#FreeSWITCH

[2600hz]

Under the hood: OpenSIPs and FreeSWITCH

At 2600hz we like to say that we've "re-written the telephony stack." Which either elicits looks of belief and wonder or hardcore skepticism. Which is fair. So we're going to be temporarily replacing our usual Wednesday Bug series with a short series on the architecture stack we've designed to improve telecom like it's never been done before. The seven components are: 

Session Border Controllers (for SIP)

Load Balancers (for SIP)

Media Servers

SMS / MMS / SMPP

Dialplan /  Call Processing

Messaging Buses

Databases

Today, we'll talk about two of those components and our experiences using them. These components are OpenSIPs--our load balancer, and FreeSWITCH--our media server. 

Why We Selected These Components OpenSIPs has a long history of being an extremely stable, flexible SIP proxy, allowing you to set up a load-balanced, redundant setup for many millions of calls per day. One of its greatest strengths is its rock-solid reliable performance and its ability to do reasonably complex tasks in a short amount of code. But OpenSIPs can't natively handle audio and frankly, wasn't really designed to.

FreeSWITCH has a long history of being an extremely stable and flexible media switch,  allowing you to handle many thousands of simultaneous phone calls on a minimal amount of hardware without degrading call quality. In addition, FreeSWITCH has built-in functionality to support integration with OpenSIPs which is crucial as it would otherwise be hard to work with.

How OpenSIPs and FreeSWITCH Are Different At the fundamental level, OpenSIPs and FreeSWITCH serve two different purposes. OpenSIPs was originally designed to be a scripting engine and a proxy for SIP packets. In English, think of it as the "traffic cop" with the neon vest that stands in a busy intersection. You can program it to tell it how to direct traffic in different ways, based on volume, quality or location or other factors.

So if we say OpenSIPs is the load balancer that directs traffic (call flow) along the road which is the Internet...where does all that traffic get directed towards? You guessed it. FreeSWITCH. 

FreeSWITCH is a media server. Think of a media server as being similar to a language translator between two people who speak two completely different languages. In its simplest form, a media server takes audio from one person, processes it, and passes it on to another person. It also provides translation services, meaning if one person "talks" another language it can convert that language on the fly to something the other party can understand.

Technically speaking, there are major differences in how you would architect a traffic cop versus a translator. The analogies to real life work well, so lets continue with those.

In the OpenSIPs as "traffic cop" analogy, think for a minute about the length of time a traffic cop is concerned about the traffic flowing around it. A traffic cop directs cars down a street, but once the cars pass by, the cop no longer cares who they were, where those cars go,  or what direction they continue to travel in. In this regard, a traffic cop may see millions of cars pass them per day but is only ever concerned with the few cars it is currently directing at any given time.

In the FreeSWITCH as "translator" analogy, lets contrast the length of time a translator must focus on a conversation between two people. (For the purposes of this analogy, we will represent a FreeSWITCH box as a building filled with thousands of translators.) A translator must focus on only one conversation at a time while being able to understand and speak the language of both sides. The translator can't leave in the middle of a conversation easily to be replaced with another translator – they must stay for the duration of the entire conversation.

Comparing OpenSIPs and FreeSWITCH For Capacity (and why you shouldn't) I've seen lots of people try to compare the capacity of OpenSIPs to that of FreeSWITCH. This doesn't make much sense. Looking back at the above analogies we can see the fundamental differences between OpenSIPs and FreeSWITCH.  In technical terms, this translates into different ways to analyze capacity based on work done by threads.

Both OpenSIPs and FreeSWITCH utilize threads in order to process calls. The difference lies in what the threads are doing.

For OpenSIPs you have a Linux thread running which is the equivalent to a traffic cop. A single thread might pass 10,000 calls per hour from point A to point B, processing a light-weight instruction script ("is this person authorized? OK, let them through!") for each call. The real concern around capacity for OpenSIPs is how many simultaneous requests OpenSIPs will get at any one point in time. Think of this as the difference between a four-way intersection and an eight-way intersection. You might need only one traffic cop at a four-way intersection but need an extra cop at an eight-way intersection simply because of the extra load.

