

GSM and Asterisk Integration? 156
MistabewM asks: "Would it be possible to place a GSM transceiver within you home that can be tied into Asterisk in a way that would allow you to place calls from your GSM phone across your VOIP connection or though your local landline? An analogous system is being introduced on airplanes that will allow passengers to use their GSM phones in flight. I feel this would be a fantastic hack and could even be scaled up to provide large areas of free GSM service."
Apparently, yes. (Score:4, Funny)
Re:Apparently, yes. (Score:2, Insightful)
Re:Apparently, yes. (Score:3, Insightful)
as long as your at a low enough power, and your not interfearing with anyones communication, you are allowed to. same as those ipod/radio transmitters to your car radio.
I would say as long as their is no GSM availabilty where you want to deploy this, and a limited range, it would be legal. I say this because I have helped install a transmitter, for my company, with AT&T's approvel though, for a test.
Re:Apparently, yes. (Score:2)
In addition, you need to renew your license. Just because AT&T says you have permission, doesn't mean you can just use that band. The FCC will be knocking on your door; especially in the event you cause problems in said band.
Re:Apparently, yes. (Score:2)
Re:Apparently, yes. (Score:2)
Re:Apparently, yes. (Score:2)
I'd say a simple solution would be to use an ATA and a cordless phone.
Re:Apparently, yes. (Score:2, Informative)
http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Engineering_Technology
Specificall at the PCS frequency 1.705-2.1735 MHz the maximum legal power is 100 uV/M at 30 M
Re:Apparently, yes. (Score:2)
> an ATA and a cordless phone.
I recall something about a dual mode DECT + GSM phone.
Aha:
http://www.google.com/search?q=dect+gsm+dual [google.com]
Re:Apparently, yes. (Score:2)
Re:Apparently, yes, Actually,no (Score:2, Insightful)
There have been some attempts to do what the parent is asking about, but I do not know of any that have been rolled out for public consumption.
Re:Apparently, yes, Actually,no (Score:2)
Re:Apparently, yes, Actually,no (Score:2, Informative)
Re:Apparently, yes, Actually,no (Score:2)
And how am I confusing GSM with peer-to-peer radio? Why did you feel a need to be insulting, rather than provide useful information?
Re:Apparently, yes, Actually,no (Score:2)
Well, not in those words. But he did ask about using his normal GSM handset which would connect to a GSM transceiver connected to his asterix pbx, in other words a private cell.
Re:Apparently, yes. (Score:3, Insightful)
The poster wants to use their landline/sip minutes from their cell phone when at home.
Re:Apparently, yes. (Score:2)
Free? (Score:5, Insightful)
Sounds like an interesting hack indeed, but I'm not sure how it will result in a free service. Someone needs to administer the Asterisk server, pay for electricity, the bandwidth to the server and lastly don't you need a license to use GSM frequencies? If you'd be willing to cover all these costs, then sure, it will be free.
Re:Free? (Score:4, Insightful)
Re:Free? (Score:4, Funny)
Sounds like a risky proposition... but it's his own asterisk.
Re:Free? (Score:2)
Re:Free? (Score:2)
Re:Free? (Score:2)
Uh, 2 seconds with Google... (Score:5, Informative)
Re:Uh, 2 seconds with Google... (Score:4, Insightful)
Re:Uh, 2 seconds with Google... (Score:2)
Re:Uh, 2 seconds with Google... (Score:2)
Re:Uh, 2 seconds with Google... (Score:2)
A specific product used to create such a picocell (which Google finds) is the answer.
Re:Uh, 2 seconds with Google... (Score:2)
Subject: GSM Picocell
Message: Ah, what you want is a GSM Picocell. I went ahead and searched for it on Google and found these guys [ipaccess.com] who sell a product that may be what you're looking for, enjoy.
Re:Uh, 2 seconds with Google... (Score:2)
Re:Uh, 2 seconds with Google... (Score:2)
ip.access offers a basestation system that can easily integrate into existing core mobile networks. At the heart of the solution lies the nanoBTS, a picocellular basestation, that provides coverage and capacity where it is needed. These small units are connected to the basestation controller (BSC) via IP networks. In turn, the basestation controller connects over a standard A and Gb interface into the mobile switching centre (MSC) for voice traffic and to the SGSN f
Re:Uh, 2 seconds with Google... (Score:2)
Umm... it didn't a short time ago... [digium.com]
I was wrong... (Score:2)
Already covered (Score:5, Interesting)
Yeah, sure. It's possible to do this (Score:4, Informative)
That's not meant as a slight, but just the truth. It's a very difficult thing to set this up. It requires more than just running some daemon. It also requires authenticated sessions on the servers. If you aren't Ericsson, you aren't getting into the network.
