What is FreeSwitch?
FreeSWITCH is a versatile and scalable open-source telephony platform designed to facilitate the creation and deployment of voice and video applications. It is commonly used for building communication applications, such as voice-over-IP (VoIP) systems, conference servers, and various real-time communication solutions.
FreeSWITCH provides a flexible framework and an extensive set of tools for handling various telephony protocols, including Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP), H.323, and others. It supports a wide range of audio and video codecs, allowing for interoperability with different devices and systems.
One of the key features of FreeSWITCH is its modular architecture, which allows developers to customize and extend the platform according to their specific requirements. It offers a powerful scripting language called the FreeSWITCH Event Socket Library (ESL), which enables the creation of complex telephony applications with ease. Additionally, FreeSWITCH integrates with other technologies and protocols, such as WebRTC, enabling browser-based real-time communication.
With FreeSWITCH, developers can build sophisticated telephony applications, including voice and video conferencing systems, interactive voice response (IVR) systems, call center solutions, and more. Its flexibility, scalability, and extensive feature set make it a popular choice for both small and large-scale telecommunication deployments.
Please note that my knowledge is based on information available up until September 2021, so there may have been updates or new features introduced in FreeSWITCH since then.
What are the features of FreeSWITCH?
FreeSWITCH offers a wide range of features that make it a powerful telephony platform. Here are some key features of FreeSWITCH:
Voice and Video Support: FreeSWITCH supports both voice and video communications, allowing for the development of applications that involve real-time audio and video interactions.
Protocol Support: It supports various telephony protocols, including SIP (Session Initiation Protocol), H.323, XMPP (Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol), IAX (Inter-Asterisk eXchange), and more. This enables interoperability with different devices and systems.
Modular Architecture: FreeSWITCH is built with a modular architecture, which means that different components can be added or removed easily, allowing for customization and flexibility.
Scalability: The platform is designed to be highly scalable, making it suitable for deployments of all sizes, from small setups to large-scale carrier-grade systems.
Advanced Call Routing: FreeSWITCH provides sophisticated call routing capabilities, allowing for intelligent call handling based on various criteria such as caller ID, time of day, geographic location, and more.
Interactive Voice Response (IVR): It offers built-in IVR functionality, enabling the creation of interactive voice menus, automated call handling, and other interactive voice applications.
Conferencing: FreeSWITCH includes powerful conferencing capabilities, allowing for the creation of voice and video conferences with multiple participants.
Media Handling: The platform supports a wide range of audio and video codecs, enabling seamless media processing and transcoding.
WebRTC Integration: FreeSWITCH integrates with WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication), enabling browser-based real-time communication without the need for additional plugins or software.
Monitoring and Logging: It provides extensive monitoring and logging capabilities, allowing administrators to monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues, and gather usage statistics.
Extensibility: FreeSWITCH offers a powerful scripting language called the FreeSWITCH Event Socket Library (ESL), which allows developers to extend and customize the platform according to their specific requirements.
These are just some of the notable features of FreeSWITCH. The platform is continually evolving, and new features are added regularly to enhance its capabilities.
How many calls can FreeSWITCH handle?
The number of calls that FreeSWITCH can handle depends on various factors, including the hardware it runs on, the configuration settings, the specific call scenarios, and the system resources available.
FreeSWITCH is designed to be highly scalable and can handle a significant number of concurrent calls. With proper hardware and configuration, it is not uncommon for FreeSWITCH to handle thousands of simultaneous calls on a single server.
The scalability of FreeSWITCH can be further enhanced by using techniques such as load balancing and distributed deployments. By distributing the load across multiple servers and utilizing load balancing techniques, FreeSWITCH can handle even higher call volumes.
It’s important to note that the actual number of calls that FreeSWITCH can handle will vary based on the specific deployment environment, the hardware specifications (such as CPU, memory, and network capacity), the complexity of call processing, and the type of media being processed (voice vs. video).
