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[[Category:GUI manual]]
[[Category:GUI manual]]


'''This page provides answers to frequently asked questions and solutions to common issues encountered during the configuration and operation of VoIPmonitor.'''
'''Quick answers to frequently asked questions. For detailed troubleshooting, see [[Sniffer_troubleshooting|Sniffer Troubleshooting]] and [[GUI_troubleshooting|GUI Troubleshooting]].'''


== Quick Navigation ==
== Quick Navigation ==
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; margin-bottom:20px;"
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; margin-bottom:20px;"
|-
|-
! style="width:25%; background:#e6f2ff;" | General Topics
! style="width:25%; background:#e6f2ff;" | General
! style="width:25%; background:#e6ffe6;" | Configuration
! style="width:25%; background:#e6ffe6;" | Configuration
! style="width:25%; background:#fff2e6;" | Troubleshooting
! style="width:25%; background:#fff2e6;" | Licensing
! style="width:25%; background:#ffe6e6;" | Files & Compliance
! style="width:25%; background:#ffe6e6;" | Audio & Files
|-
|-
| style="vertical-align:top; padding:8px;" |
| style="vertical-align:top; padding:8px;" |
* [[#General & Scalability|Scaling]]
* [[#General_&_Architecture|Architecture]]
* [[#Licensing|Licensing]]
* [[#Platform_Support|Platform Support]]
* [[#Platform & Environment Support|Platform Support]]
* [[#CDR_View|CDR View]]
| style="vertical-align:top; padding:8px;" |
| style="vertical-align:top; padding:8px;" |
* [[#Configuration & Features|SIP Ports]]
* [[#Protocols_&_Ports|Protocols & Ports]]
* [[#Configuration & Features|IPv6]]
* [[#RTP_&_Quality_Metrics|RTP & Quality]]
* [[#Configuration & Features|DTMF]]
* [[Capture_rules|Capture Rules]]
| style="vertical-align:top; padding:8px;" |
| style="vertical-align:top; padding:8px;" |
* [[#CDR (Call Detail Record) View|CDR Issues]]
* [[#Licensing|Channels & Limits]]
* [[#Administration & Troubleshooting|Admin Tasks]]
* [[#Licensing|HWID Issues]]
* [[GUI_troubleshooting|GUI Debug]]
* [[#Licensing|License Transfer]]
* [[#Administration & Troubleshooting|Network Connectivity]]
| style="vertical-align:top; padding:8px;" |
| style="vertical-align:top; padding:8px;" |
* [[#Audio & PCAP Files|Audio/PCAP]]
* [[#Audio_&_PCAP_Files|Recording Limits]]
* [[#PCI compliance|PCI Compliance]]
* [[#Audio_&_PCAP_Files|Codec Support]]
* [[Capture_rules|Capture Rules]]
* [[#Compliance|PCI/CALEA]]
|}
|}


== General & Scalability ==
== General & Architecture ==


;How does VoIPmonitor scale for high traffic?
;How does VoIPmonitor scale for high traffic?
:For a detailed guide on performance tuning, hardware recommendations, and optimizing the three main system bottlenecks (CPU, Disk I/O, Database), please refer to our comprehensive [[Scaling|Scaling and Performance Tuning guide]].
:For hardware recommendations and optimization of CPU, Disk I/O, and Database bottlenecks, see [[Scaling|Scaling and Performance Tuning]].


;How do I manage disk space and database size?
;How do I manage disk space and database retention?
:VoIPmonitor uses separate mechanisms for cleaning PCAP files from the filesystem and CDRs from the database. For a complete walkthrough, see the [[Data_Cleaning|Data Cleaning and Retention guide]].
:See [[Data_Cleaning|Data Cleaning and Retention]] for PCAP cleanup (cleanspool) and CDR retention settings.


== CDR (Call Detail Record) View ==
;Can I run multiple GUI instances for redundancy?
:Yes. Requirements:
:* All GUIs connect to the same database
:* PCAP storage accessible via NFS/SSHFS
:* Same <code>key.php</code> license file on each GUI


;What does the small red icon in the CDR view mean?
:{{Warning|1='''CRITICAL:''' Enable the cron job on '''only ONE''' GUI instance. Multiple active cron jobs cause duplicate alerts and reports.}}
:The red icon ([[File:Cdrcolumnsredflag.png]]) indicates which party in the call sent the <code>BYE</code> message first, effectively ending the call.
:<syntaxhighlight lang="bash"># Disable on secondary GUIs:
# * * * * * root php /var/www/html/php/run.php cron</syntaxhighlight>


;How can I use regular expressions to filter calls?
;Can one GUI display data from multiple sensors?
:The filter bar in the CDR view supports regular expressions. This is useful for finding malformed or unusual data. For example, to find all calls where the caller number contains non-numeric characters, you can use a negative match:
:Yes. Use the '''Client-Server architecture''' (v20+):
:<code>!R(^[+]?[0-9]+$)</code>
:* '''Local Processing''' (<code>packetbuffer_sender=no</code>): Sensors analyze locally, send CDRs only
:* '''Packet Mirroring''' (<code>packetbuffer_sender=yes</code>): Sensors forward raw packets to central server
:See [[Sniffer_distributed_architecture|Distributed Architecture]] for full configuration.


;Why is there a delay between when a call ends and when it appears in the CDR view?
== Platform Support ==
:This delay is typically caused by the database's inability to keep up with the rate of incoming calls, creating a queue of SQL queries on the sensor. For solutions, please read:
:* [[SQL queue is growing in a peaktime]]
:* [[Minimizing Delay Between Call End and CDR Database Storage]]


;How can I enable millisecond precision for timestamps in the CDR view?
;What architectures are supported?
:By default, timestamps are stored with second precision. To enable millisecond precision, please follow the steps in this guide: [[How_to_enable_milliseconds_precision]].
:{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
;How do I search for multi-word strings in custom header fields?
! Component !! Supported !! Notes
:When searching for a multi-word string (e.g., "Normal Call Clearing") in a custom header field, the system interprets spaces as logical '''OR''' operators by default. To search for the exact multi-word string, use an underscore (<code>_</code>) as a wildcard character to represent the space.
|-
 
| Sensor || x86 (32/64-bit), ARMv7/v8 || Compile from source for ARM64
:'''Example:''' To search for "Normal Call Clearing", use:
|-
:<code>%normal_call_clearing%</code>
| GUI || x86 only || '''Not supported''' on ARM64/aarch64
 
|}
:The underscore acts as a wildcard that matches a single character (in this case, the space), while the percent (<code>%</code>) matches any number of characters before and after the phrase.
 
;Can I generate a report of concurrent calls broken down by individual source IP address?
:No, this functionality is not currently available via the GUI, the Web API, or a simple SQL query. The system can show total concurrent calls over time (in Charts > "number of calls") and can provide call summaries grouped by IP address (in Reports > Call Summary), but there is no built-in function to display concurrent calls per individual source IP over time without creating separate chart series or filters for each IP.
 
