New Wi-Fi standard to boost VoIP completed
29/08/2008
It allows voice connections to continue when users shift between different hotspots - important for business VoIP.
A new wireless networking standard specifically created for Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) purposes has been completed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
The 802.11r standard allows Wi-Fi devices to continue voice connections even when users shift between different hotspots - a potentially important development for the uptake of business VoIP.
Currently, lost connections can take several seconds to resume when moving between hotspots. However, this downtime is significantly reduced with the new standard, which is expected to be primarily used in the business VoIP equipment sector.
Rob Bamforth, principal analyst at research company Quocirca, told IT Pro that the development should be welcomed as businesses become increasingly reliant on wireless communications.
However, he added: "But the problem is how long it will take vendors to adopt the standard and bring out new offerings based on it. And that will come down to the level of their existing VoIP investment and current install base."
The IEEE is a global non-profit organisation that works to advance technology, covering areas such as aerospace systems, computers, telecommunications, biomedical engineering, electric power and consumer electronics.
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