Vowlan
Encyclopedia
VoWLAN is the use of a wireless
broadband network according to the IEEE 802.11
standards for the purpose of vocal conversation. In essence, it's VoIP over a Wi-Fi
network. In most cases, the Wi-Fi network and voice components supporting the voice system are privately owned.
VoWLAN can be conducted over any Internet
accessible device, including a laptop, PDA or the new VoWLAN units which look and function like DECT and cellphones. Just like for IP-DECT
, the VoWLAN's main advantages to consumers are cheaper local and international calls, free calls to other VoWLAN units and a simplified integrated billing of both phone and Internet service provider
s.
Although VoWLAN and 3G
have certain feature similarities, VoWLAN is different in the sense that it uses a wireless internet network (typically 802.11) rather than a Cellular network
. Both VoWLAN and 3G are used in different ways, although with a Femtocell
the two can deliver similar service to users and can be considered alternatives.
or Walkie-talkie
systems with push to talk and emergency broadcast channels.
Another example would be a company that has mobile workers very much like the FedEx delivery person or the CocaCola delivery driver who delivers goods to a store. These workers need to take advantage of 3G type services whereby a cellular company (like Cingular, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint/Nextel) provide data access between the handheld device and the companies back-end network.
, using cellular technology to connect to standard terminals, can be considered an alternative to VoWLAN.
Wireless
Wireless telecommunications is the transfer of information between two or more points that are not physically connected. Distances can be short, such as a few meters for television remote control, or as far as thousands or even millions of kilometers for deep-space radio communications...
broadband network according to the IEEE 802.11
IEEE 802.11
IEEE 802.11 is a set of standards for implementing wireless local area network computer communication in the 2.4, 3.6 and 5 GHz frequency bands. They are created and maintained by the IEEE LAN/MAN Standards Committee . The base version of the standard IEEE 802.11-2007 has had subsequent...
standards for the purpose of vocal conversation. In essence, it's VoIP over a Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi or Wifi, is a mechanism for wirelessly connecting electronic devices. A device enabled with Wi-Fi, such as a personal computer, video game console, smartphone, or digital audio player, can connect to the Internet via a wireless network access point. An access point has a range of about 20...
network. In most cases, the Wi-Fi network and voice components supporting the voice system are privately owned.
VoWLAN can be conducted over any Internet
Internet
The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the standard Internet protocol suite to serve billions of users worldwide...
accessible device, including a laptop, PDA or the new VoWLAN units which look and function like DECT and cellphones. Just like for IP-DECT
IP-DECT
IP-DECT is a technology used for on-site wireless communications. It uses the DECT air interface for reliable wireless voice and data communication between handsets and base stations and the well established VoIP technology for the corded voice communication between base stations and server...
, the VoWLAN's main advantages to consumers are cheaper local and international calls, free calls to other VoWLAN units and a simplified integrated billing of both phone and Internet service provider
Internet service provider
An Internet service provider is a company that provides access to the Internet. Access ISPs directly connect customers to the Internet using copper wires, wireless or fiber-optic connections. Hosting ISPs lease server space for smaller businesses and host other people servers...
s.
Although VoWLAN and 3G
3G
3G or 3rd generation mobile telecommunications is a generation of standards for mobile phones and mobile telecommunication services fulfilling the International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 specifications by the International Telecommunication Union...
have certain feature similarities, VoWLAN is different in the sense that it uses a wireless internet network (typically 802.11) rather than a Cellular network
Cellular network
A cellular network is a radio network distributed over land areas called cells, each served by at least one fixed-location transceiver known as a cell site or base station. When joined together these cells provide radio coverage over a wide geographic area...
. Both VoWLAN and 3G are used in different ways, although with a Femtocell
Femtocell
In telecommunications, a femtocell is a small cellular base station, typically designed for use in a home or small business. It connects to the service provider’s network via broadband ; current designs typically support 2 to 4 active mobile phones in a residential setting, and 8 to 16 active...
the two can deliver similar service to users and can be considered alternatives.