:'''Workarounds:'''
:* Use the [[Reports|Call Summary]] report to see aggregate call statistics per IP (total calls, duration, etc.)
:* Create separate series in [[Charts|Charts]] for each IP using the Filters tab (requires individual IP filters)
:* Create [[Groups|IP Groups]] to group multiple IPs and create charts per group
 
== Platform & Environment Support ==
 
;What hardware architectures does the sensor support?
:The sensor is tested and supported on '''x86 (32/64-bit)''' and '''ARMv7/v8''' architectures. If you encounter an error like <code>__sync_fetch_and_sub_8</code> on an older ARM device, you may need to upgrade your GCC compiler to version 4.8 or newer.


;Can I run VoIPmonitor on AWS?
;Can I run VoIPmonitor on AWS?
:Yes, AWS is supported. For the license check to function correctly on some Amazon Machine Images (AMIs), you may need to adjust permissions on the root device file:
:Yes. For license detection: <code>chmod 644 /dev/root</code>
:<syntaxhighlight lang="bash">chmod 644 /dev/root</syntaxhighlight>
:* '''Stop/Start instance:''' HWID usually preserved
:* '''Terminate/Launch new:''' HWID changes, requires new license key


;Is Docker or other container environments supported?
;Is Docker supported?
:Yes, the GUI and sensor can run in a containerized environment. However, you must ensure that the content of <code>/proc/self/cgroup</code> does not change with every container restart. If it does, the hardware ID will change, and you will be prompted to update your license key after each reboot.
:Yes, but ensure <code>/proc/self/cgroup</code> content doesn't change between restarts (affects HWID stability).


;Are hosted/cloud databases (like Amazon RDS, Azure Database) supported?
;Are cloud databases (RDS, Azure) supported?
:Yes, VoIPmonitor requires a MySQL-compatible database (MySQL, MariaDB, Percona) and can connect to it regardless of its location. However, the database user requires <code>SUPER</code> privilege for creating functions and triggers.
:Yes. Requires MySQL-compatible database with <code>SUPER</code> privilege. If unavailable, set:
 
;What if my cloud database (like Azure) does not grant SUPER privilege?
:If <code>SUPER</code> privilege is not available, you must manually set the following server variable in your cloud database configuration console:
:<syntaxhighlight lang="ini">log_bin_trust_function_creators = ON</syntaxhighlight>
:<syntaxhighlight lang="ini">log_bin_trust_function_creators = ON</syntaxhighlight>
:Additionally, ensure your database instance has sufficient performance (e.g., at least 1100 IOPS for 5000 concurrent calls on Azure).


;Why is packet mirroring not working on VMWare ESXi 6.5+?
;Why is mysql_native_password deprecated?
:This is often caused by the vSwitch port group being set to VLAN 4095, which activates Virtual Guest Tagging (VGT). In this mode, the guest OS is expected to handle VLAN tags, which can disrupt sniffing.
:PHP 7.4.4+ supports <code>caching_sha2_password</code> natively. Upgrade PHP and reinstall IonCube Loader. See [[GUI_installation|GUI Installation]].
:'''Solution:''' Edit the port group settings in vSphere and change the VLAN ID to a specific number (e.g., 0 or your monitoring VLAN ID) instead of 4095.


== Configuration & Features ==
== CDR View ==


;Why don't I see SIP packets on ports other than 5060?
;What does the red icon mean?
:By default, the sensor only listens for SIP traffic on UDP/TCP port 5060. To monitor additional SIP ports, you must explicitly define them in <code>voipmonitor.conf</code>. See the [[Sniffer_configuration#sipport|sipport configuration guide]].
:Indicates which party sent the <code>BYE</code> message (ended the call).


;How do I enable IPv6 traffic processing?
;How do I filter with regular expressions?
:By default, IPv6 is disabled. To enable it on a new installation, set <code>ipv6=yes</code> in <code>voipmonitor.conf</code>. If you have existing IPv4 data, enabling IPv6 requires a database migration. For detailed instructions, please see the [[How_to_enable_ipv6_processing|IPv6 Enabling Guide]].
:Prefix with <code>R()</code>. Example: <code>R(^500[0-9]{4}$)</code>


;How do I capture and view SIP REGISTER messages?
;How do I exclude values from filters?
:By default, <code>REGISTER</code> messages are not stored. To enable this, set <code>sip-register=yes</code> in <code>voipmonitor.conf</code>. For details on how active and failed registrations are stored and how to query them via the API, see the [[Register|documentation on REGISTER monitoring]].
:Use <code>!</code> prefix:
:* <code>!123456</code> – exclude specific number
:* <code>!00420%</code> – exclude prefix
:* <code>222%, !223%</code> – include 222*, exclude 223*


;How can I capture DTMF tones?
;How do I search multi-word strings in custom headers?
:You can enable DTMF capture in <code>voipmonitor.conf</code>:
:Use underscore for spaces: <code>%normal_call_clearing%</code>
:* For '''RFC2833''' and '''SIP INFO''' methods, set: <code>dtmf2db = yes</code>
:* For '''inband DTMF''' (G.711 codec only, requires more CPU), set: <code>inbanddtmf = yes</code>


;How can I use the sensor's manager API securely?
;Why are caller/called numbers swapped?
:Modern sniffer versions (32.0+) have API encryption enabled by default. Please refer to the [[Encryption_in_manager_api_customer|Manager API Encryption guide]] for examples on how to use the API with or without encryption.
:VoIPmonitor extracts from SIP headers (<code>From</code>/<code>To</code>). Check <code>destination_number_mode</code> setting. See [[Call_Detail_Record_-_CDR|CDR Documentation]].


;How does VoIPmonitor handle AudioCodes-tunneled traffic?
;Why is there a delay before CDRs appear?
:VoIPmonitor can process traffic encapsulated in AudioCodes' proprietary tunneling protocol. For setup details, see the [[audiocodes_tunneling|AudioCodes Tunneling guide]].
:Database can't keep up. See [[Database_troubleshooting#SQL_Queue_and_CDR_Delays|SQL Queue Troubleshooting]].


;Can wildcards or regular expressions be used in domain-based capture rules?
== Protocols & Ports ==
:No, domain-based capture rules only support '''exact string matching'''. Wildcards and regular expressions are not supported for domain matching in capture rules.


:For different rule types, VoIPmonitor supports the following matching methods:
;Which protocols are supported?
 
:{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Rule Type !! Matching Supported !! Example
|-
| '''IP Addresses''' || CIDR subnet masks (wildcard networks) || <code>1.2.3.0/24</code> matches all IPs in that range
|-
|-
| '''Telephone Numbers''' || Prefix matching (equivalent to wildcard) || <code>4420</code> matches <code>4420*</code>
! Supported !! Not Supported
|-
|-
| '''SIP Domains''' || Exact match only || <code>example.com</code> ONLY matches <code>example.com</code>, not <code>sub.example.com</code>
| SIP, Skinny/SCCP, MGCP, SS7/ISUP, Diameter, RTCP || '''H.323''', '''MEGACO/H.248'''
|}
|}


:If you need more complex domain matching logic (such as patterns or subdomains), you must use the <code>filtercommand</code> option with an external script, or use regular expressions in the CDR view filter bar for searching recorded calls.
;Why don't I see SIP on ports other than 5060?
:Configure additional ports in <code>voipmonitor.conf</code>:
:<syntaxhighlight lang="ini">sipport = 5060,5080,8088,8089</syntaxhighlight>
:See [[Sniffer_configuration#sipport|sipport configuration]].


