Wifi Revolution

Cellular coverage has become nearly ubiquitous, to the point where it has become difficult to find a place where you can’t hear the Verizon (News - Alert) field worker and cellular handsets have almost become a sixth digit extending from our palms. Likewise, WiFi (News - Alert) technology has become commonplace, both in the consumer and business space, thanks to its convenience, range, speed, and decreasing price point. In fact, if security weren’t an issue, there would likely also be few places where WiFi is nonexistent.

 

The next logical step, of course, fusing of the two technologies into a single device… enter the dual mode handset. There already are more than a dozen manufacturers with such devices on the market, and many more in development, but the technology is still young and the devices expensive, largely because the technology is still unproven and uncommon.

 

But now, at least on the carrier end, there is a new source of data about these very handsets. The Wi-Fi Alliance and CTIA — The Wireless Association have developed a testing program for WiFi/cellular phones that provides radio frequency performance mapping in a converged environment. 

 

This testing program provides detailed measurements on key parameters, including: transmit power, receive sensitivity, emitted power, and desensitization in the dual mode environment.  To complete the testing, a device must also be WiFi CERTIFIED for core WiFi interoperability and CTIA certified for core cellular performance.

 

This development represents a major breakthrough in promoting the widespread adoption of FMC (fixed/mobile convergence) technology, as, until now, there existed no independent data on the performance of WiFi/cellular devices. Not only will this provide insight into the performance of the WiFi components of cellular handsets, but also about how the cellular and WiFi components interact. The data will be collected from tests conducted in independent laboratories authorized and recognized by both organizations.

 

“The new test program is another indicator of WiFi’s widespread acceptance and growth from a traditionally PC technology to one that is now common in a variety of consumer devices, including mobile phones,” said Frank Hanzlik, Managing Director of the WiFi Alliance.  

 

Indeed, with growing acceptance of IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem (News - Alert)) as the a major part of the future of communications, and with the growing need for extended range and mobility of IP services, carriers and developers both have a need for unbiased data regarding converged technologies. Sources predict WiFi/cellular sales to reach anywhere from 100,000 to 200,000 units by the end of the decade — assuming the technology can be advanced to the point of offering reliability akin to what WiFi and cellular networks can provide individually.

 

According to Hanzlik, additional opportunities for collaboration between the two organizations exist, which they will continue to explore in order to continue to promote the advancement of converged solutions.

 

To learn more about IMS and its supporting technologies, don’t miss the FMC/Dual Mode track at INTERNET TELEPHONY Conference & EXPO, October 10-13, 2006 at the San Diego Convention Center.

 

 

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