To achieve optimal performance and handle a large number of calls, it is recommended to carefully configure FreeSWITCH, monitor system resources, and allocate sufficient hardware resources to support the expected call volume.
Who is the founder of FreeSWITCH?
The founders of FreeSWITCH are Anthony Minessale, Michael Jerris, Brian West, and Darren Schreiber. Anthony Minessale is often recognized as the primary founder and the driving force behind the FreeSWITCH project. He played a significant role in the development and advancement of the platform, along with the other co-founders and the broader FreeSWITCH community. Their collective efforts have contributed to the growth and success of FreeSWITCH as a popular open-source telephony platform.
Who is the founder of FreeSWITCH?
The founders of FreeSWITCH are Anthony Minessale, Michael Jerris, Brian West, and Darren Schreiber. Anthony Minessale is often recognized as the primary founder and the driving force behind the FreeSWITCH project. He played a significant role in the development and advancement of the platform, along with the other co-founders and the broader FreeSWITCH community. Their collective efforts have contributed to the growth and success of FreeSWITCH as a popular open-source telephony platform.
What is the default database for FreeSWITCH?
The default database used by FreeSWITCH is an embedded database called SQLite. SQLite is a lightweight, serverless, file-based database engine that is widely used for embedded systems and small-scale applications. It is included with the FreeSWITCH installation by default and provides a convenient way to store configuration, call detail records (CDRs), and other data within FreeSWITCH.
SQLite is known for its simplicity and ease of use, as it doesn’t require a separate server process or complex setup. It operates directly on a local file and supports standard SQL queries for data manipulation and retrieval. However, it’s worth noting that SQLite may not be suitable for high-performance or high-concurrency scenarios where a more robust and scalable database solution, such as PostgreSQL or MySQL, may be preferred. FreeSWITCH also supports integration with external databases, allowing users to leverage other database systems based on their specific needs.
What are the requirements for FreeSWITCH server?
The requirements for a FreeSWITCH server can vary depending on factors such as the expected call volume, the specific features and modules being utilized, and the desired level of performance. However, here are some general guidelines for the requirements of a typical FreeSWITCH server:
Hardware: A modern server with sufficient CPU power, memory, and disk space is recommended. The exact specifications will depend on the expected call volume and the complexity of call processing. As a rough estimate, a server with a multi-core CPU, 4-8 GB of RAM, and ample disk space should be suitable for most small to medium-scale deployments. For larger installations or high call volumes, more powerful hardware may be required.
Operating System: FreeSWITCH is compatible with various operating systems, including Linux distributions (such as CentOS, Ubuntu, and Debian), BSD systems, and Windows. Linux distributions are commonly used and offer good performance and stability.
Dependencies: FreeSWITCH has dependencies on certain software packages, including libraries and tools. These dependencies may vary based on the operating system. The FreeSWITCH documentation provides specific instructions for installing dependencies based on your chosen operating system.
Network Connectivity: A reliable network connection with sufficient bandwidth is crucial for proper communication and handling of VoIP traffic. A stable internet connection with low latency is important to ensure good call quality and minimize disruptions.
Firewall and Security: It is important to configure firewalls and network security settings to allow necessary traffic for FreeSWITCH. Proper security measures should be implemented to protect the server from unauthorized access and potential vulnerabilities.
Monitoring and Management: It is recommended to have monitoring and management tools in place to monitor server performance, track call statistics, and facilitate troubleshooting.
These are general guidelines, and it’s important to consult the official FreeSWITCH documentation and consider the specific requirements of your deployment to ensure optimal performance and stability.
What is the port range for FreeSWITCH?
FreeSWITCH utilizes various ports for different purposes. Here are some of the commonly used ports by FreeSWITCH:
SIP Protocol: FreeSWITCH uses port 5060 (UDP/TCP) by default for SIP signaling. This port is used for SIP registration, call setup, and other SIP-related communication.
RTP Media: FreeSWITCH uses a range of ports for RTP (Real-time Transport Protocol) media traffic. By default, it uses a port range starting from 16384 and typically extends up to 32768. These ports are used for transporting the audio and video streams during a call.
