WiFi VoIP Full Analysis: Principle, Use, Advantages, Applications and Problem Solving

Working Principle of WiFi Network Telephony

WiFi network telephony is a technology for making voice calls via WiFi networks. It allows users to make and receive calls by connecting to a WiFi network in places where there is no mobile signal or the signal is weak. This calling method mainly relies on IP technology and can ｒｅｐｌａｃｅ cell phone towers to make calls through the Internet.

How to Use WiFi Network Telephony

The following steps are usually required to use WiFi network telephony:

• Turn on the WiFi function: Make sure that the WiFi function of your mobile phone or other devices has been turned on and connected to a WiFi network.

• Enable the WiFi calling function: Find the option of WiFi calling or VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi) in the settings of your mobile phone and enable this function.

• Connect to the WiFi network: After the WiFi calling function is enabled, your device will automatically attempt to connect to the operator's network via the WiFi network.

• Make calls: After connecting to the WiFi network, you can make calls as usual or use apps that support WiFi calling to make calls.

Advantages and Limitations of WiFi Network Telephony

1. Advantages

• Not restricted by mobile signals: WiFi network telephony can still work normally in places where the mobile signal coverage is poor.

• Cost-effective: Using WiFi network telephony usually does not consume mobile data, which helps save call costs.

• Call quality: When the WiFi network is in good condition, the call quality is often more stable than that of the mobile network.

2. Limitations

• Device compatibility: Not all devices support the WiFi calling function, especially some older devices.

• Network dependence: WiFi network telephony is highly dependent on a stable WiFi connection. If the WiFi signal is poor, the call quality may be affected.

• Operator support: Currently, not all operators provide WiFi calling services. Users need to confirm whether their operators support this function.

3. Conclusion

• WiFi network telephony provides users with a convenient way to make calls when there is no mobile signal, especially in areas with insufficient mobile signal coverage such as high-rise buildings and underground spaces in cities. With the development and popularization of technology, it is expected that WiFi network telephony will become the choice of more users in the future.

Differences between WiFi Network Telephony and Traditional Cell Phone Tower Calls

The main differences between WiFi network telephony and traditional cell phone tower calls lie in the calling medium and the technical implementation methods.

1. Calling medium and technical implementation methods

• WiFi network telephony: WiFi network telephony, also known as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), is a technology for transmitting voice through Internet protocols. Users can make calls through any device with a reliable Internet connection (such as smartphones, tablets, computers) and do not rely on traditional mobile network signals. WiFi calling is usually automatically enabled when the user's device is connected to a WiFi network and can provide calling services in areas with poor signal coverage.

• Traditional cell phone tower calls: Traditional cell phone tower calls rely on mobile networks, such as 3G, 4G or 5G networks. Users establish a connection with nearby base stations through mobile phones and then make calls with other users through the base stations. This calling method is limited by the coverage and signal strength of the base stations and may encounter difficulties in making calls in areas with weak signals such as remote areas or inside buildings.

2. Call quality and cost

• WiFi network telephony: Since WiFi network telephony relies on Internet connections, its call quality largely depends on the speed and stability of the Internet. If the Internet connection is unstable or slow, the call may be interrupted or delayed. However, WiFi calling usually does not consume the user's mobile data plan, so it can save call costs in an environment with a WiFi network.

• Traditional cell phone tower calls: The quality of traditional cell phone tower calls is usually relatively stable because it relies on the specially designed mobile network infrastructure. However, if users exceed the limit of their mobile data plans, the call costs may be high.

3. Coverage and flexibility

• WiFi network telephony: The coverage of WiFi network telephony is limited by the coverage of the WiFi network. Although WiFi networks can be widely deployed in homes, offices or public places, it may be difficult to find a stable WiFi signal outdoors or in remote areas. Nevertheless, WiFi calling can be used globally as long as there is an Internet connection.

• Traditional cell phone tower calls: The coverage of traditional cell phone tower calls is usually wider because mobile network base stations are distributed all over cities and rural areas. Users can use mobile phones to make calls in most places without relying on specific WiFi networks.

In conclusion, WiFi network telephony and traditional cell phone tower calls each have their own advantages and disadvantages, and users can choose the most suitable calling method according to their own needs and environments.

Applications of WiFi Network Telephony

The applications of WiFi network telephony mainly include the following aspects:

1. Saving call charges

Making calls through WiFi networks can save a lot of call charges. For example, some network telephony apps offer tariffs as low as 3 cents for calls across the country, and there are even all-day call packages for 1 yuan, which are much lower than the charges for traditional phone calls.

2. Breaking through signal limitations

In some areas with poor signal coverage, such as high-rise building-intensive areas and residential areas, WiFi network telephony can effectively solve the problem of signal blind spots. For example, China Unicom and China Telecom have launched the VoWiFi technology, which allows users to achieve high-quality voice calls only by connecting to a WiFi network when there is no cellular network (such as 4G, 5G).