;How do I enable IPv6?
:Set <code>ipv6=yes</code> in config. Existing databases require migration. See [[How_to_enable_ipv6_processing|IPv6 Guide]].


== Licensing ==
;How do I capture REGISTER messages?
:Set <code>sip-register=yes</code>. See [[Register|REGISTER Monitoring]].


;How do I determine the number of license channels I need?
;How do I capture DTMF?
:The license is based on the '''maximum number of concurrent calls''' during your peak hours. It is not based on the number of phones or endpoints. You can find your peak usage by navigating in the GUI to '''Tools → System Status → Concurrent calls''', which shows data for the past 14 days.
:<syntaxhighlight lang="ini">dtmf2db = yes          # RFC2833 and SIP INFO
:The system calculates the maximum concurrent calls by averaging over '''1-hour periods''', and checks this '''once per day'''. In distributed environments with multiple sensors feeding a central GUI, a single logical call is counted only once regardless of how many sensors processed it (the system correlates call legs by matching the last 6 digits of the caller and called numbers within a time window).
inbanddtmf = yes        # G.711 only, CPU intensive</syntaxhighlight>


;What happens if my call volume temporarily exceeds my license limit?
== RTP & Quality Metrics ==
:'''Important:''' The license alert is temporary and self-clearing.
:If you exceed your concurrent call limit for a single day or occasionally, a warning message will appear in the GUI. This warning is '''temporary and will disappear automatically''' once your call volume returns to normal levels. No manual action is required to clear the warning.


;When does the GUI become locked?
;Why are quality metrics (MOS, jitter) missing for one call leg?
:The GUI only becomes fully locked if the license limit is exceeded for '''three or more consecutive days'''.
:Usually NAT mismatch – SDP announces different IP than actual RTP source.


;What happens if I exceed my license for three consecutive days?
:'''Solution:''' Configure <code>natalias</code> mapping:
:If high usage persists for three consecutive days within the 14-day grace period, the license will be temporarily blocked. To resolve this, you must either:
:<syntaxhighlight lang="ini"># Map public IP to private IP
:# Delete the CDRs from the spike period via the GUI filter and delete tools (to reset the statistics).
natalias = 1.2.3.4 10.0.0.100</syntaxhighlight>
:# Upgrade your license to a higher channel count via the voipmonitor.org customer portal.
:# Wait for the next 14-day window - the system allows spikes in different 14-day periods.


;I get an "Invalid or corrupted hwid" error when trying to activate my license. What should I do?
:See [[Sniffer_configuration#NAT|NAT Configuration]] for details.
:There are two common causes for this error. Check which scenario applies to your situation:


:'''Scenario 1: License key formatting issue (most common)'''
;Why is RTP not correctly associated after moving SIP/RTP to different NICs?
:The license key is a multi-line text block that contains several fields such as <code>Expires</code>, <code>easycallerid</code>, <code>id</code>, and <code>upgradeexpire</code>. A very common mistake is copying only the first line of the key instead of the entire multi-line block.
:Enable memory blocks for multi-interface scenarios:
:* Ensure you select and copy the '''entire''' license key text (all lines) from your license email or customer portal.
:<syntaxhighlight lang="ini">auto_enable_use_blocks = yes</syntaxhighlight>
:* Paste the complete multi-line key into the activation field in the GUI.
:* Do not truncate or remove any lines from the key.


:'''Scenario 2: Hardware ID detection issue'''
;Why do recordings mix audio from different calls?
:If you have entered the complete license key correctly and still receive this error, the system may be unable to generate or read the hardware ID (HWID). This is most common in specific environments:
:Enable SDP verification on both sides:
:* '''AWS EC2:''' Run <code>chmod 644 /dev/root</code> to fix permissions on the root device.
:<syntaxhighlight lang="ini">rtp_check_both_sides_by_sdp = yes</syntaxhighlight>
:* '''Docker/Containers:''' Ensure the container ID in <code>/proc/self/cgroup</code> does not change between restarts.
:*'''Corrupted license file:''' Remove <code>/var/www/html/key.php</code> and re-fetch the license via the "get license key" button in the GUI.


:'''If the above steps do not resolve the issue'''
== Licensing ==
:If you have verified the license key format and fixed any HWID detection problems, but the error persists, this indicates the license key may have been generated for a different hardware ID. Follow these steps:
:* Contact VoIPmonitor support to verify your license and report the error.
:* Provide the '''full multi-line license key''' when contacting support.
:* Support will verify the key and regenerate it to match the correct hardware ID if a mismatch is found.


;How do I manually update my license when the automatic update fails?
;How are license channels calculated?
:If the VoIPmonitor server cannot reach the license server due to network restrictions, firewall, or proxy configuration issues, you can manually update the license through the web GUI.
:Based on '''maximum concurrent calls''' (averaged hourly, checked daily). View in '''Tools → System Status → Concurrent calls'''.
:* Calls are deduplicated if last 6 digits of caller/called match within ±10 seconds
:* 487 Request Terminated responses are NOT counted


:# Contact VoIPmonitor support to obtain the full, formatted license key.
;What happens if I exceed my limit?
:# Log in to the VoIPmonitor web GUI.
:{| class="wikitable"
:# Navigate to '''Settings > License''' (or click the "get/update license" button if available).
|-
:# Paste the '''entire multi-line license key''' into the provided text field.
! Duration !! Effect
:# Save the changes to apply the new license.
|-
| 1-2 days || Warning only, self-clearing
|-
| 3+ consecutive days || GUI blocked
|}


'''Important:''' Make sure you copy the complete license key including all lines (Expired, easycallerid, hwid, id, maxcalls, upgradeexpire, etc.). Truncating or omitting lines will cause activation errors. See the question above about "Invalid or corrupted hwid" for more details about license key formatting.
;How do I unblock a locked GUI?
:In '''Settings > License''', click '''get/update license key''' – this grants a temporary increase automatically.