That isn't to say that you couldn't implement this yourself. Skype, for example, doesn't run across the traditional long distance network, but it provides long distance phone service over the Internet. If you are willing to dive headlong into a long and arduous development plan, sure, you could implement this.
Don't hold it against me that I'm not holding my breath for this, though.
RF interference (Score:3, Insightful)
And also hopefully, the handsets will use low enough power that it doesn't result in the equivalent of a 35000-foot cell tower.
http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=17017 [spaceref.com]
Re:RF interference (Score:2)
If it works technologically (i.e. no doppler problems) having 35,000 ft cell towers which dont have to ugly the landscape would be great...
Whey didnt they think of this earlier?
Free service like how? (Score:3, Insightful)
How exactly do you get large numbers of GSM transceivers for free? This sounds suspiciously like a dot-bomb business model. I mean, I'm willing to buy a wifi router and give away my internet connection because any tool with a wifi card can figure out how it works and take advantage of it. But buy a GSM transceiver, host an Asterisk server, and manage it all for strangers who walk past my house? What a tech support pain in the ass.
Re:Free service like how? (Score:2)
Sure, but what if you run a company and want to un-wire your campus? Forget desk IP phones, just have a few picocells strewn about and have people use their own phones (or buy $20 GSM phones from some random reseller).
Re:Free service like how? (Score:2)
Commercial use of GSM frequencies requires a license from the FCC. It isn't an open frequency like 802.11b operates on.
A rephrase (Score:3, Funny)
Licensing (Score:3, Informative)
I know that the mobile phone companies in the UK spent a hell of a lot of cash to secure 3G licences, they wouldn't be too happy if you got to set up your own transceiver for free.
Yes, I know a handset is a transceiver, but that probably comes under some kind of different licence.
Re:Licensing (Score:1)
Re:Licensing (Score:2)
looks like ... (Score:1)
Short and long answer. (Score:5, Interesting)
Long answer: The main restriction here is the use of restricted frequencies, and some "minor" technical hurdles.
while it's perfectly OK for you, as a lone individual, or a company, to operate a GSM handset, operating a base-station is another thing. First, you'd have to get your greedy paws on a basestation, then you'd have to make your own SIM cards (hijacking calls that should be on the regular operator's network is highly illegal (DMCA); there's all sorts of (broken) encryption going on), and you'd have to outfit phones with 2 SIM cards, switching from your own network to the other (which entails switching the phone off and on again) every time you enter or leave the building. (This is doable, but annoying).
Now, assuming you don't want the legal hassles of paying for multi-million dollar cell network licenses, you could operate a "pirate" basestation on some frequencies that aren't used too much where you're at (you'd have to measure it through first).
In other words; you're better off investing in a handset that does both GSM and DECT(or whatever you use for domestic wireless phones in the US) or even both GSM and WiFi. There aren't many of those (though BritishTelecom has announced their model), but there should be some out there.
Re:Short and long answer. (Score:2)
While running a renagade cell tower isn't generally a viable option, if you command enough clout (i.e. a professional reputation and enough potential users) you can convince an existing cell carrier to put up a cell station on their network for your own private use.
For example, Verizon put a cell station in an underground data center where I used to work. There would n
Re:What about roaming? (Score:2)
You could try your luck with restricting/allowing access on the basis of IMEI number though (though IMEIs are famously spoofable, much like MAC adresses).
Re:What about roaming? (Score:2)
Sweet Deal (Score:1)
What are the costs on a system like this?
Yes, but it costs a *lot*. (Score:5, Informative)
One microcell, coming right up.
Ok, simple omnidirectional antenna.
Then you need the base station that drives that antenna.
Then you need the base station controller that drives the base station.
Then you need MSC (mobile switching center...) that actually gets the calls from the base station and forwards it accordingly to an SS7 network.
Then you need to set up Asterisk to talk to that SS7 network and grab your phone calls.
And all the rest of the components that I have forgotten.. In effect, you need to become a full-blown telco, albeit with only one base station.
All the equipment can be bought from Nokia, Ericcson or other mobile network vendors. Price range is not for home users.
Then, you need to get a license to operate that basestation. 900/1800/1900MHz is a licensed band. This *might* be quite easy if the location is just a single cell.
Anyway, then you need to apply for Mobile Network Identifiers (MCC + the rest) to distinguish yourself as a GSM operator, so when you search for networks with your GSM phone, you'll see your own network as one.
Then you need to get a SIM Card to use with your phone that has access to your network. (Or, you may be able to set it to "open for all" mode).
(Of course, if the question was simply if you can reaac GSM network via Voip and want to set up the gateway your own home, then that's easy, just plug a phone or wireless modem to your Linux box....but I was under the impression that this meant the ability to use your GSM phone as a "cordless phone".)
With landline this is of course easy, all you need is a modem waiting for calls..
Re:Yes, but it costs a *lot*. (Score:2)
850 is licensed, but as long as you have a quad-band phone.....
