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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.

Wifi VoIP Phones: Wireless VoIP at Your Fingertips

A Wifi VoIP phone can be used to make VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol calls. In this case, it is called VoWifi or VoIP over Wifi technology. Wifi technology is the popular name for the 802.11 standard released in 1997 that lays out the grand plan of a wireless environment, which is more manageable and cost-effective as compared to traditional voice circuits. Over the years, several modifications on the original standard were issued. The 802.11 a operates in a 5 GHz band but it has shorter range as compared to 802.11 b and 802.11 g. These two latest standards both operate at a lower 2 GHz. The advantage of the 802.11 g standard is that it operates like an 802.11 a standard but with a longer reach like the 802.11 b. In short, the best of both worlds.

Previously, VoWifi services lagged behind in quality from the conventional circuits because of its vulnerability to delay and other problems. This is a big blow to its Quality of Service or QoS. Fortunately, there are new standards for the QoS of Wifi technology called Wireless Multimedia Extensions or WME. These standards prioritize wireless VoIP traffic over other applications. Likewise, wireless VoIP is now more secure than ever with new encryption methods called Wifi Protected Access, WPA and WPA2, which is an improvement on the previous method, Wired Equivalent Privacy or WEP. The latest Wifi voip phones out in the markets employ these technologies today to the convenience of the Wifi users.

- Wifi VoIP Phones Out In the Market

1. D-Link V-Click Wifi/ GSM Phone  - D-Link joined the bandwagon to create dual-mode phones that can be used either in GSM or Wifi environment. Transfer in different modes is a breeze because of a V-Click button in the phone. Subscribers can make wireless VoIP calls, and send and receive text messages, while at the same time browsing the Internet with an Opera Mobile browser. This phone is built with a 176 x 220 pixel display that will sure capture the web on its screen. The Wifi/ GSM phone costs about $600.

2. Zyxel Prestige P-2000W Version 2 Wifi Phone - The Prestige P-2000W version 2 from ZyXel handles both Wifi and VoIP connections very well. Its wireless VoIP service is top of the line since the phone supports the latest VoIP standard; Session Initiated Protocol or SIP. It can be interconnected with major SIP-based call servers, and other VoIP client devices. It also has T-Glo pre-installed, a VoIP provider, wireless VoIP account for testing purposes. When making VoIP calls anywhere, the phone automatically looks for nearby Wifi access points to connect while also enabling you to keep your own Wifi number wherever you go. All these phone features for only $ 200 make it an easy buy.

3. UT Starcom F3000 Wifi Phone - This clamshell wireless VoIP phone supports two wireless standards; the 802.11 b and g standards while costing only about $ 210. Though made with only a 128 x 160 LCD display, the color resolution of this phone is 320 x 200 resulting in a crisper screen. The phone is fully SIP compliant and VoIP calling is protected by encryption methods. Its initial WEP encryption method has been supported by the latest encryption method of WPA/MD5. These encryption methods ensures the security of VoIP calling features such as call waiting, call conference, call rejecting, redial and mute options, and call holding.

4. LinkSys WIP300 Wifi IP Phone Hitachi IP-5000 Wifi SIP Phone  - This phone costs about $310 and supports the 802.11 b standard. The phone also offers basic functions to wireless VoIP calling. You do not have to worry about savi ng the number of your friends because it supports up to 200 contacts. It automatically searches for available Wifi access points and it can quantify the strength of the area's radio signal. Aside from being able to display text messages, this wireless VoIP can also be set-up as a wireless LAN terminal equipment since it was built with functions necessary to integrate it with a LAN.

5. UT Starcom F1000G Wifi IP Phone - This wireless VoIP phone supports IP-PBX and IP-Centrex systems. Complying with the 802.11 b and 802.11 g standards, the F1000G IP phone supports a wide range of user environments. Weighing only 111 g, the phone sure packs a lot of features for VoIP calling such as call transfer, call forwarding, call hold and resume, call conferencing and call transfer. It also has a Voice Activity Detection or VAD function wherein it can automatically prep-up once it detects your voice. Likewise it can manage the background noise with its Comfort Noise Generation or CNG feature. It has four hours of talk time with about 30 to 50 hours of stand-by time.

