> unless I read this wrong, this protocol does not > describe how the initial call is initiated, just how the > video and audio is negotiated and transferre

> unless I read this wrong, this protocol does not > describe how the initial call is initiated, just how the > video and audio is negotiated and transferred over the web. Correct. The underlying application is responsible for initiating calls, using a protocol such as SIP. > there is no way to federate with google hangout or > other WebRTC services, is there? That's up to the service. Hangouts doesn't permit federation, but there should be no technical barriers to launching a federated video-chat service.