HomeRF 2.0 wireless network technology overview (continued)

Voice Communications Support

Voice communication support in HomeRF2.0 was derived from a successful European standard called DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telephone). Using this technology, HomeRF 2.0 explicitly supports up to 4 simultaneous conversations and up to 8 phone handsets. In 2002, that number will be boosted to 8 simultaneous conversations.

QoS is a technology that guarantees bandwidth and prioritizes network packets. When using your network for multiple services, like voice conversations, copying files, and internet access, QoS makes sure that the important data gets across the network before less important packets. In the above example, voice conversations might be the highest priority to keep the sound quality crystal clear. QoS is an industry standard being ‘added’ to other networking technologies, but comes standard in HomeRF 2.0.

HomeRF 2.0 was designed for more devices than laptops and computers. The HomeRF 2.0 chipset is tiny and uses VERY little power making it appropriate to incorporate into things like WebPads, cordless internet phones, PDA’s, etc. (3.3v, 120mA Receive, 250mA transmit, 3mA standby)

Additional Information

On the most basic level, functions similarly to 802.11b wireless Ethernet but includes many improvements and features that home users will find appealing. These improvements are geared toward making home networking a transparent and safe part of your computing environment with little or no management. These improvements are part of the HomeRF 2.0 standard so interoperability, support, and functionality will be there from the beginning in every device. I look forward to seeing how the industry utilizes this simple yet robust wireless networking standard in the coming year.

HomeRF Working Group, Inc

Proxim

DECT

QoS explained by Cisco (technical)

HomeRF 2.0 wireless network technology overview (continued)