For persistent connectivity issues preventing automatic license updates, see [[FAQ#How_do_I_troubleshoot_internet_connectivity_issues]] for network and proxy configuration troubleshooting.
;I get "Invalid or corrupted hwid" error. What do I do?
:'''Common causes:'''
:# '''Incomplete key:''' Copy the '''entire''' multi-line license key, not just the first line
:# '''Wrong field:''' Use "License token" for short tokens, "License key" for full multi-line keys
:# '''AWS:''' Run <code>chmod 644 /dev/root</code>
:# '''Docker:''' Ensure container ID doesn't change on restart
:# '''Trial on different machine:''' Contact support for a pre-generated key


;What happens to my license if I stop and restart an AWS instance?
;I get "license file key.php is for another hwid" after hardware change?
:If you stop and start an AWS EC2 instance, the hardware ID typically remains the same, so your license will continue to work. However, if you terminate the instance and launch a new one, the hardware ID will change and you will need a new license key. Automatic re-issuance is not available - you must contact support to obtain a new license.
:In '''Settings > License''', click '''get/update license key''' then '''recheck''' to fetch new key for current HWID.


;Can I license VoIPmonitor based on a URL/domain instead of hardware ID?
;I get "Bad Key Content" error?
:Yes, as an alternative to hardware binding, you can request that your license be locked to a URL domain (for web-based deployments). Contact VoIPmonitor support to configure domain-based licensing if you have a scenario where hardware binding is impractical (e.g., frequently changing infrastructure or cloud deployments).
:You're using the wrong field. Short tokens go in "License token" field, then click "get/update license key".


== Audio & PCAP Files ==
;How do I transfer a license to a new server?
:# Get token from old GUI ('''Settings > License''') or customer portal
:# On new GUI: paste token, click '''get/update license key'''
:# '''IMPORTANT:''' Disable cron on old server to prevent conflicts


;How can I bulk download audio or PCAP files?
;Can I use one license on multiple servers (test/dev)?
:You can use the GUI API to script bulk downloads. Please see the guide: [[download_of_pcap_files_audio_files_using_GUI's_api|Bulk Download using API]].
:Yes. Contact support to reconfigure your token for multiple HWIDs.


;Why does the GUI download button download the entire merged PCAP instead of only the filtered packets?
;What are the available license tiers?
:This is the current functionality of the GUI download button in the CDR view. When you click to download a PCAP file, it will always include the entire merged packet capture for that call, regardless of any filters or views you have applied in the interface.
:10, 35, 50, 100, 150, 200, 350, 500, 750, 1000, 1250, 1500, 1750, 2000


:'''Workarounds:'''
== Audio & PCAP Files ==
:* If you need to extract only specific packets, download the full PCAP file and use a tool like Wireshark to apply filters and export the specific packets you need.
:* For advanced scripting or bulk extraction workflows, you can use the command-line tools described in the [[Manual_PCAP_Extraction_from_spooldir|Manual PCAP Extraction from spooldir guide]].


;Why are .wav audio files not generated for calls using non-G.711 codecs (e.g., Opus, G.729)?
;Why does call recording stop after exactly 4 hours?
:The VoIPmonitor sensor can generate audio files (WAV/OGG/MP3) natively for G.711 (a-law/μ-law) codecs. However, for '''non-G.711 codecs''' (such as Opus, G.729, G.723, G.726, etc.), the sensor requires an external helper binary named <code>vmcodecs</code> to perform the codec transcoding.
:Default <code>absolute_timeout = 14400</code> (4 hours). Increase or disable:
:<syntaxhighlight lang="ini">absolute_timeout = 43200  # 12 hours
# absolute_timeout = 0    # Unlimited (watch memory usage)</syntaxhighlight>


:This <code>vmcodecs</code> binary is '''exclusively distributed within the GUI installation package''' and is required to create audio files from non-G.711 codec recordings.
;Why are WAV files missing for non-G.711 codecs (Opus, G.729)?
:Requires <code>vmcodecs</code> binary from GUI package. Install GUI, then restart sensor.


:'''To resolve this issue:'''
;Why is audio playback garbled?
:# '''Install the GUI package''' (even if you don't plan to use the web interface). The GUI package includes the necessary <code>vmcodecs</code> binary in <code><gui-installation-path>/bin/vmcodecs</code>.
:DTLS-SRTP encryption. Configure SSL Key Logger for decryption. See [[Tls|TLS/SRTP Decryption]].
:# '''Ensure <code>vmcodecs</code> is accessible''' to the sensor - it must be in a directory that is in the system's <code>$PATH</code> or the sensor's working directory.
:# '''Restart the sensor''' after installing the GUI to apply the changes.
:# '''For existing .raw files''': Re-process the spooldir content after GUI installation to generate the missing audio files.


:'''Note:''' Your license key must include support for the specific codec (e.g., Opus Codec Pack) for transcoding to work. Free licenses typically only support G.711.
;Why can't I download PCAP files?
:Files deleted by retention limits. Check:
:<syntaxhighlight lang="bash">grep maxpoolsize /etc/voipmonitor.conf
grep maxpooldays /etc/voipmonitor.conf</syntaxhighlight>
:Increase limits and restart. See [[Data_Cleaning|Data Cleaning]].


;How do I convert existing WAV audio files to OGG to save space?
;Why does downloaded PCAP have fewer packets than GUI shows?
:If you have existing recordings saved as <code>.wav</code> and wish to convert them to the more efficient <code>.ogg</code> format to save disk space, you can run the following sequence of commands directly in your spool directory (e.g., <code>/var/spool/voipmonitor</code>):
:'''Pcap deduplication before download''' is enabled. Disable in '''Settings > System Configuration > Advanced'''.


<syntaxhighlight lang="bash">
;How do I bulk download audio/PCAP files?
# Navigate to your spool directory first
:Use GUI API. See [[download_of_pcap_files_audio_files_using_GUI's_api|Bulk Download Guide]].
cd /var/spool/voipmonitor


# Step 1: Find all .wav files and convert each one to .ogg using ffmpeg.
;Can VoIPmonitor detect voicemail calls?
# This command preserves the original filename, only changing the extension.
:'''No automatic detection''' by analyzing RTP audio. Workarounds:
:* Filter by voicemail pilot number
:* Track SIP 302 redirects (<code>save_sip_history = all</code>)
:* Capture custom SIP headers your PBX adds
 
;How do I convert WAV to OGG?
:<syntaxhighlight lang="bash">cd /var/spool/voipmonitor
find ./ -name '*.wav' -exec bash -c 'ffmpeg -i "$0" -vn -acodec libvorbis "${0%.wav}.ogg"' {} \;
find ./ -name '*.wav' -exec bash -c 'ffmpeg -i "$0" -vn -acodec libvorbis "${0%.wav}.ogg"' {} \;
# Step 2: After confirming the conversion was successful, delete all the original .wav files.
find ./ -name '*.wav' -exec rm -f {} \;
find ./ -name '*.wav' -exec rm -f {} \;
chown -R www-data:www-data ./</syntaxhighlight>


# Step 3: Set the web server user (e.g., www-data) as the owner of all files.
;How do I enable live call listening?
# This is crucial for the GUI to be able to read and play the new .ogg files.
:Edit <code>configuration.php</code>:
chown -R www-data:www-data ./
:<syntaxhighlight lang="php">define('DISABLE_LIVEPLAY', false);</syntaxhighlight>
</syntaxhighlight>
:See [[GUI_Configuration_PHP|GUI Configuration]] for details.
;Why is transfer throughput to external storage (S3, CloudBerry) limited?
:VoIPmonitor does not impose speed limits on external storage transfers. If you see artificial throughput caps (e.g., 40 Mbps):<br>
# '''Verify bandwidth''' from your host to the internet is sufficient<br>
# '''Check third-party tool configuration''' (e.g., CloudBerry, s3fs, rclone) - the bottleneck is typically in these tools, not VoIPmonitor<br>
# For '''controlled bandwidth limiting''', use <code>rsync</code> via cron job with <code>--bwlimit</code> or the <code>tar_move</code> option - both allow bandwidth management
== Administration ==


== Administration & Troubleshooting ==
;How do I reset admin password?
:See [[User_Management|User Management]].


