Converging Mobile VoIP with Navigation and GIS, a Feasibility Study
- Paper number
IAC-06-B3.6.03
- Author
Ms. Jennie Eckardt, Plantronics, United States
- Coauthor
Mr. Filippo De Rose, VEGA Group, Germany
- Year
2006
- Abstract
Emerging mobile and personal communication technology, using satellite systems, have enabled greater global networking capabilities at many levels, for example within the consumer segments, enterprise networking platforms and navigation systems. As an example, the emergence of INMARSAT’s BGAN, has allowed real-time virtual data connections and voice transmissions from almost anywhere on the planet, through the use of small portable satellite terminals. This industry is moving towards an era of new satellite system developments, in conjunction with enhanced services and VoIP networking. These services can profoundly broaden capabilities at consumer level for communication – for example, several cellular companies have recently announced the production of VoIP handsets. Such convergent devices can serve a broad spectrum of needs, such as bridging the digital divide and providing coverage to remote land areas. However, no single solution has focused on particular applications, where real-time or near real-time response is fundamental. This is particularly the case when providing emergency services, in areas that have become remote due to severed connections.
The objective of this paper is to assess the technical and economic feasibility of having a single customisable mobile solution, which could be used for safety or time critical applications. Possible application areas that will be analysed, by converging, where possible, satellite based navigation and VoIP with GIS technology, will include:
- Air traffic monitoring and supporting ground operations for commercial aviation
- Logistical support to maritime or terrestrial shipping operations, especially monitoring in the usage case of tracking illegal movements
- Monitoring of spacecraft – which is becoming increasingly important as there are currently over one hundred satellites providing various consumer services
- Logistical support for distribution of medical supplies
- Tele-education, especially in the usage case of e-health and telemedicine
- Logistical support for relief of disasters and emergencies
The paper will analyse the possibility of using, web based services, accessible from any portable devices, e.g. PDAs, to provide the necessary VoIP and data connectivity, required to fulfil real-time or near real-time needs. In light of this, careful consideration will be given to the emergence of Bluetooth technology and the headsets suited for these possible applications. Plantronics, a worldwide leader in headset communications, develops such VoIP devices using state of the art technology. Various VoIP software applications, in addition to the wide selection of broadband networks available, e.g. WiMAX, will be investigated. Finally and most importantly, the paper will study the marketability of such a satellite based mobile solution, to compete against the traditional means of supporting the above mentioned application areas.
- Abstract document