Re:Yes, but it costs a *lot*. (Score:2)
Re:Yes, but it costs a *lot*. (Score:2)
Do you mean it is not unlicensed for GSM because of power requirements?
Or does GSM occupy more frequency space than is unlicensed in the 900 Mhz band?
As long as you comply with all FCC rules, you should be able to do GSM in the 900 Mhz band.
Not that it would necessairly be useful once you did, but still, one could do it, perhaps in your own home or something. I don't know much about any of this, however, so you're probably right
Re:Yes, but it costs a *lot*. (Score:2)
Google for "Tragedy of the Commons" if everyone were able to cook up wacky RF-based services, nobody would be able to use the spectrum at all -- its bad enough as it is.
50 years ago, you could hear a 10,000 watt AM station for 1000 miles. Today, you're lucky to get 150.
Re:Yes, but it costs a *lot*. (Score:2)
GSM gateways (Score:1)
http://www.westlakecommunications.co.uk/Bluetower. htm [westlakeco...ions.co.uk]
http://www.qiiq.com/products/productsGoldenGatePRI GSM.htm [qiiq.com]
http://www.telular.com/products/product_index.asp? tech=GSM [telular.com]
http://www.mobilecomms-technology.com/contractor [mobilecomm...nology.com]
How about POTS? (Score:3, Interesting)
The same goes for the other way around, when somebody calls my VoIP number, I'd like it to forward the call using my home phone line to my cellphone.
I know that this is possible, but what's the easiest way to achieve it?
Re:How about POTS? (Score:1)
My provider could probably never figure out (if he would ever care) how I could keep a consulting business on a minimal dial plan
Cheap Calling (Score:5, Interesting)
After I hang up, my home phone number calls my mobile phone and gives me an IVR (Voice Menu) where I can dial out using VOIP long-distance.
The call is free, because it looks like an incoming call from my home, but I'm using my home line to make the VOIP call outbound from my cell phone.
This is my trick; the only inconvenience is that you have to dial a number BEFORE you make outbound calls, but I can live with it. =)
-Jesse
Re:Cheap Calling (Score:2)
Re:Cheap Calling (Score:2)
The other method I thought of for doing this is a WAP page that I can load on my phone's web browser with a simple form. Type in the number, the cell phone rings and then the call is placed to the remote party. This would prevent your "have to dial a number before you make your outbound call" annoyance.
Jeremy
Re:Cheap Calling (Score:5, Informative)
exten => 123,1,Answer
exten => 123,2,System(/etc/asterisk/callme)
exten => 123,3,Hangup
The 'callme' file is a bash script that looks alittle something like this:
#!/bin/bash
sleep 4
umask 000
(
echo "Channel: IAX2/loginname:password@provider/8885555555"
echo "Callerid: Magic"
echo "MaxRetries:1"
echo "RetryTime: 10"
echo "WaitTime: 30"
echo "Context: internal"
echo "Extension: 444" ; the extension of the IVR
echo "Priority: 1"
) >
That will wait for 4 seconds before calling the mobile so that you have a chance to hang up after you press '123' after calling in.
In my example, you use an IVR with the number '444' which forwards to the IVR 'callme-menu' presented as soon as you pick up your cell, here's the part from my extensions for that:
[callme-menu]
exten => s,1,Answer ; Answer the line
exten => s,2,DigitTimeout,5 ; Set Digit Timeout to 5 sec
exten => s,3,ResponseTimeout,7 ; Set response timeout to 7 sec
exten => s,4,Wait(2) ; Wait two seconds to make sure speaker is at ear
exten => s,5,Background(what-are-you-wearing) ; Greeting call
exten => _9X.,1,SetCallerID(JESSE)
exten => _9X.,2,Background(pls-wait-connect-call)
exten => _9X.,3,Goto(outbound,${EXTEN:1},1)
exten => _9X.,4,Congestion
I hope this helps you. I think I'll put it on the wiki this weekend so more people can screw the system.
=)
-Jesse
Re:Cheap Calling (Score:2)
Jeremy
Re:How about POTS? (Score:1)
Hope this helps.
Re:How about POTS? (Score:2)
Re:How about POTS? (Score:1)
something like this..
exten => s,1,Zapateller(answer|nocallerid)
exten => s,2,Wait(2)
exten => s,3,Answer
exten => s,4,PrivacyManager
exten => s,5,lookupCIDName
exten => s,6,lookupBlacklist
exten => s,7,GotoIF($[${CALLERIDNUM} = xxxxxxxxxx]?some:other:context,s,1:8)
Re:How about POTS? (Score:2)
More people should spend some time nerding out with Asterisk and other free VOIP technology. It's way cool.
Is this what you want? (Score:3, Informative)
Basically, get two phones and a plan with free mobile-to-mobile minutes. Leave one at home in the base station and connect it to Asterisk with a DTA.
