"Wireless Convergence" seems to be all the rage ... at least with the TechnoGeek crowd.  But just what is this strange animal ... and will it ever really be the "great hope" for the common Joe?

 

Wireless convergence, from a customer point of view, means that:

 

"I have a device (handheld, portable,.. mobile) with no wires. This device is able to connect to the best wireless network available (WiFi, Wimax, GPRS, 3G, HSDPA). I can consumpt any product (music, video, messaging) that I've purchased, but the service is delivered adapted to the performance of my device (CPU, memory, storage) and the performance of the network: so it's seamless".

 

So that implies:

 

- Advanced devices. The question then becomes: Which player in the market is the natural provider for this device? Is it a mobile handset vendor, or a consumer electronic vendor or a computer/PDA vendor? Apple, HTC, Nokia, Samsung, Philips, everybody has a different point of view.

 

The goal of Wireless Convergence is to enable a single wireless device to interact seamlessly over multiple wireless networks. Clearly, this means that it is able to send the same bits over multiple kinds of wireless networks.

 

This is a fairly utopian dream if the complete wireless communication spectrum is considered as well as all kinds of wireless networks. There are so many technical issues that this can probably never be done.

 

Interestingly, there are many multi-radio devices available today commercially. However, they do not fall under this category, since the radios are used for different goals. Thus, the better way to look at it is to consider the similar but competing technologies and look for a method of convergence.

 

In reality there is no such thing as Wireless convergence.

 

Transmission media define the material that is used to enable the connectivity of the service .... and this can be wired or wireless.

 

There are services and applications that are portable across the devices that operate on these wired and wireless network .... which when employed with device adaptation can claim to offer a NGN but really all that we provide is terminal / device adaptation.

 

And there is the convergence of the industry specific applications offering terminal / device adaptation.

 

When people talk about wireless convergence they often mean the things mentioned above. They also often mean some form of multi-mode RF device that switches between the RF layers of the device in some intelligent sense, but this is not wireless convergence.

 

No, wireless convergence does not exist. It was dreamt up as a term in many boardrooms to describe many distinct phenomena, but usually it is better to describe each phenomena (and its distinct manifestation) rather than to encapsulate them under a convergence theme.

 

To really understand wireless convergence, it makes sense to look at what has happened to wireline services.

 

Early wireline was strictly voice, with some service enhancements (caller ID, voicemail, etc.) The internet changed that and soon we began looking to our wireline connections to do more. Early wireline providers such as AOL and Compuserve, provided full application and content to the users. Users were charged per minute usage rates for these services. As wireline services evolved, the ISP changed from content and application providers to simply internet connection providers. The model of running an application on the machine to access the internet (e.g. AOL's software) fell away and just about everything on the device (pc) began to use the connection. The old wireline services such as phone use is now falling away for VoIP services completing the transition to wireline becoming just a connection point and nothing more.

 

Wireless evolution is following this parallel, no longer are wireless providers a service provider, but instead they are network providers. Wireless used to be a per minute service, but many offer monthly unlimited plans now. The service platform is falling away as devices trend towards the smart-phone style platforms. No longer do we need MMode, HomeDecks, and other launching platforms that mimic AOL of the 90's.

 

In my opinion, the convergence will be complete when you purchase a wireless device only for the connection, and you are allowed to chose your own voice (and other service) providers ala cart. While cross technology devices (gsm/wifi/wimax) are a part of the evolution, I don't think they're required for convergence. And contrary to what some may say, UMA (unlicensed mobile access) is an excellent example of the handoff between network topologies that exists today.

 

Also in my opinion, the biggest roadblock to convergence is not the technology, it's the corporations involved. It's too difficult to let go of the service model as it's usually where the margins are the highest for the provider. But that is the price of combining technology evolution with making money. Someone has to pay for all of our new toys.

 

Convergence is, at the end of the day, a user accessing any content on any device on any network at any location. With next gen service delivery platforms that sit at the intersection of networks, applications, OSS/BSS systems, and subscribers, we are getting closer. There is extensive work being done, outside of IMS (another long stroy) that is working to standardize the services environment for platform/network interoperability. Of course, this assumes that subscriber data is transparent across networks and platforms, and is accessible by 3rd party app providers who are in partnership with the service providers. OTT/UGC is another issue altogether, not tied into convergence but tied into the business model.

 

Convergence will get here, just not in the time, shape, form, or way that is 100% of how we think it will get here.

By: Michael Lemm

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Say hello to a fabulous phone that's changing the world of mobile communication: the awesome 3 Skype phone.

The Skype phone - it's simply fantastic

What happens if you take the wonder that is Skype, the superb little program that lets you makes phone calls over the internet, and mashed it up together with a really cool, really funky mobile phone? Surely you'd get a 'Skype mobile phone'? Well, yes, you do. You get the 3 Skype phone, a marvel of modern communications. But, what makes it so special?