;How do I fix "bad gso: type: 1, size: 1448" or kernel errors related to network offloading?
;How do I fix GUI after PHP/OS upgrade?
:This error appears in the kernel logs when VoIPmonitor is running and indicates an issue with Generic Segmentation Offload (GSO), TCP Segmentation Offload (TSO), or other network interface offload features.
:Re-run installation. See [[Re-install_the_GUI|Re-install GUI]].


:'''Symptoms:'''
;How do I enable debug mode?
:* Kernel messages like: <code>ens3: bad gso: type: 1, size: 1448</code>
:Add <code>?debug=31415</code> to URL. See [[GUI_troubleshooting#GUI_Debug_Mode|GUI Debug Mode]].
:* Errors may mention UDP Fragmentation Offload (UFO)
:* Packet capture issues during VoIPmonitor operation


:'''Solution:''' Disable the offload features on the affected interface:
;How do I fix "Unknown column" errors after database upgrade?
<syntaxhighlight lang="bash">
:Access: <code>https://your-gui/admin.php?check_tables=1</code>
# Check MTU (should be > 1448, typically 1500)
:{{Note|1=Do NOT use "Check MySQL Schema" button in Tools - that's for millisecond precision only.}}
ip addr show eth0


# Disable offload features (replace ens3 with your interface name)
;Can I run multiple sensor instances on one host?
ethtool -K ens3 gso off tso off gro off lro off
:Yes. See [[Multiple_sniffer_instancies|Multiple Instances Guide]].
;Users from the same organization cannot view each other's support tickets. How can we share access?
:Support tickets are associated with individual email addresses. To enable team-wide ticket visibility, '''merge all user accounts under a single main email address'''. Contact VoIPmonitor support to consolidate multiple accounts into one organization account.
== Compliance ==


# Verify the change persists (check kernel logs)
=== PCI Compliance ===
dmesg -T | grep -i gso
</syntaxhighlight>


:To make changes '''persistent across reboots''', create a systemd service:
;How do I disable audio recording?
<syntaxhighlight lang="ini">
:<syntaxhighlight lang="ini">savertp = header    # Headers only, no audio
# /etc/systemd/system/disable-offload.service
savertp = no        # No RTP at all
[Unit]
dtmf2db = no        # No DTMF to database
Description=Disable network offloads for VoIPmonitor
dtmf2pcap = no      # No DTMF to PCAP</syntaxhighlight>
After=network.target


[Service]
;How do I selectively record calls?
Type=oneshot
:Use [[Capture_rules|Capture Rules]] to enable/disable recording based on IP, number, or SIP headers.
ExecStart=/usr/sbin/ethtool -K ens3 gso off tso off gro off lro off


[Install]
;How do I disable live listening?
WantedBy=multi-user.target
:* '''Settings > System Configuration > Advanced:''' Enable "Hide live play" and "Hide WAV play"
</syntaxhighlight>
:* Edit <code>configuration.php</code>: <code>define('DISABLE_LIVEPLAY', true);</code>
:* Edit <code>config/system_configuration.php</code>: <code>define('DISABLE_LIVE_SNIFFER', true);</code>
{{Note|1='''Understanding audio in VoIPmonitor:''' By default, the GUI extracts audio '''on-demand''' from stored RTP packets in PCAP files (when <code>savertp = yes</code>). The <code>saveaudio</code> option creates '''pre-generated''' audio files and is NOT required for audio playback. Setting <code>savertp = header</code> disables audio playback because RTP payload is not stored. See [[Sniffer_configuration#Understanding_Audio_Playback_vs_Pre-Generated_Files|Audio Playback vs Pre-Generated Files]] for details.}}
=== CALEA Compliance ===


<syntaxhighlight lang="bash">
;How do I export data to CALEA systems?
# Enable and start the service
:Use GUI API methods <code>getPCAP</code> and <code>getVoiceRecording</code>. See [[CALEA_compliance|CALEA Integration Guide]].
systemctl enable disable-offload.service
systemctl start disable-offload.service
</syntaxhighlight>


:If the issue persists after disabling offloads, consider updating the system's kernel and network interface drivers to the latest versions.
== See Also ==


;How do I reset a lost admin password for the GUI?
* [[Sniffer_troubleshooting|Sniffer Troubleshooting]] - packet capture, missing CDRs
:Please follow the instructions in the [[User_Management|User Management guide]].
* [[GUI_troubleshooting|GUI Troubleshooting]] - HTTP 500, database issues
* [[Sniffer_configuration|Sniffer Configuration Reference]]
* [[License|Licensing Details]]
* [[Data_Cleaning|Data Cleaning and Retention]]


;How do I fix a corrupted GUI installation or reinstall it?
:A reinstallation can fix issues with corrupted files or incorrect permissions. See the guide here: [[Re-install_the_GUI]].


;The GUI stopped working after a server OS or PHP version upgrade. How do I fix it?
:This usually requires re-running the GUI installation script to align with the new PHP version. See: [[GUI_Installation#Re-installing_the_GUI]].


;How do I reinstall or upgrade the sniffer to the latest version?
:Instructions for downloading and installing the latest static binary are here: [[Sniffer_installation|Sniffer Installation]].


;Can I run multiple instances of the sniffer on a single host?
:Yes, this is possible for advanced use cases. See the guide: [[Multiple_sniffer_instancies]].


;What user actions are recorded in the Audit Log?
:The Audit Log tracks the following security-sensitive actions in the GUI:
:* Login / Logout
:* Playing or downloading WAV/PCAP files
:* Showing a FAX
:* Using the batch download feature
:* Applying a filter in the CDR view


;How do I enable debug mode or troubleshoot GUI issues?
:For GUI debugging techniques including enabling debug mode to see SQL queries, please see the [[GUI_troubleshooting|GUI Troubleshooting guide]].


