Re: [Ring] GNU Ring to replace SMS/Whatsapp

[Guillaume Roguez]

> I'm looking for a Free system to use to communicate via small messages
> with friends.  Ring generally looks like a pretty good option for that,
> but I couldn't find a clear description of what happens in Ring when you
> send a message to someone who's not currently connected: most of the
> tools I've tried so far seem to miserably fail this test.
> 
> The description I've found (https://ring.cx/en/about/practical) states:
> 
>    A messenger: send text messeges during calls or out of calls (as
>      long as your peer is connected).
> 
> this seems to imply you can't send text messages when your friend is
> not connected: is there hope to fix this shortcoming?  What happens if
> you try to send a message when it's not connected (do I at least get an
> error back)?  What if he's dicsonnecting right when I send the message
> (do I still get an error back)?
> 
> 
>         Stefan

Hi Stefan,

When you use a Ring account, you're connected on a distributed DHT network.
So, for instant messaging, we use it when you're not directly in call.
It's a defered system: the message is send to RingID recipient over the DHT and 
relayed by if present.
If this one is not connected, we retry 3 times, one per minute, to send the 
message.
IM system implements an "feedback" system to receive an acknowledgment when
the message is presented to its recipient.
As example with the GNOME UI, during sending retries you get three blinging 
little dots.
When the message is successfully received and acknowledged we display a green 
tick.
Finally, you get a red cross when the message cannot be delivered after all 
retries.

(note: this description only applies on RingAccount, not SIP!)

// Guillaume R.