Building a peer-to-peer network for Real-Time Communication

Building a peer-to-peer network for Real-Time Communication

FOSDEM 2016

Ring, a new project from Savoir-faire Linux, creators of SFLphone, uses a distributed hash table instead of a central SIP server to find other users. This peer-to-peer network is also accessible from other applications using the project's OpenDHT library.

Signaling protocols, like SIP, XMPP and IAX, typically rely on central servers to help users locate each other and initiate sessions. Ring is an evolved version of the SFLphone SIP client adding support for true peer-to-peer calling without any central server.

The peer-to-peer network transport is implemented using the OpenDHT library, making it a universal solution that can be used for any arbitrary real-time signalling requirement from any application.

Ring and OpenDHT's developers explain how the peer-to-peer network is built. They explain the difficulties encountered and solutions found for typical and specific problems. The talk goes beyond traditional telephony to look at Ring and OpenDHT's potential in the Internet of Things.

There is a demonstration of the Ring solution and the following questions are explored:

• A layered architecture - which one and why?
• What do developers need to know about the OpenDHT library?
• How to adapt SIP protocol for use on a peer-to-peer network?
• What are the practical use cases for this type of RTC in the Internet of Things?
• How can people collaborate with the Ring developers and their workflow?

Speakers: Adrien Béraud Guillaume Roguez