- The Need for Wide Area Wireless Broadband
- The WiMAX Opportunity
- WiMAX Challenges
- How VoIP May Save WiMAX
- Getting Started with VoIP over WiMAX
The Need for Wide Area Wireless Broadband
No doubt VoIP progression is sloping up, but you will convene that the progression would be faster if it wasn't for some limitations in the current connectivity factors on which VoIP depends. High-speed Internet, which is capital for VoIP deployment especially for residential service, has a penetration problem. DSL broadband is expensive and cannot cover everywhere. Existing wireless networks have limitations too. Wi-Fi is free in most cases but is a LAN technology and isn't available everywhere, while 3G networks are rather expensive.
WiMAX seems to be a solution close to ideal. Since it is a wireless WAN technology, it offers, for rather cheap, coverage to even difficult areas on the one side, and on the other, covers areas as large as cities. This suggests that WiMAX could be the perfect platform for VoIP deployment in the near future, and vice versa.
The WiMAX Opportunity
VoIP is a technology that gets more useful and economical when users are on the move. The VoIP industry is therefore constantly in search of wireless platforms that could accommodate the voice traffic to and from mobile phones, handsets and laptop computers. This has up to now been a challenge. As a user, I have stayed away from 3G data plans because of the cost, and can use Wi-Fi to make calls only where there are hotspots. Most of the time, that's at home or in my place of work! So, no big deal.
With WiMAX, users can be sure of constant connectivity in and out of home. Residential users that can't be offered VoIP service because they don't live in an area where they can have a DSL line (the area is not covered) will finally be covered with WiMAX, which covers 'the last mile'.
People can make cheap and free VoIP calls using their laptop computers, mobile handsets and phones while on the move through WiMAX. There are numerous software-based VoIP services and applications that people can use on laptops and mobile phones to make free or cheap local and international calls.
WiMAX Challenges
If WiMAX is such a great thing for VoIP, then why aren't the two shining together in the communications pleiad? The main reason is the limited consideration that hardware manufacturers have been giving to WiMAX. At the time I am writing this, there are only a handful of laptop computers equipped with WiMAX reception cards inbuilt, and even less mobile handsets (or mobile phones) that support WiMAX. We expect to see some improvement in this way since Intel and Nokia are showing WiMAX intentions and are even promoting the technology in their advertisements.
WiMAX modems do exist on the market, that could be used as interface devices, but due to their bulk and due to the fact that they require to be powered, they become a hindrance to mobility. PCMCIA modems are handy but the PCMCIA technology is gradually taking the leave from laptop computers.
Another major challenge to WiMAX deployment is the lack of necessary logistic support on the software and management side. Many WiMAX companies try to skimp on resources and save on server and antenna facilities. As a result, due to inadequate transmitter antenna density per unit area, server power and bandwidth to be shared, users suffer in performance and connection speed. A good WiMAX connection should be accompanied with good network management, adequate facilities, both on the hardware and software side, and sufficient bandwidth, not forgetting Quality of Service.
Lastly, being wireless, WiMAX performance is affected by terrain, climate and buildings. For instance, if there are a lot of buildings between your receiving device and the antenna, you might have some reception problems.
VoIP May Save WiMAX
VoIP will grow with WiMAX. The thing is true the other way round too. WiMAX needs a strong partner to justify itself on the market as it will have a hard time getting around DSL competition. Not that DSL is better, but given the huge investment telcos have injected in installing the DSL (phone) network, they won't be willing to give in to any new comer that will render their investment obsolete. Besides, I even think that this could be the major reason why WiMAX isn't maturing – it is being made to stagnate so that the big companies don't lose their edge and their investment.
WiMAX does not offer a compelling reason for users to get rid of their fixed DSL-based residential and small office communication system for it, so it will have problems imposing itself on the non-mobile market. Unless VoIP comes along. VoIP can be a 'killer application' when bundled in a WiMAX package. Typically a three-play package with broadband WiMAX, voice calling and IPTV would be the kind of service to boost WiMAX.
Getting Started With VoIP over WiMAX
To get started with WiMAX, you must be lucky enough to be in an area where there are WiMAX networks deployed. To have an idea of whether you have that luck, and to know where to go to, have a look at this list, which enumerates WiMAX networks worldwide, indexed by country.
Then, you need to make sure you have the necessary hardware. If you want to use WiMAX on your mobile phone, then it might be a little bit early, unless you want to invest on something like the Nokia N810 or Android smartphones. Else, you can have free WiMAX modems from service providers that you can use to interface your desktop or laptop computers. Read more on using WiMAX.
Finally, once you have your WiMAX Internet connection, you use the different VoIP services to make free or cheap calls locally or worldwide. Which type of service you use will depend on how you are using WiMAX, whether residential or mobile. Read more on how to save on phone calls using VoIP.
Finally, share your WiMAX experience with us.
