Back to Blog
Tech

snom button mode to the rescue

Published on:

May 2, 2018

Addressing a challenge with LDAP, VoIP phones lack the ability to write new contacts to the address book. For users of snom phones, a solution involves utilizing the snom button mode, specifically the "keyevent" mode with the F_ADR_BOOK parameter. This configuration enables users to add phone numbers directly from the phone keyboard, bypassing the need for PBX login and web interface use. This versatile approach can also be applied to other functions and is similarly available for Grandstream, HTek, and Yealink phones.

Asad Khan

One problem with LDAP is VoIP phones have no way of writing a new contact to the address book. LDAP is a very powerful protocol, but it seems VoIP phones don’t use it to write an address book entry. If I’m wrong please let me know - I’d be happy to know about it.

We had a customer using snom phones who needed a simpler way for users to add phone numbers right from the phone keyboard, without logging into the PBX and using the web interface. We saw two possibilities for this: the first would be to use the snom XML and program a small application to collect user input and send it back to the PBX; the second would be to use the local phone address book along with the LDAP address book.

The problem with the XML solution is it would be usable only from the snom phones and would obviously require changes in the PBX.

Using the phone address book is a lot easier and is even possible without making any changes in the PBX. We actually already have a "backup mode" for snom phones - we can set anything we want in the button configuration of the phone. By using the "keyevent" mode with the F_ADR_BOOK parameter, we can set the phone to call up the address book when a user presses a specific button.

This seems to be the easiest solution for now. The beauty of it is it can also be used for other functions; the list of available functions on the phones is quite lengthy.

P.S. We have similar modes also for Grandstream, HTek phones and Yealink phones. 

Latest Articles

View All
Tech

Cisco IP Phone Series 6800, 7800 and 8800 with the Vodia PBX

Cisco IP Phone Series 6800, 7800, and 8800 devices running Multiplatform (MPP / 3PCC) firmware can be used with the Vodia PBX in SIP-based environments. Supported models span entry-level, mid-range, and advanced devices commonly deployed in enterprise and service provider scenarios. Cisco-provided MPP firmware is used, with firmware versions and upgrades managed through the PBX after initial onboarding, supporting both on-premises and cloud deployments.

February 19, 2026
Editorial

Sonic: Music on Hold and the Vodia PBX

Music on Hold plays an important role in how callers experience wait times and perceive service quality. With Vodia PBX Version 70, we’ve enhanced Music on Hold to deliver neutral, calming, high-quality audio that reassures callers while they wait. These improvements, combined with flexible streaming options, emergency messaging, and full support for cloud and on-premises multi-tenant environments, help businesses reduce dropped calls and create a more positive caller experience before an agent ever answers.

February 17, 2026
Editorial

Open Source PBX vs Commercial PBX: What You’re Really Managing

Organizations often start with an open source PBX for flexibility, but as systems move from initial setup to daily operations, the real cost becomes management, maintenance, and long-term reliability. This article explores the difference between building a PBX stack from frameworks and running a commercial, integrated PBX platform, focusing on operational complexity, security responsibility, upgrades, and ongoing maintenance. It explains how a purpose-built PBX shifts the burden from continuous engineering to stable operation, helping teams prioritize clarity, control, and scalability as requirements grow.

February 12, 2026