This document provides detailed answers to the most frequently asked questions related to the Grandstream GXP21xx Enterprise IP Phone series. It covers product capabilities, installation, configuration, call handling, provisioning, security, and maintenance topics.
Product Overview & Specifications
The Enterprise IP Phone series includes the following models: GXP2130, GXP2140, GXP2160, GXP2170, and GXP2135. These models are described as state-of-the-art enterprise-grade IP phones delivering HD audio, advanced telephony features, customizable applications, automated provisioning, enhanced security, and broad interoperability with most third-party SIP devices and leading SIP/NGN/IMS platforms.
The line capacity varies per model as follows:
- GXP2130 supports up to 3 lines
- GXP2140 supports up to 4 lines
- GXP2160 supports up to 6 lines
- GXP2170 supports up to 12 lines
- GXP2135 supports up to 8 lines
All models support multiple SIP accounts mapped to line keys.
Display specifications include:
- GXP2130 & GXP2135: 2.8-inch TFT color LCD at 320×240 resolution
- GXP2140, GXP2160, GXP2170: 4.3-inch TFT color LCD at 480×272 resolution
All phones support LCD backlighting. Some models allow clock display on the status bar if VPK positions are unused.
The following models include dual-color line keys that can act as BLF/fast-dial keys:
- GXP2170 – 12 dual-color line keys, programmable up to 48 BLF/fast-dial keys
- GXP2160 – 12 dual-color line keys, programmable up to 48 BLF/fast-dial keys
- GXP2135 – 8 dual-color line keys, programmable up to 32 BLF/fast-dial keys
- GXP2130 – 8 line keys
- GXP2140 – does not list dual-color line keys but supports 24 programmable MPKs
Two models support up to 48 provisionable BLF/fast-dial keys:
- GXP2160 (via 12 dual-color programmable line keys)
- GXP2170 (also via 12 dual-color programmable line keys)
Programmable softkey counts vary:
- GXP2130 & GXP2135: 4 programmable context-sensitive softkeys
- GXP2140, GXP2160, GXP2170: 5 programmable context-sensitive softkeys
Conference capabilities are:
- 5-Way Conference: GXP2140, GXP2160, GXP2170
- 4-Way Conference: GXP2130 and GXP2135
Conference options support call park, BLA/SCA, call pickup, customizable screen behavior, and server redundancy.
The following phones include dual Gigabit network ports and integrated PoE (802.3af):
- GXP2140
- GXP2160
- GXP2170
- GXP2135
- GXP2130 also includes Gigabit ports and PoE depending on revision (v1 or v2)
EHS support exists on the following models:
- GXP2130
- GXP2135
- GXP2140
- GXP2160
- GXP2170
These models support EHS via RJ9 headset jack and require selecting Plantronics EHS mode in the Audio Control menu.
Expansion support applies to:
- GXP2140 – supports up to 4 GXP2200EXT units
- GXP2170 – supports up to 4 GXP2200EXT units
The expansion board adds 20 BLF/quick-dial keys per module, 128×384 LCD display, navigation keys, and consumes less than 1.2W per unit.
Installation, Ports & Expansion
Each GXP21xx package includes the following items: the phone main case, handset, phone cord, power adaptor, Ethernet cable, phone stand, wall mount, and a Quick Start Guide. Packaging content is consistent across the GXP2130, GXP2140, GXP2160, GXP2170, and GXP2135 models.
Available connectors include:
- RJ9 handset port
- RJ9 headset port supporting EHS with Plantronics headsets
- USB port (GXP2140/GXP2160/GXP2170 only)
- LAN 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ45 port
- PC 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ45 passthrough port
- EXT port (RJ11) for GXP2200EXT on GXP2140/GXP2170
- 12V DC power jack
These ports provide handset/headset connectivity, network access, PC passthrough, expansion modules, and power.
To attach the stand or mount:
- Align the stand or wall bracket with the slots on the back of the phone.
- Slide or lock the bracket into position.