For FreeSWITCH you have a Linux thread running which is the equivalent of one translator. A single thread will only ever process one call, for the entire duration of that call.

So, when planning capacity, you need to ask yourself: OpenSIPs – How many simultaneous people are going to register a phone, make a call or hangup on a call at the same exact time? Divide that number by how many calls each thread can process and you know how many threads you need. FreeSWITCH – How many simultaneous people are going to be on the phone at any given time? That is how many threads you need.

Now that we understand the difference between OpenSIP and FreeSWITCH and their purposes and capacities, stay tuned for next Wednesday's post on FreeSWITCH support for OpenSIPs (or any proxy.) 

[sip2serve]

Ubuntu 10.04 LTS - FreeSwitch Install from source

Ok here is what I did to install FreeSwitch on Ubuntu 10.04 LTS

Lets get into super-user mode, this can be done by issuing the command

sudo su

After you have entered the password then do the obligatory:

apt-get update

apt-get upgrade

apt-get dist-upgrade

packages install YMMV

apt-get install php5 php5-xcache php5-xmlrpc php5-mysql php5-gd php5-cli build-essential git-core autoconf libgdbm-dev libdb-dev subversion php5-curl automake libtool libncurses5 libncurses5-dev php-db mysql-server-5.1 mysql-client-5.1 libtiff4-dev

Next let's download the latest daily FreeSwitch and compile it.

cd /usr/src/

git clone git://git.freeswitch.org/freeswitch.git

cd freeswitch

./bootstrap.sh

./configure

make

make install

Assuming all the above went well the last stage of the FreeSwitch installation is the sounds:

make sounds-install moh-install

That's Free Switch installion complete!

You can if you feel so inclined, install the High definition sounds with:

make uhd-sounds-install uhd-moh-install hd-sounds-install hd-moh-install

start the Service using

/usr/local/freeswitch/bin/freeswitch -nc

You should be able to point a SIP device at your ubuntu box IP address, using extension 1000 and a secret/password of 1234 try calling 5000 to test.

An excellent walkthrough was found here after writing this post:

http://wiki.2600hz.org/display/bluebox/Install+blue.box+on+Ubuntu

[krivushinme]

FreeSWITCH creator used DMCA to ban alternative codec from github. Funny guy.

Got this from github today about https://github.com/Deepwalker/fs_itu_g729 :

Hello, the following site contains a module for my software FreeSWITCH that violates the MPL License it was released under. The poster put this module up and did not follow the license. In addition the repo contains a copy of unauthorized G729 code which is protected by patent by Sipro. see: http://www.sipro.com/g7291_about.php We sell a similar module to to this one legally and by allowing this module to exist it puts us in jeopardy. The code combines this unauthorized G729 code with the non-compliant code from my software and it constitutes an illegal act. They are simply using your site as a means of distribution. Clearly it's never been edited and only is used to access the files. As you can see my name even appears in the file: https://github.com/Deepwalker/fs_itu_g729/blob/master/mod_g729.c I have a good faith belief that use of the copyrighted materials described above on the infringing web pages is not authorized by the copyright owner, or its agent, or the law. I swear, under penalty of perjury, that the information in this notification is accurate and that I am the copyright owner, or am authorized to act on behalf of the owner, of an exclusive right that is allegedly infringed.

Do you know, Antony, that Africa bigger then Texas? Sure? This mod will be hosted in near future on other hosting, and you cant ban it from the internet. But DMCA usage can damage your carma. I'm sure that there is nothing illegal in this codec code, but I'm to lazy to promote YOUR product, that I will never ever use due it sucks.

Others, you can get all freeswitch g729 staff there ftp://icf.org.ru/pub/soft/codecs

[brycv]

Thanks to the FreeSWITCH site for pointing this article out. PBX security is very important. ALWAYS change default passwords on all systems.