;How do I troubleshoot internet connectivity issues (cannot download updates, source code, or access external resources)?
:If the sensor server cannot connect to external resources such as download servers, GitHub, or package repositories, follow this troubleshooting process:


:'''Step 1: Verify basic network connectivity'''
== AI Summary for RAG ==
:<syntaxhighlight lang="bash"># Test if the server can reach external hosts
ping -c 4 8.8.8.8
 
# Test DNS resolution
ping -c 4 google.com
</syntaxhighlight>
 
:If these commands fail, the issue is with network configuration or routing. Check:
:* Network interface configuration: <code>ip addr show</code>
:* Default gateway: <code>ip route show</code>
:* DNS configuration: <code>cat /etc/resolv.conf</code>
 
:'''Step 2: Check firewall rules for outbound connections'''
:<syntaxhighlight lang="bash"># Check if firewalld is being used
systemctl status firewalld
 
# List open ports if using firewalld
firewall-cmd --list-ports
 
# Check iptables rules if applicable
iptables -L -n | grep -E "ACCEPT|REJECT|DROP"
</syntaxhighlight>
 
:Ensure that outbound connections on HTTP (port 80) and HTTPS (port 443) are not blocked. The server needs to reach:
:* <code>download.voipmonitor.org</code> (for software downloads)
:* <code>github.com</code> (for source code)
:* Package repository servers (dnf/yum/apt repositories)
 
:'''Step 3: Test connectivity to specific hosts'''
:<syntaxhighlight lang="bash"># Test HTTPS connectivity to GitHub
curl -I https://github.com
 
# Test connectivity to VoIPmonitor download server
curl -I https://www.voipmonitor.org
 
# Test package repository (for RHEL/CentOS/AlmaLinux)
dnf repolist
 
# Test package repository (for Debian/Ubuntu)
apt-get update
</syntaxhighlight>
 
:If <code>curl</code> commands time out or fail, check for:
:* Proxy server requirements (corporate networks often require HTTP proxy)
:* Firewall rules blocking outbound HTTPS
:* Network routing issues
 
:'''Step 4: Configure HTTP proxy (if required by your network)'''
:If your network requires a proxy server, configure the <code>curlproxy</code> parameter in <code>/etc/voipmonitor.conf</code> to enable sensor updates and downloads:
:<syntaxhighlight lang="ini">
[general]
# Replace with your actual proxy address and port
curlproxy = http://proxy-server-ip:port
</syntaxhighlight>
 
:Then restart the sensor:
:<syntaxhighlight lang="bash">systemctl restart voipmonitor</syntaxhighlight>
 
:'''Alternative: Use environment-wide proxy settings'''
:For package managers and system-wide proxy access, configure environment variables:
:<syntaxhighlight lang="bash">
# Set system-wide proxy (add to /etc/profile or /etc/environment)
export http_proxy="http://proxy-server-ip:port"
export https_proxy="http://proxy-server-ip:port"
 
# For package managers, configure in their settings files
# RHEL/CentOS/AlmaLinux: /etc/dnf/dnf.conf
proxy=http://proxy-server-ip:port
 
# Debian/Ubuntu: /etc/apt/apt.conf
Acquire::http::Proxy "http://proxy-server-ip:port";
</syntaxhighlight>
 
== PCI Compliance ==
 
VoIPmonitor is designed to be PCI compliance-ready. You have granular control over what data is stored to disk and to the database.
 
;How do I turn off audio recording and DTMF capture globally?
:* To prevent RTP (audio) payload from being stored while still capturing headers for analysis, use <code>savertp=header</code> in <code>voipmonitor.conf</code>.
:* To disable RTP capture entirely, use <code>savertp=no</code>.
:* To prevent DTMF tones (from SIP INFO or RFC2833) from being saved to the database and PCAP files, use:
:<syntaxhighlight lang="ini">
dtmf2db = no
dtmf2pcap = no
</syntaxhighlight>


;How do I selectively record or not record audio/DTMF?
'''Summary:''' VoIPmonitor FAQ organized by topic. General: scaling (link to Scaling page), multiple GUI instances (requires same DB, NFS storage, single cron job to prevent duplicate alerts), client-server architecture for multi-sensor. Platform: x86 required for GUI (ARM64 not supported), AWS/Docker/cloud DB supported. CDR: regex filters with R() prefix, exclusion with ! prefix, underscore for multi-word search. Protocols: SIP, Skinny/SCCP, MGCP, SS7, Diameter supported; H.323 and MEGACO NOT supported. RTP: natalias for NAT mismatch causing missing quality metrics, auto_enable_use_blocks for multi-interface, rtp_check_both_sides_by_sdp for mixed audio. Licensing: concurrent calls averaged hourly, 3+ consecutive days over limit locks GUI, get/update button for temporary increase, common HWID errors (incomplete key, wrong field, AWS chmod, Docker cgroup). Audio: absolute_timeout default 4 hours (14400s), vmcodecs needed for non-G.711, DTLS-SRTP causes garbled audio. Admin: admin.php?check_tables=1 for schema errors after DB upgrade. Compliance: savertp=header/no for PCI, capture rules for selective recording, DISABLE_LIVEPLAY for hiding playback.
:VoIPmonitor's powerful '''[[Capture_rules|Capture Rules]]''' allow you to define conditional logic. You can create rules based on IP address, telephone number, SIP domain, or any SIP header to selectively turn audio or DTMF recording ON or OFF for specific calls, enabling you to meet strict compliance requirements.
 
== AI Summary for RAG ==
'''Summary:''' Comprehensive FAQ covering VoIPmonitor configuration and troubleshooting. Topics include: CDR analysis (delay causes, regex filters, custom header search with underscore wildcards), platform support (AWS, Docker, VMWare ESXi VLAN 4095 fix, Azure cloud databases), configuration (SIP ports, IPv6, DTMF, REGISTER messages, domain-based capture rule matching), licensing (concurrent channels calculated over 1-hour periods checked once daily, distributed call correlation, 3-day lock, AWS instance lifecycle - stop/start preserves HWID but terminate/launch requires new license, no automatic re-issuance, option for domain-based license binding instead of HWID, "invalid or corrupted hwid" error - multi-line license key formatting, HWID detection issues, AWS EC2 permissions, Docker container persistence, corrupted key.php, contact support for hwid mismatch resolution, manual license updates via GUI when automatic updates fail due to network/firewall issues), audio/PCAP files (bulk download, WAV-to-OGG conversion, vmcodecs requirement for non-G.711 codecs), PCI compliance (selective recording via capture rules), and network connectivity troubleshooting (ping, DNS, firewall rules, curlproxy configuration for HTTP proxy, package manager proxy settings).