3. Protecting privacy

Some network telephony apps provide functions such as number encryption and virtual secondary numbers, which can protect users' privacy. For example, some apps can automatically hide numbers without additional settings to achieve privacy protection.

4. Providing high-definition call quality

WiFi network telephony usually can provide high-definition call quality, comparable to the call effect of traditional operators. For example, some apps provide the sound quality like that of a landline phone, allowing users to enjoy a clear calling experience.

5. Facilitating international calls

For users who need to make international calls, WiFi network telephony can provide a more economical calling method. Users only need to connect to a WiFi network to make calls worldwide, and the other party does not need to install additional apps.

6. Supporting multiple devices

WiFi network telephony can be used not only on mobile phones but also on other devices such as tablets. As long as the device supports the WiFi network and the corresponding app, calls can be made.

7. Video calls

In addition to voice calls, WiFi network telephony also supports video call functions. Users can make high-definition video calls through WiFi networks, which is very practical in both social and business scenarios.

8. Applications in aviation scenarios

In January 2024, China Telecom announced a breakthrough in the "satellite + VoWiFi" in aviation scenarios. Ordinary mobile phone terminals can realize mobile phone authentication, three-network voice, SMS intercommunication and video calls and other functions through the on-board Internet environment in flight mode.

9. Free usage

In some cases, WiFi network telephony is free. For example, China Unicom's WiFi calling function will not charge users extra fees. The call minutes are included in the domestic voice call minutes included in the user's existing package, and the fees will be charged according to the out-of-package rates after exceeding the limit.

10. Low power consumption

Compared with traditional cellular network calls, WiFi network telephony has an advantage in power consumption. For example, a 5-minute WiFi call consumes approximately 4MB - 5MB of data, and usually consumes less electricity than a normal call, especially in situations where the telecom coverage is not extensive.

Scenarios Where WiFi Network Telephony Performs Better Than Mobile Network Calls

WiFi network telephony usually performs better than mobile network calls in the following scenarios:

• Signal coverage blind spots: In homes, offices or other indoor buildings, especially in basements or places with a lot of reinforced concrete structures, the mobile network signal may be severely interfered, resulting in a decline in call quality or the inability to make calls. However, WiFi network telephony can bypass the limitations of the mobile network by connecting to the local WiFi network to achieve high-quality calls.

• International roaming: During international roaming, mobile network calls may incur high costs, and the call quality is also difficult to guarantee. In contrast, WiFi network telephony can use the local WiFi network to make calls, avoiding roaming charges while maintaining good call quality.

• Consideration of traffic costs: For those with limited mobile data packages, using WiFi network telephony can save the usage of mobile data and thus reduce additional traffic costs. Especially when making video calls or transmitting a large amount of data, WiFi network telephony is more economical.

• Call quality guarantee: WiFi network telephony usually provides call quality similar to or even better than that of traditional mobile network calls, because it can use high-speed WiFi networks to make calls instead of relying on potentially unstable mobile network signals.

It should be noted that WiFi network telephony also has its limitations when in use. For example, after leaving the WiFi coverage area, the call may be interrupted, and unless the mobile network signal is good, the call cannot continue. In addition, not all smartphones support the WiFi network telephony function, and users need to confirm whether their devices support this service.

Solutions to Call Quality Problems Caused by Poor WiFi Signals

When you are using WiFi network telephony and encounter call quality problems caused by poor WiFi signals, you can try the following methods to improve the situation:

• Adjust your position: Try to place yourself closer to the WiFi router and reduce physical obstacles such as walls and furniture to enhance signal reception.

• Optimize router settings: Restart the WiFi router, clean the dust to ensure that it is working in the best condition. At the same time, check whether the router supports the latest wireless standards, such as 802.11ac or 802.11ax, to obtain better signal coverage and speed.

• Use a WiFi signal amplifier: If conditions permit, you can consider installing a WiFi signal amplifier or repeater to expand the coverage range of the WiFi signal.

• Check mobile phone settings: Make sure that the WiFi settings of your mobile phone are correct. For example, turn on options such as "always connect" or "always keep connected" so that the WiFi connection is maintained when the mobile phone is in sleep mode.

• Avoid interference sources: Try to stay away from devices that may interfere with the WiFi signal, such as microwave ovens and Bluetooth devices.

• Use a wired connection: If possible, try to connect your mobile phone directly to the router via a USB or Ethernet cable to bypass the limitations of the WiFi signal.

• Check the service quality of the network service provider: Contact your network service provider to find out if there are any network maintenance or upgrade plans that may affect the quality of the WiFi signal.

• Use other network connection methods: If the above methods cannot solve the problem, you can consider switching to the mobile data network to make calls, although this may increase call costs.

Through the above methods, you should be able to improve the call quality problems encountered when using WiFi network telephony to a certain extent. If the problem still exists, further technical support or device replacement may be required.