Looking at the Skype phone, it's certainly very classy, as it's available in 3 gorgeous colours. There's not a great deal to give it away as being unique, though, until you look at the big button right in the centre of the phone. And then it all becomes clear, because with Skype emblazoned on it, it instantly gives you a massive hint about what makes this phone so special. It has Skype built in, straight out of the box, and it's the first mobile phone in history to have that! So, it's kind of hard to compare it to other Skype mobile phones, because... well... there AREN'T any other Skype mobile phones! But how does it stack upon aginst the vast array of other phones on the market?

Skype mobile phones - the future!

You see, with the Skype phone, you obviously get all the benefits of an amazing mobile phone, things like free calls and texts, a 2 megapixel camera for taking beautiful photos, and a long battery life. But on top of that, you get full Skype access, and you can even use your existing Skype details to get all your existing contacts on your phone. So, you can 'Skype your friends' (and I'm aware that phrase sounds a little rude!) wherver you are! of course, throw in other features like instant Facebook access, and y6ou're onto a real winner! Skype mobile phones may very well be the future, and with this little beauty, you'll be leading the way!



By: Matt Sharp

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Communication is a hugely important aspect, not only for people around the world, but also for small and large businesses. Telecommunications have been around for years, with the oldest methods that can be remembered to date, being the use of smoke signals. While time passed by methods such as horns became a means of communication. But since them periods, there has been a lot of development and with that came the more advanced technologies such as radio, phone, television and the internet.

Businesses would be lost without the current technological advancements and a lot of companies would cease to exist. But this is not the only benefit that telecommunications can bring. With these advancements also comes science, without telecommunications, we would be unable to fly with planes and helicopters or effectively navigate in the seas. Besides this space travel would be near to impossible to achieve.

A world without telecommunications would not be possible; society has made itself so used to this type of technology that the world would end up collapsing if it was taken away. The reason in the tremendous growth of telecommunications is because, as people and cities throughout the planet grew, we needed a better way to relay messages between one another.

The greatest technological advancement that we could have possibly got from this is the creation of the phone and internet. The phone was a major piece of communication, whereas you could instantly communicate with another person that was on the other side of the world. Almost every household now has at least one phone, with most having several.

But the development of the internet was the major turning point and it sees the potential future expanding further than we could have ever imagined. With VoIP growing at tremendous speeds, calls look as though they are getting cheaper, and with portable ways to connect to the internet it looks as though most instances of communication will use the internet as a connection unit.

The vast impact that telecommunication has had on the world can be seen anywhere and everywhere, wherever you go or whatever you do. If you are driving your car, immediately there are two instances which include your radio and your satellite navigation. Telecommunications is a must and it provides better awareness of the society we are living in. It makes us communicate with every corner of the Earth to solve problems and make the world a much safer place.



By: Musa Aykac

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Wireless Routers

Like any other wireless system, a wireless router gives you freedom to free the valuable workspace from the tangling wires. Technically speaking, a wireless router is a special network router that connects different workstations wirelessly and routes network traffic between workstations and an existing Internet connection. Some of the wireless routers are actually wired routers with wireless access points built in so you can have wired and/or wireless at the same time. Another choice is a wireless router with a built-in DSL or cable modem. You can also consider a hardware & software security combo box to connect and protect your home network or office network. The wireless router is capable of sharing Internet connections amongst several computers via 802.3 Ethernet and 802.11b/g wireless data links.

The wireless routers are quite popular among the network users. More so, because it is as good as using the wired networks with absolutely no compromise on the connectivity, speed, and security. A wireless LAN router generally adds a built-in access point function to a multi-port Ethernet router. With this it combines multiple Ethernet networks with wireless connections as well. A typical wireless LAN router includes four Ethernet ports, an 802.11 access point, and sometimes a parallel port so it can function as a print server. This gives wireless users the same ability as wired users to send and receive packets over multiple networks.

There are many manufacturers of the wireless routers, popular of them are D-Link, Netgear, Actiontec etc. Out of these, the D-Link routers is what we find is the popular product amongst the home and commercial users. These wireless routers have an uncanny ability that delivers superior performance capability to transfer large files and handle heavy network traffic. Wireless routers offer many important benefits in the home and small office setting. For instance, you can opt to a cable modem service that provides a single IP address through DHCP to the router, and the router then provides IP addresses via DHCP to clients on your local network. This helps to a great deal whenever that client needs to access the Internet. Wireless routers are very much ideal for wireless networks in commercial or public areas, specially if there are multiple networks that are accessible. The wireless routers if considered in an enterprise environment give network administrators an extra way to monitor and update their networks. As the wireless routers only send packets to specific, directed addresses, they do not forward the broadcast packets that are sent out by other devices. A big advantage of wireless routers is that they provide an added layer of security, both on the wired side and wireless side. The wired side is usually protected by a firewall and has extensive access control filters.

