Voice Over Wi-Fi: Is it Ready for Prime Time?
Author: Bill Coe
March 2007
by Bill Coe, Solutions Manager, Unified Communications, Berbee Information Networks Corporation
Just as voice over IP was the radical change to the Telecommunications industry several years back, now Voice over Wi-Fi has begun to make it into the mainstream of today’s technologies. Simply put, Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWIFI) is taking the traditional wireless voice solutions usually reserved for the 900Mhz or 2.5Ghz ranges and moving the technology to the 802.11 standard.
Wireless data networking for corporate America has become almost common-place in today’s new network’s. The simple need for the mobile workforce, network access while in conference rooms, or vendors who need access to the network, almost dictate the need for some level of Wireless network. Many corporations are also retrofitting their wired networks to accommodate some level of wireless technology. However, the 802.11 wireless LAN protocols, weren't, initially written with the anticipation of supporting telephony voice, or, for that matter, other real-time applications, rather, just data streams. So there have been are a few hiccups and challenges in making VoIP run over VoWIFI. Details like bandwidth assurance, roaming both within an Access Point's area, and from sub-net to sub-net without losing the connection, not to mention security.
The industry has observed some signification sales of VoWIFI phones, averaging about 100,000 to 150,000 units in 2004, according to research organizations Infonetics and Synergy Research Group. Unit sales projections for 2009 come in at around 17 million for pure VoWIFI phones, with predictions for dual-mode handset sales ranging from 30 million to 100 million. By comparison, more than 700 million cell phones were shipped in 2004, with unit volumes of 1 billion projected by 2009 or 2010. Add to this the fact that Access Points have become more intelligent, easier to deploy and maintain (thanks to the new LWAPP standards), and Wireless security has become a requirement for these networks, VoWIFI is simply the next logical progression for this market space.
So the real question becomes, who is deploying VoWIFI and what are the success criteria for these solutions. Most enterprises haven't fully embraced VoWIFI, but four vertical industries have: healthcare, retail, warehousing and hospitality. Healthcare workers, with their constant need for mobility and accessibility, have taken advantage of standards-based wireless, such as Vocera's badge-style wireless communicator. In the retail sector, employees can avoid going to a fixed-line phone and assist customers on the spot. Stores can double the effectiveness of their existing wireless network used for inventory by extending voice into every aisle. For logistics and warehousing, where orders are tweaked and inventory verified on a continuing basis, cellular signals often don't penetrate the vast expanses of metal racks and shelving. But a VoWIFI solution, such as the one offered by Cisco Systems, lets the salesperson in the office call the person loading the truck to make that last-minute change. The hospitality sector also has enjoyed modest success with VoWIFI. Rather than use a private radio system, hotel managers can employ the same Wi-Fi infrastructure that lets a guest surf the Web in his or her suite to connect to a bellhop or housekeeping.
Many of the above solutions have been adopted by these various industries due to the fact that the ability to utilize cellular phones is difficult if not impossible in some sectors or strictly prohibited based on interference with sensitive equipment. Also, VoWIFI phones such as those from Cisco Systems can deploy what is known as Extension Mobility services. Extension mobility allows a group of users to utilize the same device based on shift requirements. So rather than having dedicated facilities and hardware for each user, an employer could have one device that would be used by 3-4 people based on a rotating 24 hour shift. The user would simply log-in to the phone or device and all of their personal information (extension, speed-dials, paging groups, etc) would become active on that device. At the end of the shift – the user would logout of the device, putting it back into a standby mode waiting for the next user. This mobile technology also extends to the Vocera VoWIFI Badge solutions. Vocera, while generally deployed in the health care arena, can be used in many other applications. Vocera is a badge device that employs a microphone and speaker solution, allowing for complete hands free VoWIFI communications.
The next generation of VoWIFI moves into the promise of the dual-mode phone. Dual-mode VoWIFI -cellular services can translate into savings from mobile carrier charges, if enough employees move between customer sites and the office. Furthermore, a single-number solution for these on-the-go employees eliminates the time wasted tracking them down. End users can be reached regardless of their locations, have a single voicemail and take advantage of IP-PBX features, such as four-digit dialing, while on the mobile carrier's network. Some early examples for this technology would be the Nokia E61 phone just coming to market.
With all of these examples noted, VoWIFI is an evolving solution. Corporations that are looking to deploy this technology must take great heed in the design of the network to insure its ability to support the real-time Voice traffic both reliably and securely. Site surveys that are specific to VoWIFI solutions are highly recommended as voice is obviously much more sensitive than data. After all, if data drops a packet it will retransmit. If voice drops a packet, it is words that are lost, much like the early days of cellular phones. While VoWIFI is not nearly as pervasive as data WIFI networks, it is picking up acceptance amongst the user communities.
In summary, the VoWIFI market space is gaining significant acceptance. Corporations must be conscientious with regards to its deployment and uses. Be prepared to re-assess your coverage, maybe even add or switch vendors, to support voice users on top of whatever you're already supporting. However, VoWIFI continues to mature in the market and next generation devices become more usable (Dual-Mode VoWIFI/Cellular), its approval will continue to grow.
For more information on Voice over Wi-Fi please contact Berbee Information Networks, John Uchaker at (513) 677-4119 or visit www.berbee.com. Berbee, drawing on strategic partnerships with Cisco, IBM and Microsoft and the far-reaching experience of its hundreds of engineers, has assisted clients with a full range of technology solutions.
