Introduction
This document explains how DHCP Options—especially Option 43 and its Grandstream-specific sub-options—are used to automatically provision, configure, and manage Grandstream routers, switches, access points, and VoIP devices.
Each section gives:
- A simple explanation of the option
- The use case
- How to configure it (ASCII + Hex examples)
Routers support ASCII, Hex, and IP Address formats.
Switches support ASCII only.
Option 43 – Grandstream Sub-Options
DHCP Option 43 is commonly used by vendors, including Grandstream, to deliver device-specific configuration parameters during IP assignment.
Different sub-options map to different features, such as ACS, VLAN assignment, Manager discovery, or firmware paths.
| Sub-Option | Purpose | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ACS URL | TR-069/ACS server address for device auto-provisioning |
| 2 | Provisioning Code | Identifies provider-specific profiles |
| 66 | Firmware Server | URL for device firmware upgrades |
| 132 | VLAN ID | Assigns VLAN tag to compatible phones/APs |
| 133 | VLAN Priority | Assigns 802.1Q priority value |
| 223 | Manager (Non-AP) | Discovery for routers/switches |
| 224 | Manager (AP) | Discovery for AP devices |
| 245 | Management VLAN | AP management VLAN assignment |
| 246 | AP Mode | Switches Grandstream routers between Router/AP mode |
Sub-Option 1 ACS URL
What it does:
Provides the TR-069/ACS server address that devices should connect to for remote provisioning and management.
Typical use case:
APs or phones inside a VLAN should automatically register with an ACS platform.
Example ACS URL:
http://ump.avsystem.cloud:10301/cloudacs/grandstream
ASCII Example:
Insert URL directly.
Hex Example:
01:34:68:74:74:70:3A:2F:2F:75:6D:70:2E:61:76:73:79:73:74:65:6D:2E:63:6C:6F:75:64:3A:31:30:33:30:31:2F:63:6C:6F:75:64:61:63:73:2F:67:72:61:6E:64:73:74:72:65:61:6D:FF
Sub-Option 2 Provisioning Code
What it does:
Identifies the service provider profile that the ACS should apply to the device.
Typical use case:
A phone or HT device sends its Provisioning Code to ACS, which assigns provider-specific settings.
Example value:
Grandstream
ASCII Example:
Grandstream
Hex Example:
02:0E:67:72:61:6E:64:74:72:65:61:6D:74:65:73:74:FF
Sub-Option 66 Firmware Server Path
What it does:
Specifies the firmware server URL that devices should use for upgrades.
Typical use case:
Large deployments where phones/APs must auto-update via a DHCP-provided server.
Example Firmware URL:
http://192.168.120.249/new/
ASCII Example:
Insert the string directly.
Hex Example:
42:1B:68:74:74:70:3A:2F:2F:31:39:32:2E:31:36:38:2E:31:32:30:2E:32:34:39:2F:6E:65:77:2F:FF
Sub-Option 132 VLAN ID
What it does:
Assigns a VLAN ID to Grandstream phones/APs using DHCP.
Use case:
Phones automatically join the designated voice VLAN when they boot.
Example value:
10
ASCII Example:
10
Hex Example:
84:02:31:30:FF
Sub-Option 133 VLAN Priority
What it does:
Specifies the 802.1Q priority level (0–7) for QoS.
Use case:
Phones require both VLAN ID + Priority to obtain a VLAN IP.
Example value:
5
ASCII Example:
5
Hex Example:
85:01:35:FF
Combined VLAN ID + VLAN Priority (in one line):
84:02:31:30:85:01:35:FF
Sub-Option 223 Manager Server (Non-AP Devices)
What it does:
Allows Grandstream routers and switches to automatically register with the Grandstream Manager platform.
Use case:
Routers and switches appear in Manager without manual adoption.
Example server:
192.168.202.89:8443
ASCII Example:
192.168.202.89:8443
Hex Example:
DF:13:31:39:32:2E:31:36:38:2E:32:30:32:2E:38:39:3A:38:34:34:33:FF
Sub-Option 224 Manager Server (AP Devices)
What it does:
Same as Sub-Option 223 but specifically for APs.
Use case:
APs automatically register with the Manager for centralized monitoring.
Example server:
192.168.202.89:10014ASCII Example:
192.168.202.89:10014
Hex Example:
E0:14:31:39:32:2E:31:36:38:2E:32:30:32:2E:38:39:3A:31:30:30:31:34:FF
Sub-Option 245 AP Management VLAN
What it does:
Assigns a management VLAN to a Grandstream access point.
Use case:
AP boots, receives VLAN information, and obtains an IP from the management VLAN.
Example value:
vlan:10
ASCII Example:
vlan:10
Hex Example:
F5:07:76:6C:61:6E:3A:31:30:FF
Sub-Option 246 AP Mode Switch
What it does:
Switches a Grandstream router between Router Mode and AP Mode.
Use case:
In multi-router environments, some devices should operate only as APs.
Possible values:
0= Router mode1= AP mode
Example value:
1
ASCII Example:
1
Hex Example:
F6:01:31:FF
Custom Sub-Options (Flexible Configuration)
What it does:
Allows configuration of features that do not map to predefined sub-options.
Use case:
Custom upgrade paths or special provisioning mechanisms.
Example: AP upgrade inside a VLAN
B.http://172.16.0.211/AP_Version/1.0.25.5/
Here:
- “B” is ASCII for Option 66
Other Common DHCP Options
These are not part of Option 43, but they can be included in this document since they can be often used for mass provisioning.
Option 2: Time Offset
What it does:
Sets the time zone offset (in seconds).
Use case:
Phones will adopt the time zone configured by the DHCP server/UCM.
Example:
Offset for -3 hours:
-10800
Option 42: NTP Server Address
What it does:
Provides the NTP server address for time synchronization.
Use case:
Phones sync time with UCM or central NTP.
Example:
192.168.20.29
Option 3: Default Gateway
What it does:
Specifies the default gateway for a VLAN.
Use case:
PCs or devices inside VLAN 10 should use a specific gateway.
Example:
192.168.10.10
Supported Devices
Device type | Models supported |
Routers | GWN7062 |
GWN7052(F) | |
GWN7001/GWN7002/GWN7003 | |
GWN7062E/GWN7062ET | |
Layer 3 Switches | GWN7800 Pro Series |
GWN7801(P) / GWN7802(P) / GWN7803(P) | |
GWN7806(P) | |
GWN7811(P) / GWN7812P / GWN7813(P) | |
GWN7816(P) | |
GWN7821P / GWN7822P | |
GWN7830 / GWN7831 / GWN7832 | |
Convergence devices | GCC6010 |
GCC6010W | |
GCC6011 | |
GCC6020 | |
GCC6021 |