That is why, not only the wireless routers are more user friendly and space saving, they are also great on speed, and have an ability to handle multiple networks with ease and without sacrificing the security.



By: Dhiraj Bandurkar

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So you've heard the news: a new technology is around that lets you make phone calls, even long-distance phone calls, for free! You'd like to try it, but it sounds rather complicated. What is this VoIP, anyway? Here's a quick question-and-answer guide to VoIP and how you can make free online calls without reading tons of technical jargon.

What is VoIP?

VoIP means Voice over Internet Protocol. In plain English, it means that in exactly the same way you use the Internet to send letters through email, you can now send your voice through VoIP, to make free phone calls to anywhere in the world.

How does it work?

1. You talk through your computer microphone or your VoIP phone.

2. Your voice is turned into computer data.

3. It is sent through the Internet (like email) to your VoIP service provider.

4. They send it to the phone number you are calling so your friend can receive your call.

5. When your friend talks on his phone, his voice reaches you the same way, but in reverse: from his phone, to your service provider, to your Internet, to your phone or computer.

How is the sound quality different from a regular phone?

With good Internet connection, your friend won't know the difference. If your connection is slow, you will sound like you are calling from a cellphone with bad signal. Most companies will not install VoIP for dial-up connections.

What is a VoIP service provider?

A VoIP service provider is like a phone company that connects your VoIP phone to your friend's landline.

What is a VoIP phone?

It looks like a regular phone, but it has a software and modem installed so you can connect to the Internet and make VoIP calls without having to turn on your computer. You dial it like a regular phone, and if somebody calls your VoIP number, it rings like a regular phone.

Are the phone calls really free?

Yes, if you download and install on your computer a VoIP software, like Skype. This will let you make free calls to anyone in the world who has the same software loaded in his or her computer.

You can also use Skype or other VoIP service providers to call a local or long-distance landline number or mobile phone. There will be a small charge, but it is still much cheaper than if you use a regular phone to make your call. In addition, pay features on regular phones-like call waiting, call forwarding, call barring, conference calls, caller ID and voice mail-are usually free on VoIP.

Rates and features vary with different service providers so be sure to ask your company what they offer.

Can I call my friends even if they don't have VoIP?

Yes.

And can my friends call me?

Yes. Your friends can call your VoIP number in the same way they call a regular landline. You won't be charged for incoming calls. Your friends will be charged for their call in the same way that they will be charged for calling a regular landline.

Can I keep my old phone number?

Yes, depending on your VoIP service provider. Sometimes, you can even bring your VoIP phone-along with your phone number – to anywhere that has a high-speed Internet connection.

Some providers also allow you to get a phone number with a different area code. You could be in California but have a New York area code so that your business clients in New York can call you without long-distance charges. (However, if your next-door neighbor calls you, it will be long-distance for her.)

Can I get rid of my regular phone line?

Usually, yes. Again, it depends on your VoIP service provider.

An important note, though: 911 calls made through VoIP are unreliable. Also, they will not be able to track your location automatically, as when you are using a regular phone. If you get rid of your phone line, consider using your cellphone instead of your VoIP to call 911.

So, what do I need to use VoIP? A high-speed Internet connection. This means DSL or cable, NOT dial-up. A regular phone with VoIP adaptor OR a VoIP phone OR a computer with a microphone and earpiece. A VoIP service provider.

Can I use VoIP without an Internet connection?

No.

Can I use my computer while talking on the VoIP phone?

Absolutely, although using the Internet for other purposes while using VoIP may affect the quality of your call.

Can I use VoIP without a computer?

Yes, if you have a VoIP phone and your Internet is active.

Can I use VoIP without a VoIP phone line?

Yes, if you have a computer with a VoIP program, a microphone and earpiece.

Will it work in a power outage?

Unfortunately, no.

How do I know if VoIP is for me?

VoIP is a great money-saving option for people who are always on the Internet, and VoIP is a great money-saving option for people who have a high-speed connection.

VoIP is a great money-saving option for people who often make calls to long-distance, international, or mobile numbers.

VoIP is a great money-saving option for people who move around the country, and VoIP is a great money-saving option for people who would like to take their landline number with them wherever they go.

VoIP is a great money-saving option for people who need to have an area code in another locality.

How do I find a VoIP service provider?

For VoIP calls using your computer, you can simply download a VoIP program like Skype or Vonage from the Internet.

To find a service provider for VoIP phones, simply type "VoIP" and the name of your country in the search bar of your favorite Internet search engine.



By: Isabel Baldry

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