Q: Can I use any web server to host the XML file? A: Yes, you can use any web server to host the XML file. However, ensure that the web server is configured correctly and allows for the XML file to be accessed by the OBi device.
Q: Can I customize the XML file to suit my specific needs? A: Yes, you can customize the XML file to suit your specific needs. However, ensure that the XML file contents are correct and contain the necessary instructions for updating the device's firmware.
Q: Can I use a third-party source to host the XML file? A: Yes, you can use a third-party source to host the XML file. However, ensure that the third-party source is reliable and allows for the XML file to be accessed by the OBi device.
OBi Local Updates that Require an XML File: Q&A =====================================================

Q: What is the purpose of the XML file in the OBi device's firmware update process?

A: The XML file contains the necessary instructions for updating the device's firmware. It provides the OBi device with the information it needs to download and install the new firmware.

Q: Can I use any web server to host the XML file?

A: Yes, you can use any web server to host the XML file. However, ensure that the web server is configured correctly and allows for the XML file to be accessed by the OBi device.

Q: Can I customize the XML file to suit my specific needs?

A: Yes, you can customize the XML file to suit your specific needs. However, ensure that the XML file contents are correct and contain the necessary instructions for updating the device's firmware.

Q: Can I use a third-party source to host the XML file?

A: Yes, you can use a third-party source to host the XML file. However, ensure that the third-party source is reliable and allows for the XML file to be accessed by the OBi device.

Q: What are the benefits of locally hosting the update?

A: Locally hosting the update can provide several benefits, including:

Improved security: By hosting the update locally, you can ensure that the XML file is not tampered with or modified during the download process.
Reduced latency: Locally hosting the update can reduce the latency associated with downloading the file from a third-party source.
Customization: You can customize the XML file to suit your specific needs, which can be particularly useful if you have a unique configuration or requirement.

Q: How do I update the XML file path in the OBi device's configuration?

A: To update the XML file path, you will need to:

Access the OBi device's web interface: You will need to access the OBi device's web interface by navigating to its IP address in a web browser.
Navigating to the firmware update section: You will need to navigate to the firmware update section of the web interface.
Modifying the XML file path: You will need to modify the XML file path to point to the locally hosted XML file.

Q: What are some common issues that I may encounter during the update process?

A: Some common issues that you may encounter during the update process include:

XML file path errors: Ensure that the XML file path is correct and points to the locally hosted XML file.
XML file contents errors: Ensure that the XML file contents are correct and contain the necessary instructions for updating the device's firmware.
OBi device configuration errors: Ensure that the OBi device's configuration is correct and allows for the update process to proceed.

Q: Can I use a different type of file for the firmware update?

A: Yes, you can use a different type of file for the firmware update. However, ensure that the file is in a format that is compatible with the OBi device and contains the necessary instructions for updating the device's firmware.

Q: How do I troubleshoot issues with the firmware update process?

A: To troubleshoot issues with the firmware update process, you can:

Check the XML file path: Ensure that the XML file path is correct and points to the locally hosted XML file.
Check the XML file contents: Ensure that the XML file contents are correct and contain the necessary instructions for updating the device's firmware.
Check the OBi device's configuration: Ensure that the OBi device's configuration is correct and allows for the update process to proceed.

Q: Can I use a third-party tool to assist with the firmware update process?

A: Yes, you can use a third-party tool to assist with the firmware update process. However, ensure that the tool is compatible with the OBi device and does not interfere with the update process.

Q: How do I ensure that the firmware update process is successful?

A: To ensure that the firmware update process is successful, you can:

Verify the XML file path: Ensure that the XML file path is correct and points to the locally hosted XML file.
Verify the XML file contents: Ensure that the XML file contents are correct and contain the necessary instructions for updating the device's firmware.
Verify the OBi device's configuration: Ensure that the OBi device's configuration is correct and allows for the update process to proceed.

Conclusion

Locally hosting the update and updating the XML file path can be a useful approach for updating your OBi device's firmware. By hosting the XML file on your own server or device, you can improve security, reduce latency, and customize the update process to suit your specific needs. We hope that this Q&A article has provided you with the information and guidance you need to successfully update your OBi device's firmware.