6. D-Link DPH-540 802.11 b/g Wifi SIP Phone - This very sleek flip-type wireless VoIP phone comes in a service subscription plan and like other wireless VoIP phone, will greatly reduce your local and long distance charges. It has a large colored display with a user-friendly texting display. It employs the latest encryption methods available such as WPA and WPA2 to keep unauthorized persons from using the Wifi service. Its Voip quality is compliant with SIP standards and the phone has features such as compensation for packet delays, recovery of lost packets and the cancellation of echos, which makes the VoIP conversation continuously clear and crisp. Its wireless VoIP is also top of the line because it supports PsipTN, the Next Generation VoIP platform. Fortunately, it does not only provide VoIP services and features, but also supports text messaging as well. All these features in a phone that costs only from $200 to $250 is very rare.

7. Netgear SPH101 Skype Wifi phone - This wireless VoIP phone from Skype costs from $150 to $200. It will let you talk to or receive calls from Skype users without the need for a computer connection. As with any Skype connection, the call to a Skype subscriber is always free. The phone display readily shows your Skype buddies who are active. When making calls outside of the Skype network, a low cost charge per minute will be implemented but without the usual monthly fee. Adding flexibility, the Wifi phone can also forward calls to a landline or mobile phone if necessary. The phone, however, has no web browser, making it impossible to use under a Wifi hotspot since these access hotspots require a web log-on and authentication.

8. SMC WSKP100 Wifi Phone - At roughly $ 132, having a prepaid 500 Skype minutes and 1 year Voicemail card for free is not bad. This Wifi phone is built to maximize all Skype functions. It also has an enhanced power-saving mechanism which lengthens the stand-by and talk time. It also supports 802.11 b and 802.11 g wireless standards. The phone also includes features to show the remaining Skype credits as well as profiles of your Skype contacts.

9. Belkin F1PP000GN Wifi Phone - The Belkin Wifi Phone works with Skype and over a Wifi environment. Though it has a stylish look that gives most mobile phones a run for their money, it actually looks more like the Sony Ericsson T610i. It has two face menu keys on either side, a 4-way joystick and a standard phone keypad. It offers the usual phone menus such as call history, voicemail, contact lists and other similar features. Wireless VoIP calling is no problem since the phone is pretty much focused on keeping voice calls to top quality.

 

10. Hitachi

IP-5000 Wifi SIP Phone - This phone costs about $310 and supports the 802.11 b standard. The phone also offers basic functions to wireless VoIP calling. You do not have to worry about saving the number of your friends because it supports up to 200 contacts. It automatically searches for available Wifi access points and it can quantify the strength of the area's radio signal. Aside from being able to display text messages, this wireless VoIP can also be set-up as a wireless LAN terminal equipment since it was built with functions necessary to integrate it with a LAN.

Today, consumers have a wide array of Wifi voip phones to choose from. Not only this, mobile phone manufacturers are also starting to deploy mobile phones with dual-mode capabilities such that it can be used with either a Wifi or a 3G network. These mobile phones are available in the market as Wifi voip phones or smart phones but as long as Wifi voip phones continue to improve on its features and capabilities, it can still maintain a fair share of the market without a problem.

They’re number one! They’re number one!

Who’s now in WiMAX? Alcatal-Lucent, who had their top-dog status in the international market confirmed this week and currently, by default, Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States’ no. 1 WiMax provider as well.

Alcatel-Lucent and national telecommunications service provider Synterra closed out the business week with the announcement of a partnership to deploy Russia’s first Universal WiMAX networks. This project will be conducted in cooperation with regional telecom operators to provide WiMAX access throughout the country.

Deployment promises to cover many towns and cities with an average population of 100,000 inhabitants, with the first regional WiMAX networks to go operational in the fourth quarter of this year. Beyond this, Synterra intends to partner with operators in order to cover more than 1,000 Russian cities and towns by end of 2008.

Alcatel-Lucent got the enviable job for winning a tender for the delivery of WiMAX infrastructure announced by Synterra in May. The infrastructure will be based on the latest IEEE 802.16e-2005 standards, and new networks will be deployed by regional operators in the 2.5 GHz spectrum band.

