WiFi And VoIP

WiFi means Wireless Fidelity. It is relates to wireless networks. Laptop computers and PDAs can be connected to wireless internet connections with the help of WLANs.

Some computer come with inbuilt WiFi pre installed, with the help of a WiFi networking card, you can make your desktop computer to become wireless. Now, WiFi has been associated with VoIP phones.

VoWiFi

WiFi and VoIP have joined forces to form VoWiFi. This stands for Voice Over Wireless Fidelity. Basically, WiFi is the culmination of wireless internet, and VoIP is the ability to transmit phone calls over an IP address or High speed Internet connection.

So VoWiFi is transmitting a phone call through wireless Internet. When a WiFi device can connect to a WiFi access point, connections to a WiFi server are made. The access points are spread out, and are called, “hotspots”.

Security Problem

If you are using VoWiFi, it is possible for to use someone else’s access point with your wireless device, and this has raised the question of security. This poses to be VoWiFi’s greatest current challenge.

This has led to laptop’s suddenly joining in another’s access points, or switching networks without permission. There have already been instances of people tapping into files and documents due to the fact that wireless hot spots transferred networks. There are other technical kinks to work out as well.

A “hotspot” only has a length of about 90 Meters so VoWiFi will have to address these issues first before it can become a bonifide cellular competitor.

However, due to the fact that VoIP phones still use less bandwidth are considerably less expensive over all WiFi is gaining popularity, and VoIP phones are holding their own weight against cellular phones.

Hybrid Phones

Some cellular companies recognize that VoWiFi phones will be the next big thing and are already designing dual, VoWiFi/Cellular phones. These phones are designed to access a hotspot, and when the caller has left the hotspot vicinity, it switches to a Cellular network.

For instance, a caller could be in their office, and be on their hybrid phone using WiFi, they will switch to cellular networks, if they step outside and leave the range of an access point

They will switch back to WiFi, when they reenter the building and are back in the wireless access point area all, without losing connectivity during the call. You may be wondering why someone would want a hybrid phone; well it is simple- the WiFi calls are much cheaper (if not free) then the cellular.

As VoWiFi continues to gather a reputation, we can expect to see more changes in the future of VoWiFi. There are already many companies embracing VoWiFi, and other companies are addressing the needs for more stringent wireless security.

For instance, there are higher security networks in place now, that will reduce the chance of others tapping into your access points. For many wireless users, this has been the ideal technique of wireless access.

Technology continues to advance dramatically, and the incredible cost reduction will make VoWiFi products hot commodities, once VoWiFi does work out their roaming and security issues.

Currently, Sprint has a lawsuit against Vonage and another VoIP provider. Maybe they are worried that VoIP is going to take a drastic bite out of their financial kingdoms.

Time will tell, but one thing is certain, VoIP is here to stay, and as more customers become aware of the value of services such as VoIP WiFi, demand will continue to increase.

There may be more battles between small up and coming VoIP and WiFi companies with powerhouses such as Sprint, but that is an example that the technology is proving to be a serious threat.

Vonage has started their VoWiFi phone service, and in preparation for this big trend, a market has opened for VoWiFi phones. Currently available are WiFi handsets that have added features such as Call Waiting, Call Forwarding, and Call Transfer.

Prices for VoWiFi phones vary thought you can typically purchase one for under $200.00. VoWiFi is attracting a huge base of fans. It can offer unlimited world calling, unlimited messaging features, and there are benefits that VoWiFi has that are not available with cellular phones.

For instance, there are no roaming charges with VoWiFi and this is a popular trend, which may change in the future. Most major phone companies have already produced the hybrid phones, or are still in the production stage.