Applications
A company with fixed warehouses or locations would take advantage of their existing WiFi network and use VoIP (hence VoWLAN) for employees to communicate with one another. This system can also be used like Land Mobile Radio SystemLand Mobile Radio System
Land Mobile Radio System is a term that denotes a wireless communications system intended for use by terrestrial users in vehicles or on foot . Such systems are used by emergency first responder organizations, public works organizations, or companies with large vehicle fleets or numerous field...
or Walkie-talkie
Walkie-talkie
A walkie-talkie is a hand-held, portable, two-way radio transceiver. Its development during the Second World War has been variously credited to Donald L. Hings, radio engineer Alfred J. Gross, and engineering teams at Motorola...
systems with push to talk and emergency broadcast channels.
Another example would be a company that has mobile workers very much like the FedEx delivery person or the CocaCola delivery driver who delivers goods to a store. These workers need to take advantage of 3G type services whereby a cellular company (like Cingular, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint/Nextel) provide data access between the handheld device and the companies back-end network.
Benefits
A voice over WLAN system offers tremendous benefits to organizations, such as hospitals and warehouses. The primary benefits are mobility and cost savings. For example, nurses and doctors within a hospital can maintain voice communications at any time at less cost as compared to cellular service. In most cases, it’s possible to receive a return on investment within three years.Types
- as an extension to cellular network using Generic access networkGeneric Access NetworkGeneric Access Network or GAN is a telecommunication system that extends mobile voice, data and IP Multimedia Subsystem/Session Initiation Protocol applications over IP networks...
or Unlicensed Mobile Access (the equivalent but more commercial term). - as a local network independent of cellular company.
Design Considerations
A Wi-Fi network that supports voice telephony must be carefully designed in a way that maximizes performance and is able to support the applicable call density. A voice network includes call gateways in addition to the Wi-Fi access points. The gateways provide call handling among wireless IP phones and connections to traditional telephone systems. The Wi-Fi network supporting voice applications must provide much stronger signal coverage than what’s needed for most data-only applications. In addition, the Wi-Fi network must provide seamless roaming between access points.Commercial Service
One of the attractions of VoWLAN is that it uses widely available WiFi and as such can be used without involving a service provider (e.g. running a Skype client on a laptop connected to the internet over WiFi). However, there are network operators who use this technology as part of their service offer, typically using Unlicensed Mobile Access to deliver voice service at home. Example's include T-Mobile @Home in USA, or Orange's UNIK service in France.Alternatives
As noted above, in many contexts a FemtocellFemtocell
In telecommunications, a femtocell is a small cellular base station, typically designed for use in a home or small business. It connects to the service provider’s network via broadband ; current designs typically support 2 to 4 active mobile phones in a residential setting, and 8 to 16 active...
, using cellular technology to connect to standard terminals, can be considered an alternative to VoWLAN.
See also
- GANGanGan may refer to:-Computing and telecommunications:*.gan, the file extension for documents created by GanttProject*Generic Access Network formerly known as Unlicensed Mobile Access *Global Area Network- Mythology :...
- IP-DECTIP-DECTIP-DECT is a technology used for on-site wireless communications. It uses the DECT air interface for reliable wireless voice and data communication between handsets and base stations and the well established VoIP technology for the corded voice communication between base stations and server...
- Mobile VOIPMobile VoIPMobile VoIP or simply mVoIP is an extension of mobility to a Voice over IP network. Two types of communication are generally supported: cordless/DECT/PCS protocols for short range or campus communications where all base stations are linked into the same LAN, and wider area communications using...
- VoWi-Fi
- Unlicensed Mobile Access
- FemtocellFemtocellIn telecommunications, a femtocell is a small cellular base station, typically designed for use in a home or small business. It connects to the service provider’s network via broadband ; current designs typically support 2 to 4 active mobile phones in a residential setting, and 8 to 16 active...