“This new project with innovative service provider Synterra is a tangible sign of the technological and economic benefits of Universal WiMAX in high-growth markets such as Russia, and represents a major step toward the deployment of high-capability wireless broadband solution in the market,” said Johan Vanderplaetse, Alcatel-Lucent’s president of CIS activities.

At just about the same time, Alcatel-Lucent representative also announced that industry analyst firm Dell’Oro reported Alcatel-Lucent’s continued market leadership in DSL and IP DSLAM shipments at the end of the first quarter of 2007.

With a 26 percent cumulative market share, the company leads the IP DSLAM market for the second consecutive quarter. For general DSL shipments, Alcatel-Lucent also held on to its leadership position with a cumulative market share of 41 percent, significantly more than double that of the second ranked competitor.

In the first quarter of 2007, Alcatel-Lucent had shipped over 7.3 million DSL lines, resulting in a total of more than 133 million DSL lines shipped. With more than 150 customers deploying its ISAM product portfolio, including 80 percent of the top 20 DSL operators in the world, Alcatel-Lucent is the undisputed leader in the DSL market and looks to be one hard bird to knock off the perch.

Alcatel-Lucent provides VoIP solutions that seek to enable service providers, enterprises and governments to deliver voice, data and video communication services to end-users. Specializing in fixed, mobile and converged broadband networking, IP technologies, applications, and services, Alcatel-Lucent offers end-to-end solutions in more than 130 countries. Alcatel-Lucent achieved adjusted pro forma revenues of €18.3 billion (approximately $24.94 billion) in 2006 and is incorporated in France, with executive offices located in Paris.

Cloud subsumes Vyke

The folks over at Vyke closed their week with the announcement that its wholly owned subsidiary, Vyke AS, has entered into an agreement that will give Vyke users access to VoIP calling services from any hotspot operated by The Cloud Networks Limited (a.k.a. “The Cloud” – cue eerie incidental music).

Beginning sometime “this summer,” Vyke Mobile IP users can use mobile VoIP service from The Cloud’s hotspots in the United Kingdom and abroad. The Cloud’s has some 9,000 WiFi-enabled wireless internet hotspots in 16 high-density metropolitan areas such as the city of London, Canary Wharf, Amsterdam and Manchester.

Vyke PR explained the firm’s alliance with The Cloud as due to “its operator independent business model, dominant position in Europe and its aggressive continuing build out plan,” making the cumulous one “a key partner for executing upon its stated mobile IP telephony strategy.”

Jan Christian Berger, executive vice president of sales for Vyke Communications plc hyperbolized to the effect that “Combined with Vyke’s mobile VoIP service, The Cloud’s wireless network represents a shift in the mobile telecoms paradigm.”

Vyke Communications plc is headquartered in the UK with subsidiaries and offices in Norway, US, Iceland and Malaysia. Vyke Mobile IP is a mobile Voice over IP service offering users free calling from their mobile phone to fixed lines in Western Europe and North America.

Fring around the rosey

The folks at VoIP solution provider fring have announced that the company has made all Windows Mobile 5.0 and 6.0 series devices compatible handsets. Fring users can now choose from among fring, Skype, Google Talk, MSN Messenger VoIP solutions, hundreds of SIP providers and twitter on about 300 Windows Mobile phones and pocket PCs and over 20 Nokia devices on any 3G, GPRS or Wi-Fi internet connection.

Like all fring supported devices, internet access is leveraged to make VoIP phone calls, hold multiple live chat sessions and also make VoIP enabled PSTN phone calls through SkypeOut or SIP-based applications such as GizmoProject, SIPNET, VoipCheap, VoipStunt and FWD.

fring is a free mobile phone application that can be downloaded or sent via SMS. It is optimized for 3G over mobile phone networks with GPRS and Wi-Fi roaming and is PC independent. The fring application is currently in BETA and compatible with the following handset models: the Nokia 60 series, N70 series, N80 series, N90 series (including the N95), E60 and E70 series and Windows Mobile Series 5.0 and 6.0 handsets.

oneFone is enough (for all of us)

Mobile VoIP solutions provider WiFiMobile closed the week with the announcement of its business VoIP solution known as oneFone, which marries select Nokia devices with any SIP-compliant corporate PBX system.

