Voice over WLAN

Voice over wireless LAN (VoWLAN), also voice over Wi‑Fi (VoWiFi^[1]), is the use of a wireless broadband network according to the IEEE 802.11 standards for the purpose of vocal conversation. In essence, it is voice over IP (VoIP) over a Wi-Fi network. In most cases, the Wi-Fi network and voice components supporting the voice system are privately owned.^{[citation needed]}

VoWLAN can be conducted over any Internet accessible device, including a laptop, PDA or VoWLAN units which look and function like DECT and cellphones. Just like for IP-DECT, the VoWLAN's main advantages^{[citation needed]} 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 providers.^{[citation needed]}

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.^{[citation needed]}

Applications

For a single location organisation it enables use of existing Wi-Fi network for low (or no) cost of use VoIP (hence VoWLAN) communication in a similar manner to land mobile radio system or walkie-talkie systems with push to talk and emergency broadcast channels. They are also used across multiple locations for mobile workers such as delivery drivers, these workers need to take advantage of 3G type services whereby a cellular company provide data access between the handheld device and the companies back-end network.

Types

as an extension to cellular network using Generic Access Network 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.^[2] 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.

Alternatives

As noted above, in many contexts a femtocell, using cellular technology to connect to standard terminals, can be considered an alternative to VoWLAN.

References

^ "VoWifi (Voice over Wi-Fi)".
^ Joshua Bardwell; Devin Akin (2005). Certified Wireless Network Administrator Official Study Guide (Third ed.). McGraw-Hill. p. 490. ISBN 978-0-07-225538-6.

[1] "VoWifi (Voice over Wi-Fi)".

[Bardwell-2] Joshua Bardwell; Devin Akin (2005). Certified Wireless Network Administrator Official Study Guide (Third ed.). McGraw-Hill. p. 490. ISBN 978-0-07-225538-6.

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