What is Wifi VoIP Technology

Wifi or wireless fidelity is the cure for the messy wired world we see everyday in our office. Whatever we do, we always get tangled in the web of wires connecting one office equipment to another, such as computer desktops, printers, file drivers, DVD writers and burners. 

A typical Wifi network includes an Internet connection and a router device to manage and route access to this Internet connection. In this case, the router is Wifi-capable such that any Wifi device can wirelessly connect to the Internet within the area of about 200 feet or so of radius. This area is called a wireless hotspot. You could have heard of wireless hotspots in coffee shops or novelty stores. You pay for a Wifi access to be able to use your Wifi-enabled laptop or Wifi phone at any point within the establishment. Wifi technology has many applications, such as peer-to-peer network connection, Internet access, gaming, and Voice over the Internet Protocol or VoIP.

 

Wifi VoIP And Other Technologies 

VoIP technology or Voice over the Internet Protocol is the cost-saving routing of voice over the Internet. Conventional routing through landline circuits was possible using a router device and VoIP application installed in the computer. This VoIP connection is very slow and is prone to voice delay, jitters and interference. Because of this, the previous VoIP service was not that popular to subscribers. 

When wireless fidelity boomed, another option for VoIP connections appeared, which was called VoWifi or Voice over Wifi. As with other VoIP technologies, VoWifi uses virtual connections over licensed wireless frequencies. The Wifi standard operates from 2 to 5 MHz of frequency with data rates fast enough to make VoWifi competitive in the market. Modifications on the wireless standard also led to the wider range of Wifi reach resulting to wider coverage of Wifi VoIP services. 

Aside from this Wifi access, VoIP is also possible through the legacy 3G networks, such as UMTS and EV-DO technologies, since 3G is riding on General Packet Radio Service or GPRS. GPRS is the technology that connected the normal mobile phone to the Internet. It was the cause for mobile operators to start offering Value Added Services or VAS such as Multimedia Services or MMS and Internet browsing on top of the usual voice and text messaging services.

 

Getting High On Wifi VoIP 

Wifi VoIP uses the wireless frequency to complete VoIP calls. As with other VoIP technologies, Wifi VoIP is cheaper and it maximizes the use of the wireless frequency resource. Not only does it result to a wireless environment, but it also provides an alternative option to the subscriber that results in a further decrease in service charges. 

Wifi VoIP has number portability while VoIP over 3G networks has currently none. Number portability is the capability of subscribers to retain their contact numbers at any point in the world. Using Wifi VoIP, subscribers can do this. For example, the VoIP provider, Skype, assigns an Internet number to its subscribers and since the Internet is in virtual space, a subscriber can access Skype anywhere in the world and can still make the calls. 

Wifi VoIP is also faster in connection than VoIP over 3G networks. This is because Wifi technology is directly connected to the Internet while in a 3G network, a subscriber making a VoIP call must pass through the mobile network elements, such as the mobile base stations and subsystems, before finally connecting to the Internet.

There have been efforts to bring unity to both the Wifi and 3G networks. Mobile phone manufacturers have introduced dual-mode mobile handsets that aim to provide the subscriber with the maximum convenience. The subscriber can automatically transfer from one network to the other, an effective handover from Wifi to 3G and vice versa. Mobile phones such as the Nokia E60 and NEC N900iL were one of the first dual-mode phones.

 

The Need to Spot A Wireless Hotspot 

Making a Wifi VoIP call is simple; just go within radar of a wireless hotspot. Hotspots are found within coffee shops, restaurants, train and bus stations, fuel stations and even libraries. In fact, in places where people are usually present, you will be able to find hotspots there. Wifi access for an Internet connection can be purchased using cash, credit or debit card. There are many providers of this service such as MyHotZone, Nomadix, SurfAndSip and other such providers. For every Wifi VoIP call, the subscriber is charged accordingly by a VoIP provider, such as Skype, which means that access charge for voice is different from the access charge for Internet access. In fact, there are Wifi phones in the market that are locked with Skype. 

Is there a free Wifi access? Yes, there are some hotels that actually provide free Wifi services to their guests. There are other means to have free Wifi, but doing so will open the Wifi access to unauthorized users. There is a management system for hotspots in closed public systems wherein Wifi operators can provide free access in replace of paid advertisements.

   

Wifi VoIP In The Future 

Wifi is a booming technology alongside with the current 3G technologies being implemented worldwide. Initially, Wifi was implemented with the laptop users in mind. However, improvements and advancements in the technology are transforming it into a tough competitor to beat by 3G technologies in carrying out voice services. Technology wise, the Wifi phone is more advanced in VoIP, but the legacy 3G networks offer more than just voice service. However, the fact that mobile phone manufacturers are making dual-mode phones means that 3G VoIP is lagging behind Wifi VoIP. The need of the market for VoIP influences the entry of dual-mode phones.

Presently, there are plans underway to convert a number of cities such as Philadelphiainto a large mesh of wireless network using Wifi technology. In this case, charging for Wifi access will be in the form of subscription. At any point within the city you can readily use your Wifi-enabled laptop or Wifi phone without much of a problem. If the project pushes through, the subscriber will be able to make effective VoIP calls via Wifi on every turn at a street corner.