The software allows roaming employees to use their mobile phones as a PBX extension to the corporate private branch exchange system. Key features of oneFone include Intelligent Call Routing and Smart Client Authentication and Wireless Internet Service Project Roaming.

Provisioning of the service is available at Wifimobile.com and installation is begun with an SMS.

WiFiMobile was formed in 2002 in Santa Monica, Calif., and has recently opened a European office in the UK. WiFiMobile is focused on developing software for Nokia S60 smartphones which enable free calls over WLAN or 3G.

Two from Globe7 to call 25

VoIP solutions provider Globe7 launched two new USB phones with a value based calling plan offering unlimited calls to 25 countries for one year.

The Globe7 Wireless Internet Phone, or WIPA, includes a cordless phone and base with a range of approximately 33 feet and enough battery life for 100 hours of standby or ten hours of talk time.

The Internet Storage Phone, or ISPA, is one of those new-fangled phone stick kinda thingees with 1GB of Flash memory preloaded with the software to make calls. Also included is a hands-free headset with a built-in microphone.

Both phones are priced at $120, which includes the one-year unlimited calling plan.

Velophone offers Wi-Fi on draught

UK-based Velophone has released an intriguing-sounding VoIP solution that promises to “tap into any compatible Wi-Fi network.”

Velophone’s wireless VoIP service will allow callers to use their existing SIM card and then automatically switch to making calls over VoIP when in range of a designated Wi-Fi hotspot.

The VeloMobile service will initially use a handset from Taiwanese telephony manufacturer HTC, but the company reports that compatibility with Nokia models is undergoing testing.

Current plans call for users in Europe to receive call charges of £0.05 ($0.099) per minute plus a £30 ($59.54) monthly fee. Further discounts will be offered for multiple users of business VoIP.

Message from the future

A bit of a strange message from the future hit the online industry media today. Press release service BBW Exchange put out on announcement dated this coming Monday that AudioCodes has announced (will have announced, maybe?) the release of its new VoIP solution for WiMAX CPE applications. Said VoIP solution is christened VoIPerfect solution for WiMAX CPE applications and is adapted (will have been adapted?) for the Intel WiMAX Connection 2250 chipset.

(As for VoIPerfect, it was a matter of time before someone came up with that one, eh? We’ll give it an 8 out of 10 on the My VoIP News Matter-of-Fact Marketable Name Scale.)

AudioCodes promises a complete and ready-to-use toolkit including a hardware reference design for a VoIP Analog Telephone Adapter and a Linux-based SIP VoIP application, fully integrated and tested with the Intel WiMAX Connection 2250.

The VoIPerfect architecture has been deployed for over 12 years and includes a DSP firmware, media processing VoicePacketizer stack, SIP stack and call control layer. The VoIP solution provides a variety of vocoders such as G.711, G.726, G.729, G.723.1, iLBC and wideband vocoders for HD voice quality.

And just to add oddity onto oddity, the BBW Exchange release is credited to “Robert Hoskins,” who must be the guy with the time machine that allows him to read Monday’s news. Strange that a Hollywood actor with a fully-functioning TARDIS is writing articles on VoIP solutions and business VoIP online. Although, considering the man’s career has roughly run the gamut from an Oscar-nominated turn in Mona Lisa to a brutal bottoming out in Spice World, it’s not too surprising Hoskins needs to make a few extra bucks somewhere…

Fring becomes part of The Cloud

Mobile VoIP provider Fring has announced the unveiling of the Fring mobile VoIP client, which will be specially optimized for that European wireless broadband provider with the ominous-sounding name The Cloud.

The joint service will provide Fring’s mobile VoIP solution to all Cloud users, allowing free calls and chat with users of Fring, Skype, Google Talk, Windows Live Messenger and SIP.

The Cloud, you may recall, made industry news last month when they flipped the power on for “Europe’s most advanced outdoor WiFi network.” In providing access to the “famous Square Mile” area, i.e. London, more than 350,000 have broadband throughout the city.

The Cloud offers WiFi coverage at over 8,500 locations across Europe, including airports, hotels and railway stations throughout the UK, Germany, the Nordics and The Netherlands. The Cloud operates large-scale networks including those in Canary Wharf, Amsterdam, Stuttgart, Manchester and Edinburgh.