SIP Witch GnuComm

GNU SIP Freely

Linphone, SFLphone, Jitsi, Ekiga and Twinkle on Debian GNU/Linux

This is a desktop on an ASUS Eee 1005HA.

It runs Debian GNU/Linux 6.x Squeeze with the KDE 4 Plasma Netbook workspace. On the shortcut bar you can see Linphone, SFLphone, Jitsi, Ekiga and Twinkle. These calling apps are Free Software (free as in freedom, that is). They are available at no cost too.

All support making calls using the open and vendor-independent standard SIP for communication. They support voice calls and instant messaging. Linphone, Jitsi and Ekiga even support video calls.

You probably have a phone in your pocket or nearby. In case of an emergency, Serval is able to make calls through the phones of other Serval users around you – no need for extra infrastructure. Serval is Free Software, but does not use SIP. You can use CSipSimple, Linphone or Sipdroid on your Android or Replicant phone to place calls using SIP.

Apps like CSipSimple and Linphone need to register with a SIP service to find each other, so you can make a call. You can use GNU SIP Witch to set up a SIP service on your own internal Wi-Fi. This way you can stay mobile and private while placing voice, chat or video calls either at the office or at home. A great use of this is to have text alerts from systems come to your phone – at no extra cost.

Why so many apps? One size does not fit all – GNU SIP Freely.

Linphone through GNU SIP Witch on Debian

This is my desktop on my ASUS Eee 1005HA. I run Debian GNU/Linux 6.x Squeeze with the KDE 4 Plasma Netbook desktop environment. In the top right corner you can see the Linphone application start icon. Linphone supports audio, video and chat using the open and vendor-independent standard SIP for communication. If you look closely, you can see a smaller version in the top bar – that's because I've already started Linphone.

Here I am, using the built-in web-cam on my netbook. In the top right corner, you can see a chat window with messages sent through my Wi-Fi network from my HTC Desire phone, where I also have a SIP client – that one is called CSipSimple. Remember, using an open and vendor-independent standard means you can use the apps that works best for you.

GNU SIP Witch makes it possible for both clients to find each other, so you can talk, use video or chat. See screenshots of CSipSimple for Android receiving a call using GNU SIP Witch as a service.

CSipSimple for Android

CSipSimple for Android supports audio and chat using the open and vendor-independent standard SIP for communication.

The following are some screenshots to show you two people calling each other using the CSipSimple app for Android as their software client. Both users are on the same internal Wi-Fi network, and both are using GNU SIP Witch as their service to find each other.

Opening screen

The initial CSipSimple screen on a Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1

Accounts

The menu-button on your device will show “Accounts”, which is the place to go to add GNU SIP Witch as a service.

An account – “David hjemme” or “David home” – is already added. The green bar and the word “Registered” shows the device is connected to the GNU SIP Witch service. To add an account, use the button “+ Add account”.

The settings for the account named “David hjemme” or “David home” – an account name you choose, the user name to login, the IP address or domain name of the server where the GNU SIP Witch service is running, and finally the password to login.

Accepting or declining a call

Oh, look! Haakon is calling! He is also registered to the GNU SIP Witch service, but is using an HTC Desire phone with CSipSimple. To accept the call, David needs to slide the green button. To decline the call, David can use the red button.

Conclusion

CSipSimple is stable and easy to use. There are many other apps that support video, audio and chat using the open and vendor-independent standard SIP for communication. Remember, using an open and vendor-independent standard means you can use those apps that work best for you.