Configuration

This section covers the configuration of Ekiga. See Ekiga for the main page.

First use

When you start Ekiga for the first time, the 10 step Configuration druid will help you to correctly configure Ekiga. It is strongly recommended that you complete this configuration procedure.

Step-by-step help about the druid at Configuring Ekiga Wiki page at ekiga.org.

Network

Ekiga is able to use a STUN server. In most cases the defaults should work fine, even for users of consumer-grade firewalls.

However, for advanced users or complex setups, here is the list of ports used by Ekiga:

If your router reports "Symmetric NAT" (which is a problem), this thread might help you: http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?p=4011798&posted=1#post4011798

Several Ekigas on a LAN

There are several programs which allow copies of Ekiga to communicate with each other; you can use a SIP proxy (like Siproxd) or a PBX (like Asterisk. Further information about Ekiga and Asterisk can be found on the Ekiga documentation), or you can use Avahi.

Bonjour

Avahi is the main implementation of ZeroConf protocol under Ubuntu (known as Rendezvous or Bonjour on Mac OS X). This technology allows automatic discovery of services.

To set up Avahi, please follow the Zeroconf Howto.

Other copies of Ekiga on the LAN should appear in the Address Book (third button on the left) if you double-click on Contacts Near Me.

Sound

This section is about testing and changing the sound configuration in Ekiga.

Test your computer

The audio test in the configuration druid will show you if there is any audio problem.

In case of audio problem, to check if your computer meets the requirements for Ekiga, try this command in a terminal:

$ arecord -D plughw:0,0 -c 1 -r 8000 -f S16_LE - | aplay -D plughw:0,0 -c 1 -r 8000 -f S16_LE -

Now, speak into your microphone. You should be able to hear yourself in your headset with a small delay (approximately half a second). If it doesn't work as expected, first try to setup correctly your audio desktop configuration: make sure your microphone is not muted and the volume levels are OK.

Ekiga and other audio applications

Ekiga is capable of running simultaneously with other sound applications (like music and video players). The following directions should be enough to accomplish this:

From the Edit menu, choose Preferences → Devices → Audio Devices.

• Select "ALSA" as the audio plugin

• Select "Default" as output

• Select "Default" as input

Then, from the Edit menu, choose Preferences → General → Sound Events. Select "Default" as alternate device output.

• Ekiga's documentation More about running Ekiga with other audio applications

Webcam

Ekiga does not require a webcam.

• How to set up a webcam

Choosing the right webcam driver

The Linux kernel has two ways to communicate with video devices, the old v4l and the new v4l2. It's best to use v4l2, but some devices only support v4l.

From the Edit menu, choose Preferences → Devices → Video device.

• Try "v4l2” or "v4l” as video plugin

Choosing the right video device

If you have several video devices (like a TV card and a webcam) you will need to tell Ekiga which one to use:

From the Edit menu, choose Preferences → Devices → Video device. Change the channel number until you find the right one.

Test your webcam

To test your webcam, click the fourth of the six icons (a grey round webcam) on the left side of the main Ekiga window. If eveything is ok, you'll see the output of the webcam. If not, you'll see the Ekiga logo bouncing slowly.

Encrypt your calls

As Ekiga use a standard Sip protocol, your calls can easily be encrypted using Zfone. The present version (3.2) support Zfone natively.

Ekiga Links

Navigate to Ekiga pages at Ubuntu Help

• Ekiga - Telephony Software

  • Ekiga/VoIP_Providers - Commercial VoIP Providers

  • Ekiga/Configuration - Configuring Ekiga

  • Ekiga/FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about Ekiga

See Also

• InternetApplications

• WengoPhone

• Skype

• SoftPhone