[telephonyresearch]

Freeswitch + OpenCNAM

 Are you a [Freeswitch](http://freeswitch.org/) user who'd like to get Caller ID Name for your PBX? If so, you're in the right place. You've probably Google'd around for a while, looking for a decent CNAM provider, but only found horrible websites and expensive options. Not anymore! We at Telephony Research are happy to announce easy Freeswitch integration with our flagship API company, [OpenCNAM](https://www.opencnam.com/). Using Freeswitch's built-in cidlookup module, you can now easily interface with OpenCNAM to get: - High quality CNAM information in the US, Canada, Puerto Rico, and many more places. - Cheap CNAM (pricing starts at $.004 per successful query). - Easy payment options (single deposits, automatic billing, or bitcoin payments). - World class support from our engineering staff. If you're a hobbyist user, and your Freeswitch PBX doesn't do more than few calls per hour, you can get CNAM with us absolutely free, no signup required! If you've been looking for a simple CNAM provider that works well with Freeswitch, give OpenCNAM a try right now :) You can create an OpenCNAM account here: https://www.opencnam.com/ You can read our Freeswitch integration guide here: https://www.opencnam.com/docs/v2/pbx#freeswitch

[gventuretech]

 FreeSwitch dialer solutions, a powerful tool designed to streamline your calling operations and enhance productivity. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the world of FreeSwitch dialer solutions, how they work, their benefits, and how you can navigate the landscape to find the right solution for your needs.

[chasingflutterfies]

🤗Can you accept my invitation to help me get up to $100 credit? Click here and accept my invitation on Temu app! 🎁

[cveira]

Your Next VoIP System. Our powerful open-source projects help you build and manage rich, customized VoIP services. From a fully functional FreeSWITCH and Asterisk configuration GUI to a next-generation monitoring and management toolset, we help make VoIP easy.

[2600hz]

Working with FreeSWITCH as a core part of Kazoo

Today, the core architects of the Kazoo platform are in Milwaukee, WI working with the amazing FreeSWITCH team. The FreeSWITCH team runs an awesome open-source project that is on the bleeding edge of communications - always. Their software, libraries and RTP integrations allow us to power the audio portions of your call, and we’re working together to allow video and other features, too.

This year, our focus is on optimizing how Kazoo and FreeSWITCH integrate. We hope to expose more FreeSWITCH features natively. Our talks today will help shape the future of the Kazoo project in that regard.

We’re pleased to continue working with, and supporting where we can, the FreeSWITCH project. If you’re interested in learning more about the inner workings of how components of Kazoo work - FreeSWITCH being one of them - we’d encourage you to come to one of our upcoming FreeSWITCH trainings  or to join the FreeSWITCH team at their annual ClueCon conference in Chicago.

[iamjackmorris]

How FreeSWITCH Modules Streamline Custom VoIP Development

In today’s business environment, flexibility and scalability are not advantages — requirements. With more organizations, large and small, seeking to improve their voice solutions, FreeSWITCH development has emerged as a powerful way to build customized, future-proof VoIP systems. And underpinning that flexibility are FreeSWITCH modules, which allow programmers to tailor VoIP platforms to precise business requirements.

Learning About FreeSWITCH and Modular Architecture

FreeSWITCH is an open-source telephony system used and envied for its flexibility and performance. What really sets it apart, though, is the way that it is modular. Instead of a rigid one-size-fits-all solution, FreeSWITCH allows you to pick from an incredibly large selection of modules, each providing some features such as call routing, conferencing, IVR, etc.

If you want to get a step-by-step walkthrough on how these modules work and the types that are available, don’t overlook this in-depth tutorial on FreeSWITCH modules. It’s a great tutorial on how to learn about FreeSWITCH's modular mechanism and practical application.

Major Benefits of Using FreeSWITCH Modules in VoIP Development

1. Unlimited Customization

With FreeSWITCH modules, you can design a VoIP system that fits your company like a glove. Do you require advanced call recording? There’s a module for it. Do you wish to connect with your CRM or billing system? Modules make it possible. Such customization is a game-changer for companies with unique workflows or regulatory requirements.

2. Scalability on Demand

As your business grows, your communications needs evolve. FreeSWITCH’s modular architecture allows you to add new functionality or expand call density merely by enabling or building additional modules. Your VoIP solution can easily scale without costly rebuilds.

3. Faster Development and Deployment

Modules are plug-and-play. Developers can leverage existing modules and accelerate project timelines, and enjoy the flexibility of designing custom modules for specific needs. This blend of speed and agility is a major advantage in today’s fast-paced market and environment.

