VoIP over wireless network or VoWLAN

VoWLAN is simply a VoIP phone that can connect to the Internet via a corporate wireless network, a home or small office wireless network, or a public or private wireless hotspot.

For a corporate or small office environment, where wireless access to the network is secure and constant, VoWLAN is an ideal solution for employees who aren''t tied to a desk, but need to stay in touch -- such as IT or sales personnel.

For roaming beyond the immediate area of your office or home, the widespread deployment of the 802.11b and g wireless standards (also known as Wi-Fi) means that VoWLAN users have plenty of freely available coverage in densely populated areas. Even in urban areas coverage can be spotty, though, so they''re not a replacement for a cell phone yet. Nevertheless, carrying a VoWLAN phone can make phone calls cheap in many places, from the local café to a client''s office.

The growth of public WLANs creates a huge potential market for cellular phones that are able to make wireless VoIP calls. According to research company In-Stat there are about 100 000 WLAN hotspots today and the number will double in five years.