Integrating Wi-Fi and Cellular Via Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA)
Aruba Networks has published a new white paper on Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA)
that explores how a modest investment in Wi-Fi infrastructure and Internet
connectivity can enable the reliable use of cell phones at work.
"Many 'road warriors' already have unlimited data plans, but have been stifled because of spotty coverage" said Peter Thornycroft, author of the Aruba white paper. "This limitation affects both an individual's productivity and the company's return on investments in cellular usage plans. Wi-Fi connectivity can effectively fill the coverage gaps and the user additionally gains access to virtually no-cost domestic and international voice-over-Wi-Fi calls. Even when cellular coverage is adequate, Wi-Fi offers significant performance improvements for both voice and data services because it supplements UMA connections with a direct Internet connection.
While UMA has been considered a technology for residential customers, with proper quality-of-service and security technology it can easily be adapted as a cost-saving technology for businesses. Aruba's application-aware automated quality-of-service mechanisms ensure toll quality voice throughout the coverage area. Concurrently, Aruba's identity-based security protects the integrity of corporate networks in which a UMA service is operated on a corporate wireless LAN. Guest access control, firewalling, and security access policies are centrally managed and rigorously enforced. By enforcing policies based on user identity rather than ports, network protection is maintained regardless of where a user roams or how the network is accessed.
"UMA offers a new dimension in our ability to securely and reliably deliver the enterprise network to mobile users," said Keerti Melkote, Aruba's founder and head of products and partnerships. "Enterprise fixed-mobile convergence technology automatically manages the hand-off of data and voice calls between Aruba's wireless LANs, a SIP-based IP PBX, and a cellular network, and has been in field trial for some months. In applications in which there is no IP PBX - such as hot spots, home offices, and satellite offices - UMA fills coverage gaps by linking an Aruba wireless LAN directly with a cellular carrier's infrastructure. This can help the carrier deliver a better user experience, lower telecommunication costs, and enjoy stronger brand identity."
The white paper (pdf file - 16 pages) can be downloaded directly from Aruba's Web site at http://www.arubanetworks.com/FMC_UMA.
Posted to the site on 16th January 2008