4. Cost Efficiency

Since FreeSWITCH is open-source and modular, you only pay for what you need. You don’t need to invest in cumbersome, do-everything-but-the-kitchen-sink solutions that contain features you won’t ever use. This targeted approach to FreeSWITCH development maximizes budgets for businesses while delivering access to enterprise features.

5. Future-Proofing Your VoIP System

Telecom technology is ever-evolving. FreeSWITCH modules make it easy to adapt to new standards, protocols, and integrations. Be it the support for the latest codecs or facilitating WebRTC capabilities, modules keep your system up-to-date and competitive.

In-Demand FreeSWITCH Modules and Their Uses

mod_conference: Provides support for advanced conferencing support for team collaboration, and virtual meetings.

mod_voicemail: Provides solid voicemail support.

mod_cdr_csv: Provides call detail records in detail for analytics and billing.

mod_xml_curl: Dynamic configuration and web service or external database support.

mod_webrtc: WebRTC support for browser-based video and calling.

For a more technical overview of these and all other FreeSWITCH modules, check out the FreeSWITCH modules blog

Real-World Example: Custom IVR with FreeSWITCH Modules

Imagine a growing customer support center that needs a custom IVR system to route calls based on language, department, or customer status. FreeSWITCH modules allow developers to quickly create a custom IVR solution that connects with databases, CRM systems, and even voice recognition through AI, all without having to rebuild from the ground up.

Why Expert FreeSWITCH Development Matters

Whereas modularity in FreeSWITCH makes it accessible, its full potential can only be achieved through profound technical acumen. Changing, incorporating, and supporting modules — particularly in advanced or heavy-traffic scenarios — takes expert developers familiar with the platform as well as your company’s objectives.

If you need to develop a tailor-made VoIP solution or improve your existing one, it makes sense to hire FreeSWITCH developers with expertise in module development and integration. The correct experts will help you unleash the full potential of FreeSWITCH and ensure your communications are secure, dependable, and scalable.

Conclusion

FreeSWITCH modules are the secret ingredient in some of the most cutting-edge and cost-effective VoIP solutions out there today. With a modular freeswitch development strategy, firms can create personalized communication systems that are tailored to their requirements, cost less, and deliver better performance.

Ready to make your VoIP system something incredible? Start by finding out what the power of FreeSWITCH modules can bring — and work with specialists at Hire VoIP Developer, we can turn your vision into reality.

[samcomblog]

Check our latest blog on the topic "5 Reason That Freeswitch Preferred As Best Voip Solution". It help to prefer the best VoIP solution and also states why Freeswitch are considered as the best VoIP solution

Get in thouch with the best VoIP development company at sales@samcomtechnologies.com

[gventuretech]

 FreeSWITCH and Asterisk as powerful tools for building robust and flexible communication systems, and Gventure is a provider of solutions leveraging these technologies to meet the needs of businesses for automation and enhanced communication capabilities.

[emily2smith]

WebRTC And FreeSWITCH – What This Combination Means?

Basically, it’s better for you to hire developers specializing in FreeSWITCH if you want the best of all worlds. The creators of FreeSWITCH designed it specifically to manage, as well as message high-def media, including audio and video. Source: https://www.moontechnolabs.com/blog/webrtc-and-freeswitch-what-this-combination-means/

[ecosmob]

Our FreeSwitch developer is profoundly skillful to deliver customized VoIP solutions based on FreeSwitch development. When you hire our developer, you are not only reducing the project deployment time but increasing client satisfaction with the robust and scalable solutions developed by our FreeSwitch developer.

[2600hz]

When Darren isn't busy working on stuff in the guts of the world's biggest Telecom Infrastructures, he's helping to write books about FreeSWITCH with the epic FreeSWITCH team. Their latest work is available now!

You can buy the book here: http://www.packtpub.com/freeswitch-1-2/book

Learn more about FreeSWITCH by checking out their site: http://freeswitch.org

Thanks for letting us be a part of such an awesome open-source project!! This is the culmination of a lot of very hard work from our friends Michael, Raymond and Anthony, without whom this project would be impossible.