Previous Page  30 / 96 Next Page
Information
Show Menu
Previous Page 30 / 96 Next Page
Page Background

compatibility requirements, cabling and

configuration, and maintenance must

also be considered

Following is a synopsis of the avail-

able coverage solutions for the mid-sized

enterprise space to date which have met

with some success, as well as an outline

of a new approach – a hybrid solution

combining the performance of the high-

end systems with the ease-of-install and

lower-cost that the middleprise needs.

Wi-Fi Calling

Wi-Fi calling is an option that

typically requires at least 1 Mbps of

throughput. On the plus side, it is rela-

tively easy and cost effective, but it

does have drawbacks. With a limited

footprint and the questionable reliabili-

ty and security of unlicensed spectrum,

as Wi-Fi gets more crowded with users

and devices, it has increasing difficulty

in delivering quality service.

Wi-Fi calling has four issues to con-

sider. The first issue is carrier-support.

In the U.S., all carriers support Wi-Fi

calling. But in other parts of the world,

Wi-Fi calling has received a mixed re-

ception from carriers.

The next issue is the handset. Not

all devices are Wi-Fi calling compatible.

T-Mobile has 20-plus smartphones that

support this option. On Sprint, Wi-Fi call-

ing is available on a number of iPhone

models that run iOS 9.1 or higher. Most

Android devices have the service as

well but not all. AT&T offers Wi-Fi calling

for several handsets, while Verizon has

nearly 20 phones in its Wi-Fi lineup. This

could be problematic in an office setting

since not all users would necessarily

have compatible handsets.

The third issue is that calls can be

dropped as individuals move beyond

the Wi-Fi zone because the calls will

not always automatically hand over to

the mobile network. And finally, while

some carrier plans will provide Wi-Fi

calling at no cost or penalty, others

charge for minutes just like they would

a normal cellular voice call, which

could escalate users’ monthly costs.

Given the limitations of Wi-Fi, most

enterprises will use Wi-Fi calling as a

supporting connectivity layer but not as

the primary mission-critical connection.

Small Cells

Indoor small cells are low-powered

cellular radio access nodes that that have

a coverage range of around 10 to 30 me-

ters. Small cells are one way the carriers

can provide capacity and coverage, and

many operators see small cells as crucial

to managing their limited spectrum more

efficiently. The macro network with its big

cell towers can provide only so much cel-

lular service. Small cells provide addition-

al cellular service capacity, that doesn’t

rely on the macro network, to the specific

venues where they are located.

Carrier-grade backhaul connectivity

is important to effectively connect small

cells to the core network, to deliver ro-

bust cellular coverage. More users on a

small cell (higher density) will increase

the bandwidth demands on the backhaul.

Backhaul is essentially an Internet con-

Mobile & Wireless

BIG

WIRELESS

SAVINGS

Dynalink Communications is a Nationwide CLEC that caters to Agents by o ering Evergreen Agreements with No

Annual Commitments. Visit us on the web to learn why Dynalink Communications is the Only Phone Company you

will ever need.

35

%

Savings

upto

AT&T Nationwide

Coverage

Agent

Commission

AwardWinning

Support

FreePhone

Upgrades

DynaLinktel.com 877.396.2546

Channel

Vision

|

March - April, 2017

30