The move to deliver seamless mobile voice and data services over Wi-Fi networks took another step with the carrier-class Kineto INC-5501 which integrates cellular access on a Wi-Fi phone.
MoWLAN is said to enable the delivery of high-quality mobile voice and data services over WLANs located within homes, offices and hot spots at significantly lower cost than existing 2.5 and 3G mobile network technologies. Subscribers may use a mobile phone as their only phone.
To deploy the Kineto solution, a special WLAN-enabled mobile handsets is required as well as the Kineto INC-5501, network gear that connects to the mobile network and manages subscriber access to mobile voice and data services from various WLAN locations.
As a subscriber moves within range of a WLAN access point to which they are able to associate, the INC-5501 authorizes the subscriber for mobile service access. From that point on, the subscriber receives all their mobile voice and data services over the WLAN rather than through the licensed radio access network; experiencing reliable indoor coverage, high-quality voice, and faster handset data rates.
The Vocera Communications System uses a Badge (right), which weighs less than 2 ounces and can be clipped to a shirt pocket or collar, for instant, hands-free communication. It utilizes 802.11b WiFi and a Vocera Server.
Cellular companies are also getting in on the action. Cell-to-WiFi roaming technolgies include:
- Nortel will work on wireless LAN-to-cellular roaming as part of the $1 billion cellular network upgrade contract with Verizon Wireless it announced last week.
- AT&T uses PCTEL’s Segue Roaming Client for secure, seamless roaming for Wi-Fi networks and Cellular Data Networks
- Padcom’s TotalRoam Mobile Connectivity Suite combines cellular-based Sierra Wireless AirCard with Wi-Fi.
- T-Mobile has announced a partnership with Boingo Wireless, under which Boingo would help the firm tie its GPRS 2.5G data network and Wi-Fi hotspots together.
Daily Wireless has more on Wi-Fi Roaming, Public Service Communications Tools, Transitioning from CDPD to GPRS, Nextel and Radioframe, Birdstep Billing Packages and Branding.
