If you expect to deploy a true wireless VoIP system, the number of APs will have to increase, since each can properly handle only 8 to 10 active calls. For a company the size of HealthPlex, this means an additional 10 to 15 APs--at $200 to $900 per AP depending on the manufacturer. An increase in APs also means an increase in other infrastructure costs, including cabling and larger controllers to handle the additional APs.
Additional switches would must be purchased to support the additional APs and the VoIP handsets. The wired network infrastructure would also have to be evaluated to determine if an upgrade was necessary to ensure it could properly support voice.
Another issue to consider is location-based services, which provide the physical location of a caller dialing emergency services. Location-based services will eventually be mandated to meet E911 regulations, and a number of vendors are working on Wi-Fi based location systems. This service will affect the RF design because the location service has to triangulate the user's position among several APs, affecting both the number of APs and their placement. This planning should be done ahead of time in preparation for an eventual rollout of wireless VoIP. Otherwise, location-based services may require a redesign with additional costs.
Integral Wireless estimates a wireless VoIP system for HealthPlex would cost between $125,000 and $200,000 (not including the cost of a new PBX). A detailed assessment would be required for a more precise estimate.
As HealthPlex CTO, you must decide whether to build out the wireless infrastructure to support voice now, or look to upgrade the WLAN at a later date.
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