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Voice over Wireless LAN (VoWLAN) and your Business
What is VoWLAN?
VoWLAN is Voice over Wireless Local Area Network. It enables people to use
voice communications using the network used for computers without being tied to a
desk.
There are two main technologies involved in VoWLAN;
- VoIP – Voice over IP
- WLAN – Wireless Local Area Networks
Voice over IP (VoIP)
VoIP systems hit the market back in the 1990’s, when the first internet phone software was released; this software simply converted voice signals into digital packets so that it could be sent to a receiver over the internet. At the time both sender and receiver needed to be using the same software.
During the late 1990’s the technology had already evolved whereby once the call was set us users could use a standard telephone connected to their PC to talk. Companies like Cisco began selling VoIP equipment which combined both voice and data transmissions.
Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN)
Around the same time as VoIP was being pioneered so were wireless networks. Motorola was one of the first companies to release WLAN products to the market with Motorola Altair. However, as no standards were set and prices where relatively high only companies having specific application requirements invested in WLAN.
Over the last 10 years VoWLAN has grown in popularity and with the IEEE ratifying 802.11a & 802.11b standards
which enhanced performance, and with 802.11g being released in 2004 offered suitable capacity to support voice communication over the network. As a result of popularity and effectiveness the price of VoWLAN products have dropped considerably making it much more of a viable option to many more markets.
Where can VoWLAN be used?
VoWLAN has expanded in popularity in a wide range of marketplaces where instant communication is required, these include;
- Heathcare
- Warehouses
- Manufacturing
Healthcare / Hospitals
Reliable communications between doctors, nurses and hospital staff is critical in order to give patients the best care and even critical in that care. VoWLAN systems in hospitals and other healthcare facilities results in faster responses as staff no longer need to waste time searching for a telephone to use.
For a effective VoWLAN system it is vital that there is adequate Wireless Network coverage. In a hospital this can prove difficult due to x-ray facilities surrounded by lead and metal objects which all impair the wireless signal, however with proper planning with Jade Technicians many of the problems can be overcome.
Warehouses
Warehouses particularly benefit from VoWLAN Systems. Often large expansive areas where warehouse operatives are scattered throughout the facility, yet communication between operatives and managers is essential for stock control and meeting customer needs.
Traditionally, both managers and clerks scour the warehouse trying to locate colleagues or a tannoy message is sent out requesting the operative to make his way to the warehouse office. A VoWLAN system would considerably speed up communications as there would no longer be the need to locate warehouse operatives.
Many warehouses today already have existing Wireless networks for data communications with mobile computers for stock control and picking. Although an exisisting wireless network system is in place it may not support voice communications. Jade experienced technicians would be able to advise on requirements and what if any wireless network products would be needed.
Manufacturing
As with a warehouse environment, communication between staff in real time is vital to smooth running plant, however as with warehouses this is not always possible due to the size of the manufacturing plant, this is where VoWLAN can help.
As with warehouses often manufacturing plants already have a wireless network in place to aid with process management this can be easily upgraded to support voice communications and allow managers communicate immediately in the event of a problem and able resolve queries quickly and improving the plants overall efficiency.
