Q: What is Wireless Digital Voice?

A: Wireless Digital Voice is Digital Voice running over a Wireless LAN (WLAN). These WLANs are typically compliant with the 802.11 standard. As long as callers are within range of a WLAN access point and using a Digital Voice enabled handset, they can make and receive calls over the wireless network. Wireless Digital Voice is gaining adoption in certain vertical industries, such as health care and retail, where worker mobility is critical to a productive workforce.

Q: What are the shortcomings of Wireless Digital Voice today?

A: Traditionally, four factors have hindered the adoption of Wireless Digital Voice. First, the 802.11 standard poses scalability challenges for enterprise class Digital Voice deployments. Second, Quality of Service (QoS) has been lacking in wireless networks. The 802.11(e) version of the standard is specified to include QoS support. Third, implementing and maintaining a Wireless Digital Voice solution can be expensive and time consuming. Fourth, fast roaming is required for Wireless Digital Voice to operate in a seamless manner, something promised by the 802.11(r) standard.

Q: Are there any security concerns with Wireless Digital Voice?

A: The exact same security issues that exist in the traditional Digital Voice world exist in the world of Wireless Digital Voice. These include risks such as eavesdropping and spam. There are additional security concerns that need to be addressed with Wireless Digital Voice primarily concerning the need to adequately secure the wireless portion of the network. If left unsecure, wireless communications can be intercepted by unauthorized third parties. These third parties can also gain access to the corporate network and may masquerade as valid access points, in the process duping users into entering the network via an invalid access point.

Q: What is Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA)?

A: The UMA specification was developed by wireless companies in an effort to retain control over cellular and Wi-Fi traffic. Unlicensed Mobile Access integrates Wi-Fi voice services with the mobile operators GSM networks. Subscribers with a Wi-Fi enabled cellular phone can switch from the network they use when out of the their home to Wi-Fi when they enter their home or the area covered by their Wi-Fi home network.

E-mail: Digital Voice Information