Something else to consider is the fact that many PBXs now offer an integration option for many cell phones. Some are as simple as one number reach and simply forward calls, but others integrate more tightly and allow you to access your extension from your cell phone along with any corporate directory applications for example.
I'm not saying it's a perfect situation, but if we can rely on the cell infrastructure to provide mobility, there should be a cost savings. Granted you still have to purchase the integration infrastructure, but I see it as far less than deploying A equipment out there. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lelio Fulgenzi, B.A. Senior Analyst (CCS) * University of Guelph * Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1 (519) 824-4120 x56354 (519) 767-1060 FAX (JNHN) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ "Buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo." WJR ----- Original Message ----- From: Tom Zeller To: WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU Sent: Sunday, June 17, 2007 3:25 PM Subject: [WIRELESS-LAN] The strategic importance of 802.11a In considering a major wireless overhaul, we're having a serious discussion about the real importance of 802.11a in upcoming dual-mode cellular/WiFi devices. Our current WLAN is b/g. 802.11a seems to be in about 10% of our laptops, judging from an experimental AP we put in one of our busiest sites. I understand it is now part of the Centrino set, so I would expect that to increase over time. The real question seems to be the role of dual-mode phones and the support of voice over WiFi. 1) Is support of voice over WiFi really strategic and why? One could argue that cell phones are sufficient in most locations. Getting "free" voice over WiFi vs cell minutes doesn't seem to be worth the cost alone. Of course, WiFi adds coverage for such devices in the interiors of buildings. Does that justify a rather large additional cost for infrastructure? 2) If the answer to the above question is "yes", is installation of 802.11a going to be important for mobile voice devices, especially dual-modes? There seem to be very few 802.11a dual mode devices on the market now, though I read there will be at least 80 more certified this year. For many vendors, the additional cost of adding 11a to the mix is substantial. The cost of denser deployment (we currently have what I think of as edge-to-edge coverage, with little overlap) is also non-trivial. I would be interested to hear other's opinions on these questions. Tom Zeller Indiana University [EMAIL PROTECTED] 812-855-6214 ********** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/. ********** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/.
