11.1 Introduction

So far we have been discussing voice over Wi-Fi in the context of pure VoIP technology, running over 802.11a/b/g-based networks. In this chapter we will look at voice over Wi-Fi in conjunction with other wireless technologies, including proposed 802.11 extensions, cellular, WiMax (and other wireless broadband technologies), Bluetooth, and conventional cordless phone systems.

The field of telecommunications is in flux. Probably the most often-used word today in telecommunications is convergence. VoIP has been a big step towards the convergence of the voice (PSTN) and data (IP).

Till very recently, the C-word was limited to the discussion of wired networks and [cellular] wireless networks, and the discussions were dominated exclusively by voice-oriented wireless networks where IP had not make any significant inroads. With the emergence of Wi-Fi, IP has now gone wireless. Furthermore, the emergence of VoWi-Fi means that industry pundits are talking about the convergence of voice (GSM, 3G) and data (Wi-Fi, WiMax) in the wireless domain too. But what does all this mean? What will the wired and wireless networks of tomorrow look like? Which technology will win ? We look at these issues in this chapter.

11.2 Ongoing 802.11 Standard Work

One characteristic of the 802.11 standard is the ever-present enhancement process. Some of these enhancements are just now coming into the market, but there are others still under specification. This section summarizes the ongoing work and the possible impact on a voice application.

Table 11.1 outlines the various 802.11x projects...