HomeRF(TM)/SWAP: a wireless voice and data system for the home

The HomeRF Working Group is an industry association comprised of over 100 companies from the computer, telecommunications, and consumer electronics industries. This group has developed an open specification for a voice and data network for the home called the Shared Wireless Access Protocol, or SWAP. The SWAP specification for wireless voice and data networking within the home will enable a new class of mobile consumer devices that draw from the power and content of the Internet and the Home PC. If cable modems and xDSL represent the “last mile” access to the home, then HomeRF´s mission with SWAP: could be called the “very last 150 feet” within and around the home. HomeRF has the broad backing of the major corporate stakeholders for networking within the home and is optimized specifically for the cost/performance point needed for consumers. The technology leverages the existing PC-industry infrastructure around the Internet, TCP/IP and Ethernet and adds a standard way to connect to the PSTN for voice telephony. First products should appear in early 2000 and future versions with enhanced features and/or higher data rates should follow by 1-2 years