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Signal Handoff Could Mean Roaming VoIP over WiFi

Posted by timothy on from the run-your-own-cloud dept.

wassup writes "According to this article in MIT tech review (and here), researchers at University of California San Diego have developed a technology called SyncScan that will reduce handoff delay in WiFi networks to a few milliseconds. VoIP roaming will be here soon!"

8 of 91 comments (clear)

  1. just wait... by jleq · · Score: 5, Insightful

    ... until the wireless providers find out. We will finally break the speed of light when all of their lawyers run crying to the FCC and FTC. "OmG, unfair competition!" This, combined with municipal wi-fi, could lead to a much less expensive wireless future for us all. Yay!

  2. What about TCP/IP handoff? by hgilde · · Score: 5, Informative

    Last I checked, VOIP uses TCP sockets. When you move between WiFi base stations, you first must discover your new DHCP server, then get a new local IP address, then reconnect to the VOIP server.

    This will definitely be an annoying delay.

    1. Re:What about TCP/IP handoff? by c_g_hills · · Score: 5, Informative

      This is why IPv6 is a much better network (layer 3) protocol for VoIP as it supports mobility natively, allowing TCP and UDP sessions to be maintained when roamning from one network to the next.

      In fact, the Internet Society point out that IPv6 is necessary for mobile and wireless internet.

    2. Re:What about TCP/IP handoff? by LordoftheFrings · · Score: 4, Interesting

      VOIP does use TCP sockets for the initial data setup but UDP for actual voice streaming. This problem could be solved with some overlap of the wireless access point ranges and two network interfaces. One could get a DHCP lease on the upcoming network while the other still streams, and then once the first network is out of range instantly switch over to the other interface. Just a thought.

      --
      Canadian Cynic, canadian politics is less boring than you
  3. I just hope by Pinefresh · · Score: 4, Funny

    this research wasn't randomly generated

  4. Don't worry... by wingsofchai · · Score: 5, Funny

    I'm sure the FCC will step in and protect us from this innovative and helpful new technology with plenty of arbitrary regulations that make little or no sense...

    --
    Reading at high threshold levels is group-think.
  5. NO thanks by Timesprout · · Score: 4, Funny

    I will stick with my current approach of having a team of engineers follow me around 24/7 laying cat5 cable for my skype connection.

    --
    Do not try to read the dupe, thats impossible. Instead, only try to realize the truth
    What truth?
    There is no dupe
  6. Actually by bluGill · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Actually VOIP over WiFi is more likely to be useful in deserts and other remote areas because those who care can setup their own network. It might not be worthwhile for a cell phone company to put up a cell tower, but a farmer can put a WiFi station on his silo and get pretty good coverage of his ranch. Sure it won't have a large coverage areas, but it covers his needs.