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Telecommunications systems

Lucent Technologies Unveils Breakthrough Voice Over IP (VoIP) Technology for Wireless Networks

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Lucent Technologies, a leading communications company, has announced the development of a revolutionary voice over IP (VoIP) technology that enables wireless local area networks to carry voice calls with unprecedented quality. This innovative technology, developed by Bell Labs, will allow businesses to deploy converged voice and data applications on wireless IP networks without compromising voice quality.

The University of Maryland and Penobscot Bay Medical Center will be the first to test converged applications based on this technology, using Lucent's WaveLAN wireless local area network, IP ExchangeComm system, and a palm-sized wireless IP voice and data prototype. This technology has the potential to transform the way businesses and institutions communicate, enabling employees to make and receive voice calls, create and send voice and e-mail messages, input and receive data, and access any Web site while on the move.

Key Takeaways:

  • Lucent's VoIP technology enables wireless local area networks to carry voice calls with unprecedented quality.
  • The technology is developed by Bell Labs and is the result of a significant improvement over existing voice over IP technologies.
  • The University of Maryland and Penobscot Bay Medical Center will be the first to test converged applications based on this technology.
  • The palm-sized wireless IP voice and data prototype allows staff members to write repair tickets or report problems on the spot and e-mail them immediately to dispatch a technician.
  • Physicians at Penobscot Bay Medical Center will use the prototype device to input patient information into the hospital's dictation system.
  • The emergency room staff will use the technology to handle bedside registration, and employees handling patient discharge will use the technology to input reports and access the patient discharge database.
  • Lucent plans to develop an 802.11 standards-based wireless infrastructure for businesses that can support voice, data and converged applications accessible by any standards-based wireless phone, PC or personal digital assistant.
  • Converged wireless applications are expected to be used by businesses and institutions such as retailers, hospitals, manufacturers, and schools.

Statistics:

  • Lucent's WaveLAN wireless local area network will be used to test the VoIP technology.
  • The technology has the potential to transform the way businesses and institutions communicate.
  • The University of Maryland will begin a six-month trial of an application that will help the library's information technology (IT) staff speed the repair of computer problems.
  • Staff members at the University of Maryland will use a palm-sized device to make and receive calls and messages no matter where they are on the campus.
  • Penobscot Bay Medical Center will begin testing several applications within its 109-bed community hospital.
  • The clinical engineering staff at Penobscot Bay Medical Center will use the device to remotely access equipment service history database when conducting maintenance and repair.

Sources:

  • Lucent Technologies (press release, June 2, 1999)
  • Business Wire (article, June 2, 1999)
  • Lucent Technologies (web site, www.lucent.com)

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