Fixed Mobile Convergence (FMC) – Femtocell vs WiFi Access Points

Fixed Mobile Convergence refers to the idea that there is only one phone for home and mobility. The mobile handset replaces the wireline device without causing wireless network congestion. The handset uses the wireline broadband for in-home or in-building calls. FMC can be done in various ways, prominent techniques being Femtocells and WiFi dual-mode handsets.

Femtocells

Femtocells are essentially compact, personal cellular base stations that plug straight into the internet connection at home or in building. On the promise of Femtocells, one can think of them as essentially “mobile taking on WiFi”. Femtocells essentially route mobile calls on the IP network.

Typically Femtocells pack high-speed 3G technology or High Speed Download Packet Access (HSPDA) inside, which can have download speeds of upto 7 Mpbs, similar to many home broadband offerings.

According to ABI research, by 2011, there will be 102 million Femtocell users.

Advantages of Femtocells

Advantages for wireless operators :

a) Free wireless network and reduce network congestion
b) New revenue opportunities for operators.
c) Reduce cell towers capital expenditures.
d) Create buddy lists in Femtocell (list of authorized Femtocell users) to share the Femtocell base station with the designated user base.

Advantages for customers :

a) Better coverage
b) Make free calls by routing wireless traffic onto the internet.
c) Home Zone pricing (discounted compared to regular wireless pricing)
d) Works with all mobile handsets – no need for expensive dual-mode WiFi handsets.

Femtocell vs WiFi Access Point

	Femtocell	WiFi (Dual Mode Handset)
Typically Used In	Homes, Hotels, Buildings, Basements where cellular signal is weak or non-existent	Any location where WiFi is available
Equipment	Femtocell Base Station	WiFi Access Point or WiFi router
Backhaul	IP network	IP network
Handsets	All handsets	Dual-Mode Handsets
Pros	Better cellular coverage. Works with all handsets, create buddy lists – drive VAS and social aspect	Widely deployed technology
Cons	Signal interference with macro towers, handover to macro tower not robust, multiple standards	Needs expensive dual-mode handsets
Equipment Cost	Expensive Femtocell Base Stations	Cheap WiFi Access routers. Dual Mode handsets may be expensive.
E-911 support	Available. But needs GPS attachments to Femtocell for location broadcast to back office.	Industrial-grade solution not available
Availability	In USA, Sprint has deployed Femtocells; AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile are also testing Femtocells.	Widely deployed

 

Look out for a white paper from CellStrat for more on the topic of Femtocell and FMC solutions.

MT