Call home with your mobile, then call again from there to where ever via VoIP. Basically a cell-to-VoIP gateway.
There is a FAQ somewhere around that explains exactly how to do this.
-Charles
Re:Is this what you want? (Score:2)
Comment removed (Score:4, Insightful)
Re:When UMA becomes standard, maybe (Score:2)
Relevant Suggestion (Score:2, Informative)
As far as making VOIP calls, there is the Sipura-3000 which mentions something similar to what you are asking. The manual
Re:Relevant Suggestion (Score:1)
http://www.sipura.com/Documents/SPA-3000.pdf [sipura.com]
I also misread your question, I assumed you were asking for something you would use personally.
I was wrong, obviously.
DIY Cell (Score:2)
This sounds like nothing more than a DIY micro-cell, for people who feel the cell towers provided by the phone company aren't already good enough.
This is old.... (Score:1)
Re:This is old.... NOKIA (Score:2, Informative)
You walk into the building and your mobile would switch to pbx mode - local extension at your desk mobile style. Low output power too - no brain tumours.
Re:This is old.... (Score:2)
nerds (Score:1)
Re: (Score:1)
WhyGSM? (Score:2)
Eureka (Score:2)
GS*M
Re:Eureka (Score:2)
PicoCell and NanoCell - No SIP - You Want 2n (Score:2, Informative)
Voice Blue Lite [2n.cz]
This device is supposed to cost about 3500$ USD (only reference I could find online), and creates a mini-gsm cell backed by a SIP provider. This device has been tested with Asterisk.
Re:PicoCell and NanoCell - No SIP - You Want 2n (Score:2)
Untrue. Reread the documentation provided on the webpage. This device is a client to the GSM network of your provider, like your mobile phone. It will connect to the network and receive calls and distribute them to local or remote (via sip) phones, and vice versa allows to call out over the gsm "phone".
Look for integration with DECT or Bluetooth (Score:2)
As many others have pointed out, running your own GSM network is pretty much out of the question, since you wanted to save some money, not brun through a couple million.
Unsurprisingly, some vendors have already trialled products that allow a GSM handset to be used as a local wireless phone, too. I remember Sagem having one that would double as a DECT handset if in range of the DECT base station, but continue to be booked into the GSM network. More recently, people have put SIP and Skype software on smart
Use some imagination, all you naysayers. (Score:4, Interesting)
Look. It is very simple. Take advantage of the 'free calling to other members' most providers offer. I.e. Add a tmobile phone to your plan and make your plan a shared-minutes plan. Get free tmobile to tmoble. Make liberal use of the headset port.
Take ANY GSM phone that has a good USB and headset interface. A bit of straightforward hacking (as asterisk already supports sound cards for in and outbound sound channels) gets the headset connected to the asterisk box. Now all you need to do is press buttons on the phone.
Enter the usb interface, basically a com port in disguise. ATDT ring a bell? A lot of phones support this last time I checked. Most motorola phones for sure so you can dial folks in your bluetooth organizer with the click of a wand. Instead, you can just have Asterisk decode the DTMF and (with a dialing rule) when you've dialed 7 or 10 digits, it will encode it as an ATDT string, send to the phone, and connect the audio channels.
Ta-Da. It works, by the way (though instead of a USB interface I just hacked the keypad interface as it was more convenient for me to do that with the equipment I have. My interface is on a com port and tied together with an Atmel microcontroller FYI I did this initially because I was annoyed I had to pay to call to check my VM on my office phone).
Re:Use some imagination, all you naysayers. (Score:4, Informative)
Sparkfun.com [sparkfun.com] sells an OEM GSM module kit for $229 which contains antenna, module, PCB, camera, and USB interface. This OEM module, a Telit GM862 [gm862.com], has full GSM and GRPS functionality, including audio and camera phone functions. You could easily adapt it to an astrisk system.
I purchased one of these kits a while back, and you have enough functionality to create your own home-brew cellular phone.
Re:Use some imagination, all you naysayers. (Score:2)
Re:Use some imagination, all you naysayers. (Score:2)
i guess its a case of which is worth more to you? the time it would take you to hack a cellphone or the extra cost of getting a proper gsm module rather than a cellphone
Re:Use some imagination, all you naysayers. (Score:2)
\
I regret ... (Score:2)
If you were going to do it (Score:2, Interesting)
Done that! (Score:2, Interesting)
I'd advise this device (Score:2)
and btw, could you let me know how it goes ? I'd love to know how this thing performs
Re:there's one in every story (Score:2)
Re:there's one in every story (Score:2)
Re:Seen one before (Score:2)
Re:Carriers don't like dual mode (Score:2)
Re:Carriers don't like dual mode (Score:2)
Ahem [bt.com]