Polycom SoundStation 2W Frequently Asked Questions page 2

Polycom SoundStation2W
When would I use the Applications Port with my mobile phone?
There are two primary usage scenarios. First, for locations or facilities that may
not have any phone lines, you can use a cell phone as the dialing and network
interface for the conference phone. This feature enables people to conduct a
group speakerphone call with the advantages of a conference phone in loca-
tions like construction and production trailers, hotels, conference centers, and
other temporary facility setups.
Secondly, the cell phone connector provides people working on the fly the
convenience of instantly dialing a call using their personal phone book and tak-
ing advantage of the conference phone acoustics. Please see
www.polycom.com for a list of compatible cell phones.
How do I use the Applications Port to make calls over the Internet?
The computer calling cable (included with the SoundStation2W EX, optional on
other models) allows you to connect your conference phone to your computer
through the Applications Port. This allows you to hold productive conference
calls using Internet phone services.
How does the SoundStation2W audio quality compare to the other Polycom
conferencing units? Do you get the same voice quality even though
its wireless?
Like all the SoundStation units, the SoundStation2W provides excellent
two way simultaneous conversation flow with Polycom's industry leading full
duplex Acoustic Clarity Technology. In terms of room coverage and loudness,
the SoundStation2W is on par with SoundStation2. The SoundStation VTX
1000™ has even greater room coverage capabilities as well as unparalleled 7
kHz wideband voice quality capabilities. Wireless operation does not degrade
voice quality compared to other Polycom conference phones when used in
similar environments.
What is the maximum room size and maximum number of participants
SoundStation2W can effectively handle?
SoundStation2W can handle a medium size conference room and can effec-
tively cover people seated around the table up to 10 feet away from the
phone. With the EX mics, the phone can extend to cover a larger room with
a single row of overflow seating around the table.
How does the SoundStation2W compare to other wireless
conference phones?
The SoundStation2W is superior to other products on the market in six
key areas:
1. Voice quality and room coverage
2. Wireless talk time
3. Security
4. Ease of use and user interface
5. Cell phone connectivity
6. Software upgradeability
The SoundStation2W is the world's only product to combine this range
of valuable features in an affordable everyday conference phone.
What is the wireless technology? How does it work?
SoundStation2W™ comes in two different formats. The product uses either
2.4 GHz WDCT (Worldwide Digital Cordless Telecommunications) or 1.9 GHz
DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) standard technology.
WDCT is widely used in North America, South America, and China, while
DECT is used in Europe, parts of Asia, and Australia. WDCT and DECT are
Frequently Asked Questions
Digital Spread Spectrum protocols which are reliable, secure, and support
excellent voice quality and a wide range of dialing features. Digital Spread
Spectrum has been used by the military for many years because there is a
low probability of signal interception and interference.
DSS technology breaks the voice stream into small fragments and spreads
them over a wide range of frequencies for transmission to a receiver. Only
the receiver that is uniquely registered to the transmitter will be able to
reassemble the signal to deliver the voice stream. The SoundStation2W
console and base station act as both transmitters and receivers. The console
and base station pair are uniquely matched to each other. The console will
only reassemble the signal sent from its matching base station and vice
versa. Accordingly, the console will operate within 150 feet of its matched
base station – not within 150 feet of any base station. The one to one pairing
of console and base stations ensures secure voice signal transmission.
The SoundStation2W implements DSS using frequency hopping encoding.
Frequency hopping transmits the audio signal fragments over rapidly switch-
ing frequencies in the 2.4 GHz and 1.9 GHz bands. Frequency hopping
enables the SoundStation2W to automatically detect and avoid sources of
potential interference such as other SoundStation2W phones or 802.11x
WLAN clients.
What is the warranty for SoundStation2W?
Standard warranty is 12 months in which the customer returns the defective
unit to a Polycom factory for repair or replacement, and the unit is returned
to the customer within 30 days.
What Support Services are available on SoundStation2W?
Premier Service offerings are available. Premier Service Offerings include:
advance parts replacement/repair shipped for next business day delivery
(Customs delays may affect actual delivery time in some regions), telephone
technical support, and software upgrades.
What do I need to set it up? Are there special requirements?
The SoundStation2W ships with everything you'll need to enjoy the benefits
of wireless conferencing. Installation is easy – much like a cordless phone.
The Base Station plugs into a standard Analog phone jack and power outlet.
The console automatically registers to the base station once the battery is
inserted or power is applied. The phone is now ready for use. There is no
configuration required.
Does the SoundStation2W run over an 802.11 wireless network?
No, the SoundStation2W operates completely independent of WLAN's, or
the data network. However, the SoundStation2W, is likely a great fit for any
organization that has deployed or is considering deploying a WLAN. The
radio is tuned to ensure that it will not pose interference issues with
802.11 communications.
What about interference with 802.11 wireless data networks?
Under ordinary conditions, you should be able to have a high quality voice
conversation using the SoundStation2W and use an 802.11 client application
side by side without any interruptions. The WDCT frequency hopping imple-
mentation enables the SoundStation2W to detect and avoid channels in the
2.4 GHz band where there is WLAN or 802.11 activity.