The phone supports two angle positions and also supports wall mounting.
The LAN port on the phone connects to the RJ45 socket of a hub, switch, or LAN-side router using the supplied Ethernet cable. This connection provides network access, SIP registration, provisioning, and PoE (where supported).
If the phone is connected to a PoE (Power-over-Ethernet) switch, the external 12V DC power adapter is not required. Otherwise, the power adapter included in the package must be used. The manufacturer warns that unsupported power adapters are not covered under warranty.
When the phone is idle, the UP navigation key can be pressed to display the IP address, IP settings, MAC address, and software version. Users must then enter this IP in a web browser to access the Web GUI.
USB connectivity is supported only on GXP2140, GXP2160, and GXP2170. USB ports allow importing wallpaper files and saving packet capture data. These models also support USB headset connectivity starting from firmware version 1.0.11.35.
Both the GXP2140 and GXP2170 support up to four (4) GXP2200EXT expansion modules, adding up to 160 programmable extensions across the chained units.
To install and connect a GXP2200EXT module:
- Locate the connector plate slots on the back of the phone and module.
- Attach the connector plate between them.
- Insert and tighten the provided screws.
- Connect the EXT port using the supplied RJ11–RJ11 cable.
- Attach stands to both devices.
- Power up the GXP2140/GXP2170, after which the module boots and displays version and connection status.
Pressing and holding the LEFT button for 3–5 seconds displays status information.
Configuration is done through the Web GUI of the connected GXP2140/GXP2170. Once configured, users can browse MPK pages by pressing LEFT or RIGHT on the module. The module supports BLF, fast dial, paging, and additional VPK display modes.
Call Handling, VoIP Features & Softkeys
Users can switch audio modes by pressing the corresponding keys: the handset activates automatically when lifted, the Headset key enables headset mode, and the Speaker key activates hands-free speaker mode. The phone supports full-duplex speakerphone with advanced acoustic echo cancellation and background noise suppression, allowing seamless switching during active calls.
Each registered SIP account can be assigned to a line key, allowing users to select accounts by pressing the associated physical or virtual line key. Account-specific icons and labels display on the LCD screen, indicating active, idle, busy, or ringing status for each SIP identity. This mapping allows simultaneous account handling and multi-line call management.
Supported dialing methods include:
- Dialing via numeric keypad
- Dialing via call history lists
- Dialing using phonebook / contacts
- Dialing via LDAP directory lookup
- Dialing via BroadSoft XSI directory
- Redialing via REDIAL key
These dialing options are context-sensitive and integrated with predictive search and editable input fields.
When users begin entering numbers or letters, the phone automatically searches phonebook entries, call history records, and LDAP directories to present matching results. Users can press UP/DOWN to navigate the matched entries and press SEND to complete the call. Predictive dialing improves input efficiency and speeds up call placement.
Users can place Direct IP Calls by entering the target phone’s IP address in the dialing field. This function allows peer-to-peer communication without using a SIP server. The phone supports Quick IP Call Mode, numeric entry shortcuts, and direct communication over the LAN.
Quick IP Call mode allows users to initiate direct IP dialing using four shortcut digits instead of entering a full IP address. This feature is accessible through the dialing interface and streamlines direct LAN-based calling. It works only when phones share the same subnet.
For example:
- 192.168.0.2 calling 192.168.0.3 — dial #3 followed by # or “SEND”;
- 192.168.0.2 calling 192.168.0.23 — dial #23 followed by # “SEND”;
- 192.168.0.2 calling 192.168.0.123 — dial #123 followed by # “SEND”;
- 192.168.0.2: dial #3 and #03 and #003 results in the same call — call 192.168.0.3.
When call waiting is enabled, users can answer a second incoming call by pressing the Answer softkey. The first call is automatically placed on hold. Users can then switch between active calls using the LINE keys or navigation/softkey controls, allowing multiple concurrent call handling.
