There has been a rather interesting discussion of the ClearWire situation on the North American Network Operators (NANOG) mailing list in the last couple of days. (This list is primarily made up of folks from ISPs who are responsible for running real networks).
For the most part, the discussion has resolved around whether or not applications such as VoIP really do have the potential to negatively impact ClearWire's ability to meet its service level guarantees. The concern is that the high packet-per-second rates inherent in VoIP, as well as the symmetrical nature of VoIP may wreak havoc with a wireless network design for asymetrical use.
Could it be that ClearWire isn't blocking applications such as VoIP for nefarious purposes but rather for real, demonstrable technological limitations of their service?
Meanwhile, this news continues to serve as a "rallying cry" for NetFreedom.
If the technology constrains them at pps as opposed to mbps, then let them put a cap on that metric in the service contract. Once I know the real constraint, then I can come up with a procedure to realize my application.
By the way, if and when such service providers offer their own VoIP service, will they then allow my voice packets? The funadamental problem is that people see gold in POTS. Or we are still learning how to equitably share a common resource.
Posted by: Aswath | Mar 28, 2005 at 10:58
Aswath, I think you are completely right. What is needed is more clarity from ClearWire on their actual system constraints.
Posted by: Irwin Lazar | Mar 28, 2005 at 12:32