Applications of converged networks in construction

Byline: S. Ahsan, A. El-Hamalawi, D. Bouchlaghem, S. Ahmad Converged networks, the merging of voice, video and data networks onto a single infrastructure, and in particular IP telephony offer the construction industry cheaper calling and the ability to log all voice communication in an efficient manner. The emergence of wireless networks on the construction site allow IP telephony to be deployed on the site replacing the mobile phone network, where it was discovered that UK construction companies would spend over [pounds sterling]1 Million a year on communication. This paper looks at the emergence of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and examines how this can be brought to the construction site. The paper reports on research carried out with the UK construction industry, identifying communication trends as well as the storage of communication. With this information, the paper attempts to identify processes where VoIP and convergence technology can provide key benefits.