The subject of VoWLAN is a tough one to get your mind around as it involves the convergence of two evolving technologies, VoIP and Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs). VoIP is rapidly replacing circuit-switched voice in the public switched telephone network (PSTN), where most of the kinks have been worked out, and is also making inroads into the premises.
Security is near the top of everyone’s worry list these days and likely will be so far into the future. The telecommunications domain struggles with security issues constantly and much attention is focused on IP networks. The relatively recent emergence and rapid rise in popularity of VoIP has heightened those concerns considerably. Voice over IP Security, by Patrick Park, can help.
The case for teleconferencing is compelling, or so some would say. Arguments in favor include reduction or even elimination of travel time and associated expenses. Increases in productivity follow naturally and contribute to faster decision-making, decreased time-to-market and ultimately, increased competitiveness. Arguments against tend to focus on the loss of personal face-to-face contact which can be very important in the development and maintenance of strong business relationships. Not to be forgotten is the cost and complexity of the conferencing systems.
Telecommunications and Data Communications Handbook by Ray Horak is a survey of telecom and datacom technologies and services. The book begins with basic concepts and definitions and marches through media and voice, data and video systems, networks, standards and protocols. Also covered are broadband LAN, MAN and WAN technologies such as 3G, 802.11g/n, ADSL, BPL, CWDM and DWDM, PON and WiMAX.
Since the turn of the century a good deal of interest in the telecommunications domain has been focused on broadband wireless access technologies, and much of that on mobile wireless including both 3G (3rd Generation) cellular and WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access).
