Next Generation Technology -- Voice over WiMax

Alternative wireless solution

WiMax technology is an optimal solution for next generation broadband. In essence it is designed to deliver large throughput with a variety of applications related to IP connectivity, voice and video.

WiMax can offer bundles or standalone services and is able to support providers with first line (or first device) replacement. At the same time it is both a next step mobile legacy and a reliable wireline replacement solution. In essence, WiMax assures broadband telecommunications which is already a must have for the modern society.

Broadband data and voice services

Once, voice over WiMax seamed a technology of the future, but nowadays it has become a real life experience and a promising solution. The WiMax ability to cover all types of usage behavior offers great opportunities for service providers. The addition of functionalities WiMax provides makes it even more popular worldwide.

One of the unique attributes of WiMax is creation of bundles including voice. Thus WiMax compete with other technologies that offer different types of wireless freedoms.

The WiMax potential users are people who are acquainted with voice over IP (VoIP) and largely use multimedia devices such as USB phones, laptops and other portables. Consumers will have to wait for the year 2008 when laptops and other electronic devices will have built-in WiMax chips.

Ultra-mobile technology

Though WiMax technology was designed as a solution for instant Internet access, it also proved to be a great solution for permanent voice availability. It acts more like an application (like in a typical PC-based environment) which assures voice connectivity basing on a softphone-client solution.

WiMax technology is one that makes it possible to combine mobile telephony and computer devices. The result of this unification is the solution for the growing market which is known as ultra-mobile PC. The multimedia devices enabled with such a technology will be able to:

access various data networks
provide voice capacity in a data-based environment
fit wireless broadband networks
carry large volumes
support seamless mobility

Add-on features - already on the market

WiMax technology is already implemented in Central and Eastern Europe. The leading provider is WiMAX Telecom, which delivers 802.16 broadband network and voice services. The voice service is branded WiMAX FON, and is currently offered as a great solution to incumbent operators.

An add-on feature is number portability which comes with the package. This service is based on SIP protocol, having an end-to-end quality assurance. The main factors of security are:

full IP supervision within own network – this means the user will benefit from none-public Internet transmission
no packet compression
voice traffic prioritization

Data and voice traffic is managed through fully owned IP networks. The IP network has MultiProtocol Label Switching (MPLS) which at its turn has a dynamic resource allocation protocol and IP ToS (Type of Service) implemented within the MPLS network. The last assures the necessary resources for the voice transmission quality.

The WiMax infrastructure is interconnected with the incumbent network and the operators. This provides interconnectivity on an international level. Here, the portability feature has a key function for consumers switching from other networks and willing to keep the same phone number.

Voice services are also about add-on options. One of them is the customer self-care, which makes it possible for the customers to manage broadband and voice services 24 hours a day, on-line. The self-care system analyzes real-time billing, provides electronic invoices, manages customer data, etc. This excludes call centers or helpdesks of any type.

The voice over WiMax offerer its consumers the following benefits:

one voice and data package
complete switching from incumbent operator
non-wireline infrastructure
number portability (existing number remains)
savings due to product bundle

Voice over WiMax is a data-centric, next generation technology which promises to meet short as well as in the long term expectations of all sorts of voice customers. Not only are advantage and alternative solutions being developed, but also the next-wave functionalities supporting technology-oriented societies.