Siemens Delivers SIP-Based Wi-Fi/GSM in Single Handset

Siemens Communications today further fleshed out its Fixed Mobile Convergence (FMC) story, delivering a solution that lets enterprises manage and deliver SIP-based, dual-mode Wi-Fi and GSM calling capabilities on a single handset.

The unique aspect of Siemens offering is that it, along with just a few other vendors such as Cisco Systems, can offer a soup-to-nuts wireless solution. Siemens HiPath Mobile Connect works by combining fixed enterprise VoIP, voice over wireless LAN and cellular mobility on a single mobile device. Users can roam across Wi-Fi and cellular networks without dropping calls and with all PBX features intact. A single phone number and voicemail box works across all networks.

The solution includes two elements: an application located between an enterprise's IP PBX and wireless LAN managing connectivity, and a dual-mode handset client that provides access to the IP PBX features. Together these pieces let IT deliver to users an experience with broad connectivity as well as access to enterprise-style PBX features, Siemens said.

According to Siemens, HiPath MobileConnect can leverage standards like SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) to interoperate with other IP PBXs, WLAN infrastructure and handsets.

Initially, HiPath MobileConnect has been certified with Siemens HiPath 8000 communications server and Siemens wireless platforms and handsets. Interoperability testing with products from other vendors is under way.