Essential Components for Wi-Fi Calling for ‘Always-On’ Society
As technology advances, the demand for an ‘always-on’ society is becoming more prevalent. The number of mobile devices continues to increase exponentially and added pressures on the network mean mobile network operators (MNOs) need to do more to ensure customers are constantly receiving a reliable and robust service that meets their demands.
While mobile operators might take comfort as the market looks towards projected growth, there are other areas of the world that are developing. They are finding new ways to become more resourceful, but this is actually hindering the service provided by MNOs. New buildings are being designed and built in more environmentally friendly ways and the ‘green’ materials – such as the metal-oxide coating on glass windows – are in fact impeding mobile signals to users inside. This makes it harder for MNOs to deliver the service their customers want (and pay for) which results in a dissatisfied customer base. This is a problem no network operator can afford to have in such a fiercely competitive environment.
It has quickly become apparent that Wi-Fi can be utilized to solve this issue, and many MNOs have realised that by leveraging existing Wi-Fi networks – which have become ubiquitous already – consumers can still benefit from all of their subscription packages through services like Wi-Fi calling. While voice over Wi-Fi isn’t a new technology, providing carrierclass native Wi-Fi calling is a lucrative option for MNOs. Unlike over-the-top (OTT) services like Skype and WhatsApp, Wi-Fi calling is integrated into the phone rather than via a third party app. However, it does mean that the MNO needs to hand over critical information and deliver services on an infrastructure that isn’t their own. This is a complete change in mindset for operators, as suddenly it means quality of service (QoS) is out of their hands, they have to relinquish control to a wireless infrastructure they can’t guarantee, and effectively, put their reputation on the line.
In order to make sure this doesn’t create a problem, it’s crucial that MNOs invest in a wireless infrastructure that is ready to support a carrier-class service. This is also true for enterprises wishing to build their own, wholly-owned networks. Superior, enterprise-grade wireless networks can be defined by their ability to deliver the following:
High-density, highperformance
There shouldn’t be a dip in coverage or call quality because more clients want to use the network. A strong radio frequency (RF) signal from a smart antenna will help to mitigate interference by continuously optimizing the RF path to the client in real time. The smart antenna ensures the client maintains the highest possible data rates even in poor RF conditions, this helps reduce the negative effects of dropped packets and jitter on real time data traffic.
In high density environments, such as a school, or an office building, directed