'''Keywords:''' faq, troubleshooting, cdr, sipport, ipv6, dtmf, license, concurrent calls, 1-hour averaging, distributed environment, call correlation, aws, docker, vmware, azure, wav, ogg, vmcodecs, pci compliance, capture rules, gso, ethtool, custom header, domain-based capture, exact match, invalid hwid, corrupt hwid, license key, multi-line key, hwid mismatch, contact support, license regeneration, domain-based licensing, url binding, aws instance lifecycle, manual license update, gui license update, network connectivity, internet access, curlproxy, proxy, firewall, ping, dns, github, download server
'''Keywords:''' faq, license, hwid, concurrent calls, absolute_timeout, natalias, auto_enable_use_blocks, rtp_check_both_sides_by_sdp, vmcodecs, savertp, capture rules, multiple gui, cron duplicate alerts, admin.php check_tables, schema error, H.323 not supported, MEGACO not supported, ARM64 not supported, sipport, ipv6, dtmf, PCI compliance, CALEA


'''Key Questions:'''
'''Key Questions:'''
* Why is there a delay between call end and CDR appearance?
* How do I fix "Invalid or corrupted hwid" license error?
* How is VoIPmonitor licensing calculated?
* Why does call recording stop after 4 hours?
* What happens if I exceed my license limit?
* Why are quality metrics missing for one call leg?
* How often is the concurrent call limit checked?
* How do I run multiple GUI instances without duplicate alerts?
* How are calls counted in distributed environments with multiple sensors?
* What protocols does VoIPmonitor support (H.323? MEGACO?)?
* How do I fix "Invalid or corrupted hwid" error when activating a license?
* How do I fix "Unknown column" database errors after upgrade?
* What should I do if troubleshooting steps do not resolve the hwid error?
* Can VoIPmonitor automatically detect voicemail calls?
* What happens to my license if I stop and restart an AWS instance?
* How do I transfer my license to a new server?
* Can I license VoIPmonitor based on a URL/domain instead of hardware ID?
* Why is audio playback garbled or distorted?
* How do I manually update my license when the automatic update fails?
* Why are audio files not generated for non-G.711 codecs?
* How do I fix "bad gso" kernel errors?
* How do I search for multi-word strings in custom headers?
* How do I disable audio recording for PCI compliance?
* How do I disable audio recording for PCI compliance?
* Can wildcards or regular expressions be used in domain-based capture rules?
* Does VoIPmonitor GUI run on ARM64?
* How do I troubleshoot internet connectivity issues?

Latest revision as of 11:21, 13 January 2026


Quick answers to frequently asked questions. For detailed troubleshooting, see Sniffer Troubleshooting and GUI Troubleshooting.

Quick Navigation

General Configuration Licensing Audio & Files

General & Architecture

How does VoIPmonitor scale for high traffic?
For hardware recommendations and optimization of CPU, Disk I/O, and Database bottlenecks, see Scaling and Performance Tuning.
How do I manage disk space and database retention?
See Data Cleaning and Retention for PCAP cleanup (cleanspool) and CDR retention settings.
Can I run multiple GUI instances for redundancy?
Yes. Requirements:
  • All GUIs connect to the same database
  • PCAP storage accessible via NFS/SSHFS
  • Same key.php license file on each GUI

⚠️ Warning: CRITICAL: Enable the cron job on only ONE GUI instance. Multiple active cron jobs cause duplicate alerts and reports.

# Disable on secondary GUIs:
# * * * * * root php /var/www/html/php/run.php cron
Can one GUI display data from multiple sensors?
Yes. Use the Client-Server architecture (v20+):
  • Local Processing (packetbuffer_sender=no): Sensors analyze locally, send CDRs only
  • Packet Mirroring (packetbuffer_sender=yes): Sensors forward raw packets to central server
See Distributed Architecture for full configuration.

Platform Support

What architectures are supported?
Component Supported Notes
Sensor x86 (32/64-bit), ARMv7/v8 Compile from source for ARM64
GUI x86 only Not supported on ARM64/aarch64
Can I run VoIPmonitor on AWS?
Yes. For license detection: chmod 644 /dev/root
  • Stop/Start instance: HWID usually preserved
  • Terminate/Launch new: HWID changes, requires new license key
Is Docker supported?
Yes, but ensure /proc/self/cgroup content doesn't change between restarts (affects HWID stability).
Are cloud databases (RDS, Azure) supported?
Yes. Requires MySQL-compatible database with SUPER privilege. If unavailable, set:
log_bin_trust_function_creators = ON
Why is mysql_native_password deprecated?
PHP 7.4.4+ supports caching_sha2_password natively. Upgrade PHP and reinstall IonCube Loader. See GUI Installation.

CDR View

What does the red icon mean?
Indicates which party sent the BYE message (ended the call).
How do I filter with regular expressions?
Prefix with R(). Example: R(^500[0-9]{4}$)
How do I exclude values from filters?
Use ! prefix:
  • !123456 – exclude specific number
  • !00420% – exclude prefix
  • 222%, !223% – include 222*, exclude 223*
How do I search multi-word strings in custom headers?
Use underscore for spaces: %normal_call_clearing%
Why are caller/called numbers swapped?
VoIPmonitor extracts from SIP headers (From/To). Check destination_number_mode setting. See CDR Documentation.
Why is there a delay before CDRs appear?
Database can't keep up. See SQL Queue Troubleshooting.

Protocols & Ports

Which protocols are supported?
Supported Not Supported
SIP, Skinny/SCCP, MGCP, SS7/ISUP, Diameter, RTCP H.323, MEGACO/H.248
Why don't I see SIP on ports other than 5060?
Configure additional ports in voipmonitor.conf:
sipport = 5060,5080,8088,8089
See sipport configuration.
How do I enable IPv6?
Set ipv6=yes in config. Existing databases require migration. See IPv6 Guide.
How do I capture REGISTER messages?
Set sip-register=yes. See REGISTER Monitoring.
How do I capture DTMF?
dtmf2db = yes           # RFC2833 and SIP INFO
inbanddtmf = yes        # G.711 only, CPU intensive

RTP & Quality Metrics

Why are quality metrics (MOS, jitter) missing for one call leg?
Usually NAT mismatch – SDP announces different IP than actual RTP source.
Solution: Configure natalias mapping:
# Map public IP to private IP
natalias = 1.2.3.4 10.0.0.100
See NAT Configuration for details.
Why is RTP not correctly associated after moving SIP/RTP to different NICs?
Enable memory blocks for multi-interface scenarios:
auto_enable_use_blocks = yes
Why do recordings mix audio from different calls?
Enable SDP verification on both sides:
rtp_check_both_sides_by_sdp = yes

Licensing

How are license channels calculated?
Based on maximum concurrent calls (averaged hourly, checked daily). View in Tools → System Status → Concurrent calls.
  • Calls are deduplicated if last 6 digits of caller/called match within ±10 seconds
  • 487 Request Terminated responses are NOT counted
What happens if I exceed my limit?
Duration Effect
1-2 days Warning only, self-clearing
3+ consecutive days GUI blocked
How do I unblock a locked GUI?
In Settings > License, click get/update license key – this grants a temporary increase automatically.
I get "Invalid or corrupted hwid" error. What do I do?
Common causes:
  1. Incomplete key: Copy the entire multi-line license key, not just the first line
  2. Wrong field: Use "License token" for short tokens, "License key" for full multi-line keys
  3. AWS: Run chmod 644 /dev/root
  4. Docker: Ensure container ID doesn't change on restart
  5. Trial on different machine: Contact support for a pre-generated key
I get "license file key.php is for another hwid" after hardware change?
In Settings > License, click get/update license key then recheck to fetch new key for current HWID.
I get "Bad Key Content" error?
You're using the wrong field. Short tokens go in "License token" field, then click "get/update license key".
How do I transfer a license to a new server?
  1. Get token from old GUI (Settings > License) or customer portal
  2. On new GUI: paste token, click get/update license key
  3. IMPORTANT: Disable cron on old server to prevent conflicts
Can I use one license on multiple servers (test/dev)?
Yes. Contact support to reconfigure your token for multiple HWIDs.
What are the available license tiers?
10, 35, 50, 100, 150, 200, 350, 500, 750, 1000, 1250, 1500, 1750, 2000

