FreeNET On-site VoWiFi Telephone and Messaging System

Not just another wireless phone, FreeNET is the complete, standards-based VoWiFi communication tool.

System Information

Ascom Vo-WiFi introduction

The Ascom FreeNET VoWiFi on-site wireless telephone and messaging system consists of market-specific WLAN portable handsets, a robust messaging solution, VoIP Gateway for integration with an existing circuit switched PBX and supports the following IEEE standards.

IEEE 802.11b IEEE 802.11g
These devices operate in the unlicensed ISM band of 2.4 to 2.4835 GHz with a maximum theoretical bandwidth of 11 Mbit/s. These devices operate in the unlicensed ISM band of 2.4 to 2.4835 GHz with a maximum theoretical bandwidth of 54 Mbit/s and are backward compatible with 802.11b networks.
IEEE 802.11e (QoS) IEEE 802.11i (Security)
Quality-of-service is the control of bandwidth and traffic loss. The 802.11e specification adds QoS to WLANs by prioritizing data, voice, video and audio transmissions while also specifying enhanced error-correcting mechanisms in the Media Access Control (MAC) layer to improve various delay sensitive voice traffic. This standard consists of Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and Robust Security Network (RSN). WPA uses Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) to improve security cipher keys. RSN uses dynamic negotiation of authentication and encryption algorithms between APs and mobile devices.

The components of the FreeNET system are the VoIP Gateway, the i75 portable handset, the Integrated Message Server (IMS/IP) and the Portable Device Manager (PDM).

VoIP Gateway

The FreeNET VoIP Gateway enables seamless integration with a circuit-switched PBX or public-switched telephone network (PSTN) to provide high quality voice communication between the FreeNET portable handsets and any other telephone. Containing two T1 or E1 interfaces, the VoIP Gateway supports QSIG, NI-2, 5ESS, DMS100 ISDN and E&M CAS protocols, in addition to performing handset registration and call routing to optimize channel usage. The FreeNET VoIP Gateway was designed for enterprise environments and contains no moving components. Gateways have the ability to be stacked to optimize the grade of service to the PBX, while maintaining a single browser-based management application.

    The FreeNET VoIP Gateway provides advanced digital telephony services for over 1,000 FreeNET portable handsets and supports these features:

  • Name and number call line identification
  • Hold
  • Transfer with and without consultation
  • 3 party conference
  • Call waiting notification
  • Diversion with redirection identification
  • Message waiting notification
Portable Device Manager

The Ascom PDM is a software application that provides firmware updates via a USB cradle or over-the-air. The PDM allows users to utilize any FreeNET portable handset to access their personal configuration settings. Portable handset replacement is facilitated by the central storage of configuration information.

FreeNET wireless handsets

The rugged, clinical-grade i75 Medic portable handset is resistant to solvents and features a hands-free mode and large display. Equipped with a push button alarm to quickly contact team members, the i75 Medic portable handset also boasts three programmable soft keys and four-way navigation to ensure the most important functions are always readily available.

The durable i75 Protector portable handset for industrial environments has personal security features such as a push button alarm, no-movement alarm and a man-down alarm. The i75 Protector portable handset also includes three programmable soft keys and the ability for instant team communication.

OTHER KEY FEATURES

WLAN interoperability

The Ascom FreeNET VoWiFi solution supports various enterprise WLAN systems following IEEE standards. For optimum quality and feature support, WLAN products need to be certified with the FreeNET system. Please consult an Ascom solution expert for a complete list of certified WLAN systems.

Messaging capabilities

An Integrated Message Server allows seamless integration with the Ascom UNITE Messaging Suite. This allows the Ascom Communications Server to transmit messages, in addition to receiving responses and actions while providing a complete audit trail. The UNITE Messaging Suite can also receive alarms and mobile data from the Medic and Protector portable handsets. The FreeNET VoWiFi solution has a two-way messaging architecture for extremely robust, high delivery throughput for single and broadcast messaging.

The i75 Protector supports interactive messaging for integration with industrial manufacturing systems and OPC interfaces. The smart integration provided by the UNITE Messaging Suite with prioritized messaging and alert tones as well as instant message display, enable quicker response. The i75 portable handset soft keys can be defined within the message and feature read receipt acknowledgement, message escalation and telephony call initiation.