Wi-Fi calling

Wi-Fi calling, also called VoWiFi, refers to <a href="/facts/Mobile_phone/H3EcqD9h">mobile phone</a> voice calls and data that are made over <a href="/facts/Internet_Protocol/Qq6VeEal">IP</a> networks using <a href="/facts/Wi-Fi/u94quCsx">Wi-Fi</a>, instead of the <a href="/facts/Cell_towers/BIKMtles">cell towers</a> provided by <a href="/facts/Cellular_networks/8zA0jQJ9">cellular networks</a>. Using this feature, compatible handsets are able to route regular cellular calls through a wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) network with <a href="/facts/Broadband/nEn3A95N">broadband Internet</a>, while seamlessly changing connections between the two where necessary. This feature makes use of the Generic Access Network (GAN) protocol, also known as Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA).
Voice over wireless LAN (VoWLAN), also voice over Wi‑Fi (VoWiFi), is the use of a <a href="/facts/Wireless/GfDoFwfo">wireless</a> broadband network according to the <a href="/facts/IEEE_802.11/ryEGu6Vq">IEEE 802.11</a> standards for the purpose of vocal conversation. In essence, it is <a href="/facts/Voice_over_IP/5QGBbXYg">voice over IP</a> (VoIP) over a <a href="/facts/Wi-Fi/u94quCsx">Wi-Fi</a> network.
Essentially, GAN/UMA allows cell phone packets to be forwarded to a network access point over the internet, rather than over-the-air using <a href="/facts/GSM/Sw8QYaLE">GSM</a>/<a href="/facts/GPRS/c4SJD7ov">GPRS</a>, <a href="/facts/UMTS/lhy2RrMw">UMTS</a> or similar. A separate device known as a "GAN Controller" (GANC) receives this data from the Internet and feeds it into the phone network as if it were coming from an antenna on a tower. Calls can be placed from or received to the handset as if it were connected over-the-air directly to the GANC's <a href="/facts/Point_of_presence/GIvoTNvx">point of presence</a>, making the call invisible to the network as a whole. This can be useful in locations with poor cell coverage where some other form of <a href="/facts/Internet_access/EMbwSrnK">internet access</a> is available, especially at the home or office. The system offers seamless <a href="/facts/Handoff/STj6E5RU">handoff</a>, so the user can move from cell to Wi-Fi and back again with the same invisibility that the cell network offers when moving from tower to tower.
Since the GAN system works over the internet, a UMA-capable handset can connect to its service provider from any location with internet access. This is particularly useful for travelers, who can connect to their provider's GANC and make calls into their home service area from anywhere in the world. This is subject to the quality of the internet connection, however, and may not work well over limited bandwidth or long-latency connection. To improve <a href="/facts/Quality_of_service/joz9VkUm">quality of service</a> (QoS) in the home or office, some providers also supply a specially programmed <a href="/facts/Wireless_access_point/701JjIzt">wireless access point</a> that prioritizes UMA packets. Another benefit of Wi-Fi calling is that mobile calls can be made through the internet using the same native calling client; it does not require third-party <a href="/facts/Voice_over_IP/5QGBbXYg">Voice over IP</a> (VoIP) closed services like <a href="/facts/WhatsApp/VMlSeFb6">WhatsApp</a> or <a href="/facts/Skype/qdKbuh23">Skype</a>, relying instead on the mobile cellular operator.

Wi-Fi calling open-in-new

Wi-Fi calling