Event Socket: FreeSWITCH’s Event Socket is a communication mechanism for external applications to interact with FreeSWITCH. By default, the Event Socket uses port 8021 (TCP), which allows external applications to send commands and receive events from FreeSWITCH.
ESL (Event Socket Library) HTTP Interface: The ESL HTTP interface is an alternative method to interact with FreeSWITCH via HTTP. By default, it uses port 8080 (TCP) for incoming connections.
WebRTC: If FreeSWITCH is configured for WebRTC support, it may use various ports for WebRTC signaling and media transmission. The specific ports used can be configured in the FreeSWITCH configuration files.
It’s important to note that these port numbers are the default values, and they can be modified in the FreeSWITCH configuration files if necessary. Additionally, network firewalls and security configurations should be adjusted to allow the required ports for FreeSWITCH to function properly.
When deploying FreeSWITCH, it’s advisable to review the official FreeSWITCH documentation and consider any customization or specific requirements based on your deployment scenario.
How do I forward calls on FreeSWITCH?
To forward calls on FreeSWITCH, you can utilize the call-forwarding functionality provided by the platform. There are several ways to configure call forwarding, depending on your specific requirements. Here are a few common methods:
Call Forwarding through Dialplan:
Open the FreeSWITCH configuration file for the dialplan, usually named dialplan/default.xml or dialplan/public.xml.
Within the appropriate section, add a new one that specifies the desired call-forwarding destination.
Set the application attribute of to the appropriate forwarding command, such as bridge, transfer, or socket.
Configure the necessary parameters for the forwarding command, such as the destination number or extension, and any additional options or variables.
Save the file and reload the dial plan configuration for the changes to take effect.
Call Forwarding through API or Event Socket:
Utilize the FreeSWITCH Event Socket Library (ESL) or API to programmatically handle call forwarding.
Establish a connection to the FreeSWITCH Event Socket interface using your preferred programming language.
Send the appropriate commands or events to instruct FreeSWITCH to forward the call to the desired destination.
You can use commands such as originate, bgapi, or socket commands, specifying the forwarding destination and any additional parameters.
Call Forwarding through User Configuration:
If you have user-specific call forwarding requirements, you can configure call forwarding directly in the user configuration.
Locate the user configuration file for the user you wish to enable call forwarding for, typically located in the directory/default or directory/LDAP directory.
Add or modify the appropriate parameters related to call forwardings, such as call-forward or call-forward-all, specifying the desired destination number or extension.
These are just a few examples of how call forwarding can be configured in FreeSWITCH. The specific method to use will depend on your particular setup, requirements, and the version of FreeSWITCH you are using. It’s recommended to consult the FreeSWITCH documentation, which provides detailed instructions and examples for configuring call forwarding based on your specific needs.
Conclusion
FreeSWITCH is a versatile and scalable open-source telephony platform designed for building and deploying voice and video applications. It provides a flexible framework and an extensive set of tools for handling various telephony protocols, including SIP, XMPP, H.323, and more. FreeSWITCH supports features such as call routing, IVR, and conferencing, and integrates with technologies like WebRTC. It offers a modular architecture, allowing customization and extension according to specific requirements. FreeSWITCH utilizes an embedded SQLite database by default and can handle a significant number of concurrent calls, with scalability options available. The platform has been founded by Anthony Minessale and co-founded by Michael Jerris, Brian West, and Darren Schreiber. The latest stable version as of September 2021 was 1.10, but it’s advisable to refer to official sources for the most up-to-date version and features. The specific requirements for a FreeSWITCH server depend on factors such as call volume and desired performance. FreeSWITCH utilizes various ports for different purposes, including SIP, RTP, Event Socket, and WebRTC. Call forwarding in FreeSWITCH can be achieved through dial plan configuration, API/Event Socket usage, or user-specific configuration. Overall, FreeSWITCH offers a robust and customizable telephony platform suitable for various communication applications.