Audio & PCAP Files

Why does call recording stop after exactly 4 hours?
Default absolute_timeout = 14400 (4 hours). Increase or disable:
absolute_timeout = 43200   # 12 hours
# absolute_timeout = 0     # Unlimited (watch memory usage)
Why are WAV files missing for non-G.711 codecs (Opus, G.729)?
Requires vmcodecs binary from GUI package. Install GUI, then restart sensor.
Why is audio playback garbled?
DTLS-SRTP encryption. Configure SSL Key Logger for decryption. See TLS/SRTP Decryption.
Why can't I download PCAP files?
Files deleted by retention limits. Check:
grep maxpoolsize /etc/voipmonitor.conf
grep maxpooldays /etc/voipmonitor.conf
Increase limits and restart. See Data Cleaning.
Why does downloaded PCAP have fewer packets than GUI shows?
Pcap deduplication before download is enabled. Disable in Settings > System Configuration > Advanced.
How do I bulk download audio/PCAP files?
Use GUI API. See Bulk Download Guide.
Can VoIPmonitor detect voicemail calls?
No automatic detection by analyzing RTP audio. Workarounds:
  • Filter by voicemail pilot number
  • Track SIP 302 redirects (save_sip_history = all)
  • Capture custom SIP headers your PBX adds
How do I convert WAV to OGG?
cd /var/spool/voipmonitor
find ./ -name '*.wav' -exec bash -c 'ffmpeg -i "$0" -vn -acodec libvorbis "${0%.wav}.ogg"' {} \;
find ./ -name '*.wav' -exec rm -f {} \;
chown -R www-data:www-data ./
How do I enable live call listening?
Edit configuration.php:
define('DISABLE_LIVEPLAY', false);
See GUI Configuration for details.
Why is transfer throughput to external storage (S3, CloudBerry) limited?
VoIPmonitor does not impose speed limits on external storage transfers. If you see artificial throughput caps (e.g., 40 Mbps):
  1. Verify bandwidth from your host to the internet is sufficient
  2. Check third-party tool configuration (e.g., CloudBerry, s3fs, rclone) - the bottleneck is typically in these tools, not VoIPmonitor
  3. For controlled bandwidth limiting, use rsync via cron job with --bwlimit or the tar_move option - both allow bandwidth management

Administration

How do I reset admin password?
See User Management.
How do I fix GUI after PHP/OS upgrade?
Re-run installation. See Re-install GUI.
How do I enable debug mode?
Add ?debug=31415 to URL. See GUI Debug Mode.
How do I fix "Unknown column" errors after database upgrade?
Access: https://your-gui/admin.php?check_tables=1

ℹ️ Note: Do NOT use "Check MySQL Schema" button in Tools - that's for millisecond precision only.

Can I run multiple sensor instances on one host?
Yes. See Multiple Instances Guide.
Users from the same organization cannot view each other's support tickets. How can we share access?
Support tickets are associated with individual email addresses. To enable team-wide ticket visibility, merge all user accounts under a single main email address. Contact VoIPmonitor support to consolidate multiple accounts into one organization account.

Compliance

PCI Compliance

How do I disable audio recording?
savertp = header    # Headers only, no audio
savertp = no        # No RTP at all
dtmf2db = no        # No DTMF to database
dtmf2pcap = no      # No DTMF to PCAP
How do I selectively record calls?
Use Capture Rules to enable/disable recording based on IP, number, or SIP headers.
How do I disable live listening?
  • Settings > System Configuration > Advanced: Enable "Hide live play" and "Hide WAV play"
  • Edit configuration.php: define('DISABLE_LIVEPLAY', true);
  • Edit config/system_configuration.php: define('DISABLE_LIVE_SNIFFER', true);

ℹ️ Note: Understanding audio in VoIPmonitor: By default, the GUI extracts audio on-demand from stored RTP packets in PCAP files (when savertp = yes). The saveaudio option creates pre-generated audio files and is NOT required for audio playback. Setting savertp = header disables audio playback because RTP payload is not stored. See Audio Playback vs Pre-Generated Files for details.

CALEA Compliance

How do I export data to CALEA systems?
Use GUI API methods getPCAP and getVoiceRecording. See CALEA Integration Guide.

See Also





AI Summary for RAG

Summary: VoIPmonitor FAQ organized by topic. General: scaling (link to Scaling page), multiple GUI instances (requires same DB, NFS storage, single cron job to prevent duplicate alerts), client-server architecture for multi-sensor. Platform: x86 required for GUI (ARM64 not supported), AWS/Docker/cloud DB supported. CDR: regex filters with R() prefix, exclusion with ! prefix, underscore for multi-word search. Protocols: SIP, Skinny/SCCP, MGCP, SS7, Diameter supported; H.323 and MEGACO NOT supported. RTP: natalias for NAT mismatch causing missing quality metrics, auto_enable_use_blocks for multi-interface, rtp_check_both_sides_by_sdp for mixed audio. Licensing: concurrent calls averaged hourly, 3+ consecutive days over limit locks GUI, get/update button for temporary increase, common HWID errors (incomplete key, wrong field, AWS chmod, Docker cgroup). Audio: absolute_timeout default 4 hours (14400s), vmcodecs needed for non-G.711, DTLS-SRTP causes garbled audio. Admin: admin.php?check_tables=1 for schema errors after DB upgrade. Compliance: savertp=header/no for PCI, capture rules for selective recording, DISABLE_LIVEPLAY for hiding playback.

Keywords: faq, license, hwid, concurrent calls, absolute_timeout, natalias, auto_enable_use_blocks, rtp_check_both_sides_by_sdp, vmcodecs, savertp, capture rules, multiple gui, cron duplicate alerts, admin.php check_tables, schema error, H.323 not supported, MEGACO not supported, ARM64 not supported, sipport, ipv6, dtmf, PCI compliance, CALEA

Key Questions:

  • How do I fix "Invalid or corrupted hwid" license error?
  • Why does call recording stop after 4 hours?
  • Why are quality metrics missing for one call leg?
  • How do I run multiple GUI instances without duplicate alerts?
  • What protocols does VoIPmonitor support (H.323? MEGACO?)?
  • How do I fix "Unknown column" database errors after upgrade?
  • Can VoIPmonitor automatically detect voicemail calls?
  • How do I transfer my license to a new server?
  • Why is audio playback garbled or distorted?
  • How do I disable audio recording for PCI compliance?
  • Does VoIPmonitor GUI run on ARM64?