Monday, August 1, 2005
the::unwired: WM5's Simultaneous Connection Capabilities
Posted by Janak Parekh in "ARTICLE" @ 08:00 AM
"Finally; it took until Windows Mobile 5.0 but now it is there - Microsoft's Windows Mobile 5.0 now supports simultaneous data connections (e.g. W-LAN and GPRS/UMTS) including seamless handover between both connection types. While GPRS is at least (depending on your country) always available, W-LAN isn't but only at home, in the office or at selected HotSpots.
On the other hand, in most cases W-LAN is way faster and in most cases cheaper than GPRS (or UMTS) and therefore a W-LAN connection is preferred in most cases. With the seamless handover "dual-connection" you can stay connected via GPRS, for example to MSN Messenger or your E-Mail server. However, as soon as you reach a (recognized) W-LAN access point, Windows Mobile 5.0 connects to this connection in addition and switches the internal data routing from the WAN (GPRS or UMTS) connection to the LAN (W-LAN/Wi-Fi) connection..."
This is very cool and useful, especially with the new Pocket PC Phones coming out with integrated wireless. What I want to ultimately see is full VoIP support combined with this, so you could make a phone call over GPRS/UMTS/1xRTT/EVDO and keep on talking seamlessly as you roam onto your home WLAN. However, that technology's probably a while away, as one's IP address currently changes when you move between networks. Still, this is a major step forward towards realizing truly seamless computing.
On the other hand, in most cases W-LAN is way faster and in most cases cheaper than GPRS (or UMTS) and therefore a W-LAN connection is preferred in most cases. With the seamless handover "dual-connection" you can stay connected via GPRS, for example to MSN Messenger or your E-Mail server. However, as soon as you reach a (recognized) W-LAN access point, Windows Mobile 5.0 connects to this connection in addition and switches the internal data routing from the WAN (GPRS or UMTS) connection to the LAN (W-LAN/Wi-Fi) connection..."
This is very cool and useful, especially with the new Pocket PC Phones coming out with integrated wireless. What I want to ultimately see is full VoIP support combined with this, so you could make a phone call over GPRS/UMTS/1xRTT/EVDO and keep on talking seamlessly as you roam onto your home WLAN. However, that technology's probably a while away, as one's IP address currently changes when you move between networks. Still, this is a major step forward towards realizing truly seamless computing.