Users can turn Do Not Disturb (DND) on or off by navigating through the LCD menu options. When enabled, the phone blocks incoming calls, and callers receive a busy response. A DND icon appears on the LCD screen while the feature is active.
To perform a blind transfer, users press the BLIND TRANSFER softkey, then enter the destination number, and press SEND. The call is immediately transferred without waiting for the destination to answer. Blind transfer mode is available during active calls.
For an attended transfer, users press the ATTENDED TRANSFER softkey, dial the destination number, wait for the remote party to pick up, then confirm the transfer by pressing TRANSFER again. This method allows users to speak to the destination before completing the transfer.
Users initiate a conference by placing or answering a call, pressing the CONFERENCE softkey, dialing the next party, and pressing SEND. After the second call connects, users press CONFERENCE again to merge calls. Supported limits:
- 4-way conference: GXP2130, GXP2135
- 5-way conference: GXP2140, GXP2160, GXP2170
Conference status displays on screen, and participants can be added or removed based on phone model.
Users press the MESSAGE key to access voicemail. When multiple SIP accounts exist, a selection menu appears showing voicemail access for each registered account. The phone uses voicemail numbers provided by the SIP server and displays message waiting indicators when new voicemail is available.
Programmable Keys, BLF, VPK & Phonebook
VPKs on the GXP21xx series can be configured to perform functions such as BLF, Call Park, Call Pickup, Speed Dial/Fast Dial, Paging, Voicemail, Feature Codes, Account selection, Call Return, and additional programmable telephony features. VPKs appear on the LCD screen and can be customized per account or per call state.
Users can create additional VPK entries by navigating to the VPK menu on the LCD screen and configuring extra key positions. Dynamic VPKs allow more programmable entries than the physical key count, giving users more BLF or feature mapping flexibility. These VPKs appear as softkey-style entries and can be scrolled through on larger LCD models.
Dynamic VPKs do not support Shared Call Appearance (SCA) mode or Bridged Line Appearance (BLA) mode. These modes require fixed MPKs rather than dynamic VPK slots, meaning users must assign these functions to physical key positions instead of dynamic on-screen softkey extensions.
Users assign a key to BLF mode on a VPK or MPK, enter the monitored extension number, and associate it with the correct SIP account. BLF keys show real-time status via LED or color indicators, including idle, ringing, and busy states. BLF can also be combined with speed dial, allowing one-touch calling to monitored extensions.
When searching contacts, the phone supports two search behaviors:
- QuickMatch shows results based on partial matches as users type letters or digits.
- ExactMatch only returns entries that exactly match the search characters.
Users enter search text in the Contacts menu and scroll through results using navigation keys.
The GXP21xx series supports LDAP lookup by allowing users to query an LDAP directory when searching for contacts. LDAP entries appear alongside local contacts in the search results. The directory search can return matching names and numbers directly for dialing through the contacts interface.
Contacts stored on the phone can be categorized into whitelist or blacklist groups. Whitelisting allows permitted numbers, while blacklisting restricts or blocks numbers. These groups help manage incoming call permissions and filtering.
When connected to BroadSoft XSI, predictive dialing automatically pulls search matches from the XSI directory along with phonebook entries and call history. As users type, the phone displays matching BroadSoft directory records, allowing immediate dialing without full entry input.
A single contact entry can store multiple number fields, such as work, home, mobile, and other designated types. This allows consolidated contact management and multiple dialing options under the same name, selectable during call placement.
Users can configure VPK label visibility through the phone settings. Hiding labels provides more space for displaying additional VPK positions on the LCD. When labels are hidden, icons represent key functions, allowing more VPKs to fit on the screen at once.
Network, Provisioning, Security & Web GUI
Users access the Web GUI by obtaining the phone’s IP address (visible by pressing the UP navigation key on the idle screen), then entering that IP into a web browser. The Web GUI allows configuration of network settings, SIP accounts, security parameters, firmware, provisioning, and advanced features.
