About Web Real-Time Communication (WebRTC)

WebRTC is an API definition drafted by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) that provides browsers and mobile applications with Real-Time Communications (RTC) capabilities. MBG supports WebRTC for browser-based voice and video calling without the need of plug-ins using Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Opera on all platforms except iOS.

MBG WebRTC Platform Support

Platform

Supported

Unsupported

Internet browsers
  • Chrome version 47 and +
  • FireFox version 43 and +
  • Opera version 34 and +
  • Internet Explorer
  • Microsoft Edge
  • Apple Safari
  • all others

Desktop operating systems
  • Windows Vista and +
  • Mac OS X
  • Linux
  • all others

Mobile device operating systems
  • Android (mobile and tablet)
  • iOS (iPad and iPhone)
Note: WebRTC functionality is unavailable if you connect to the Internet through a firewall that blocks incoming/outgoing UDP packets. Accordingly, if you are using a mobile device, you should connect via the 3G/4G data network or an unrestricted home/office WiFi network. Do not use a public WiFi network for WebRTC calls.

WebRTC Usage Scenarios

The WebRTC application offers two usage scenarios: “anonymous” and “subscriber” mode.

Anonymous Mode

In this scenario, an external user initiates a call to the enterprise by clicking a button on a web site and then providing minimal credentials (name and CAPTCHA entry). The user, who is known as an “anonymous caller,” is directed to an internal service such as a sales or product support hotline configured on an ICP. The administrator, not the anonymous caller, specifies the number for the internal service as part of the WebRTC and web site configuration.

Note: A CAPTCHA entry is a type of challenge-response test used to determine whether or not the user is human.
Once the call is established, an anonymous caller can do the following:
  • Mute audio/video
  • Toggle a keypad to send DTMF
  • Hang up
  • Enlarge the video to full screen
  • Toggle the self-view

Example

Subscriber Mode

In this scenario, an external user logs in to MBG from a browser and then registers with an ICP. The user, who is known as a "subscriber," can perform a variety of tasks, including both placing and receiving calls, while registered. The subscriber, not the administrator, specifies the number of the called party.

Note: To initiate registration, the user enters his or her set-side username and password (configured on the SIP Devices screen). MBG then registers the user with an ICP (configured on the ICPs screen). If registration fails, the user can attempt to log in two more times. After the third failure, the user will be prompted to enter a CAPTCHA phrase before being allowed to proceed.

Once registered, a subscriber can do the following:

* Availability of video, voicemail and company director varies by platform.

Example - Subscriber Call with WebRTC client hosted on enterprise web server (requires MiVoice 5000 ICP).

Example - Subscriber Call with WebRTC client hosted on MiCollab web server.

WebRTC Integration Options

The MBG WebRTC gateway is deployed with the WebRTC client, which can be located locally on MBG or on a separate web server. Restrictions apply depending on which call mode and ICP you wish to use. These are outlined in the table, below.

Hosting mode

Supported Call Modes

Supported ICPs

Local server—WebRTC client is hosted on MBG

Anonymous
  • MiVoice Business
  • MiVoice 5000

Subscriber
  • MiVoice Business
  • MiVoice 5000

Separate server—WebRTC client is hosted on a standalone web server

Anonymous
  • MiVoice 50001
  • MiVoice Business2

Subscriber
  • MiVoice Business2
  • MiVoice Office 4002
  • MiVoice MX-One2
  • MiVoice 50001, 2
Note:
  1. For integrations that include a MiVoice 5000 (only), you can install the WebRTC client on your enterprise web server. To implement this option, you must download the WebRTC Software Development Kit (SDK) from MBG, unzip the kit to obtain Javascript libraries and PHP templates, modify these files to suit your requirements, and then upload the files to your enterprise web server. This configuration enables users to log in through your enterprise web site and place anonymous and/or subscriber calls.
  2. For integrations that include a MiVoice Business, MiVoice Office 400, MiVoice MX-One and MiVoice 5000 ICP, you can employ the WebRTC client that is pre-installed on the MiCollab web server. This configuration enables users to log in using their MiCollab Web Clients and place anonymous and/or subscriber calls.

WebRTC Configuration

To implement the WebRTC application, complete the following steps:

  1. Configure ICP for WebRTC To enable an ICP to receive anonymous calls, you must configure the ICP with a SIP trunk. Configuration differs depending on which ICP type you are using, the MiVoice Business or MiVoice 5000. This procedure is not required if you are only using subscriber mode.
  2. Configure MBG for WebRTC Complete this step for all implementations. As part of this configuration, you must specify whether you intend to host the WebRTC client on a standalone web server or on MBG itself.
  3. Configure Web Server for WebRTC Perform this step if you are hosting WebRTC client on a standalone web server with the MiVoice 5000 ICP. It involves downloading the Software Development Kit (SDK) from the WebRTC on MBG, unzipping the SDK to obtain Javascript libraries and PHP templates, and then uploading some or all of these files to your web server. The SDK is provided at no cost but without developer support. If you require support, you must join the Mitel Solutions Alliance. See www.mitel.com/msa for details. this procedure is not required if your implementation does not include the MiVoice 5000 and you do not intend to host the WebRTC client on a standalone web server.