Migration
Interoperability
Migration
This section illustrates differences and features that should be taken into consideration when
introducing new products to an existing network consisting of other Unify products. To get the
specific details on migration from WL3 to OpenScape WLAN Phone WL4, see the OpenScape
WLAN Phone WL4 VoWiFi System Migration Guide.
Interoperability OpenScape WLAN Phone WL4
WLAN
The OpenScape WLAN Phone WL4 supports 802.11ac/WiFi 5. Since 802.11ax/WiFi 6 is back-
wards compatible with WiFi 5, the handset can coexist in a WiFi 6 environment. The relatively
low bandwidth requirements and high mobility of a VoIP handset means that the benefit of actu-
ally using WiFi 6 in the handset would be limited.
Client Behavior Experience
A WLAN designer and installer must know how a specific client behaves in different types of
environments. By building on experience from installations done previously it is possible for a
skilled technician to estimate the performance of a client at a new site.
If a site is using mixed clients of the same type, like for example two brands or series of VoWiFi
phones, their performance in different environment must be fully understood.
Each client has it its own design depending on what components are used, for example antenna
design, firmware and device drivers, power levels, housing and more.
This could mean that a WLAN where a specific type of Wi-Fi phone works with sufficient perfor-
mance can have other handsets connected with different levels of voice quality.
Replacing Handsets: Test and Evaluation
Considerations
If the decision is to forklift the handset installation and replace all WL3 handsets with OpenS-
cape WLAN Phone WL4, the project must be considered as a new installation, and several is-
sues should be taken in consideration:
• Despite the fact that all Unify products can be deployed in the same network system, it is still
recommended to perform a test before deploying, for example OpenScape WLAN Phone
WL4 in an environment with WL3 handsets.
• Perform a walk-through test while in call mode to estimate the voice quality and the roaming
behavior.
• The deployer should also carefully test that the VoIP and WLAN protocols work as expected.
Shortly said, there may always be some incapability at a site due to the complexity of the in-
stallation.
• A WLAN site survey should be performed as the radio chip set in WL3 differs from the ones in
OpenScape WLAN Phone WL4.
• Features like the use of certificates, base lining and license handling require an update of the
software.
Typically there are three things that should be evaluated using the tools in the handset:
• Roaming candidates.
• Roaming performance (where and when roaming occurs).
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System Planning, Planning Guide
