Re: SIP v. Skype *on* Linux [Was: Can't install skype on an AMD64 system (Ubuntu)]

In article <573d9671-2f73-4700-ba0d-1f054e36acc0@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>,
myemail.an@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx <myemail.an@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
I need:
1) to make POTS calls abroad

Get a mobile phone with a roaming contract.

2) to call, and possibly video-call, all my friends and relatives who
currently use Skype (this is a sip to sip call, right?)

Skype isn't SIP. They are both VoIP though. Skype is proprietary and
closed. SIP is open. With Skype you can only call other Skype users and
Skype-out to the PSTN. With SIP, in-theory, you can call anyone else
with SIP regardless of the service provider they use. It doesn't always
quite work like that though, but that's the idea.

As for point 1, I don't care what software I use, as long as sound
quality and prices are acceptable. Do you know what alternatives to
skype I would have, and how much calls would cost?

If you are using VoIP, then you will need a broadband connection and the
better the quality of that, then the better your "VoIP Experience" will
be...

As for point 2, if there is another software that is compatible with
skype and would allow me to call and video-call my Skype contacts, I'd
be more than happy to try it. However, as far as I know, unfortunately
such a software does not exist yet. There may be other programs that
offer similar functionalities, but all my contacts use Windows and
Skype, and getting them to change is just not going to happen.

I design/make/sell VoIP telephony kit. I use a mobile phone when
abroad unless I know for sure that I'll get a good quality broadband
connection to use with my VoIP systems...

With Skype, as it's proprietary and closed source, you only have one
supplier. A bit like your contacts who've all bought into the MS Windows
world...

Good luck!

Gordon



Thanks!




What do you need skype for?

It is not needed for
* SIP to SIP calls
* SIP to POTS calls (POTS = Plain Old Telephone Systems)

Skype is a "non public" P2P protocol implemented by closed source application.
Skype P2P network uses your computer to route other people calls.
It makes it "second preference" choice on Linuxes. Without *VERY* good
reason you should prefer on Linuxes open protocols implemented (also)
via open source application.

AFAIK:
1) SIP support on Linuxes is offered by Ekiga open source application
2) There are operators providing SIP to POTS calls




.

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