The system requires changing the default admin password to enhance device security. Until a new password is created, the phone will prompt for password update upon login. This protects against unauthorized system access and configuration tampering.
Supported standards include:
- IPv4
- Layer 2/Layer 3 QoS (802.1p, VLAN tagging, TOS/DSCP)
- 802.1x network authentication
- SRTP security
- TLS certificates
These protocols ensure secure communication, prioritized media handling, and authenticated network access.
Firmware upgrades can be performed through any of these protocols by configuring the desired server path in the Web GUI. Users may point the phone to:
- TFTP servers
- HTTP/HTTPS servers
- FTP/FTPS servers
The phone retrieves firmware from the specified location and upgrades accordingly.
Provisioning options include:
- Config file download via TFTP, HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, FTPS
- TR-069 auto-provisioning
These methods allow centralized deployment and automated configuration loading. TR-069 enables remote management by auto-configuration servers.
802.1x authentication is configured via network settings in the Web GUI, where users assign authentication modes and certificates. This feature ensures secure switch-level access control before permitting network communication.
The GXP21xx series supports multiple user interface languages including:
- Arabic
- Chinese (Simplified and Traditional)
- Croatian
- English
- French
- German
- Hebrew
- Italian
- Korean
- Polish
- Portuguese
- Spanish
- Russian
These languages apply to both the LCD menu system and the Web UI.
QoS settings can be configured in the network section of the Web GUI. Users can define Layer 2 QoS 802.1p priority, VLAN tagging, and Layer 3 QoS TOS/DSCP values to prioritize VoIP packets, improving voice quality in managed networks.
Certificate verification occurs within restricted factory-access functions. These areas require factory-level password credentials and should only be accessed when instructed by the manufacturer. Users are warned not to enter this menu without explicit guidance.
Maintenance, Reset, Safety, Warranty & Compliance
The GXP21xx series complies with required electrical and operational safety standards. The documentation specifies that users must follow safety guidelines, avoid exposing the phone to liquids, and ensure proper operating conditions. Safety instructions also emphasize avoiding installation during thunderstorms and using approved components.
The manufacturer explicitly states that the phone must be powered only with the included power adapter, unless using PoE. Using third-party or non-approved adapters is not supported under warranty. This protects the device from electrical damage and ensures compliance with voltage and amperage requirements.
You can perform a factory reset using the phone’s keypad by following these steps:
- Power cycle the phone.
- Wait until the screen displays “booting.”
- While the phone is booting, immediately press and hold Key 1 + Key 9.
- Keep holding the keys until the LCD displays the factory reset prompt or requests an admin password.
- If prompted, enter the correct admin password to confirm the factory reset.
The factory reset will then be performed and completed automatically.
If the administrator password has previously been customized, the phone will request that password when attempting a factory reset. This prevents unauthorized resets and protects device configuration integrity.
Users can navigate through the LCD menu to access the factory reset option. After selecting the reset command, the phone prompts for confirmation. Upon approval, all configuration settings are cleared and the phone restores factory defaults.
After a factory reset, the phone erases all custom settings, including SIP accounts, network parameters, directory entries, provisioning details, and user preferences. The device reboots with factory settings and must be reconfigured manually or via provisioning server.
The GXP21xx series includes a diagnostic mode that allows testing of LED indicators and keypad buttons to verify hardware function. This mode assists in troubleshooting stuck buttons, display status issues, or keypress failures.
Audio loopback mode allows users to test microphone and speaker audio by routing captured sound directly through the output. This verifies audio path performance and helps diagnose handset, headset, and speakerphone acoustic issues.
Supported environmental operating conditions include a temperature range of 0°C to 40°C and a humidity range of 10% to 90% non-condensing. These limits ensure proper electronic stability and avoid component-related damage.
If the phone was purchased through a Grandstream distributor or reseller, users must contact that reseller directly for warranty or RMA processing. If the phone was purchased directly from Grandstream, claims are handled through Grandstream support. Warranty terms vary based on purchase channel.