Voice over Long-Term Evolution is a telecom technology using 4G or 5G LTE data networks that mobile devices use. VoLTE delivers high-definition voice quality that makes conversations intelligible and naturally occurring, allowing calls to connect quickly. Its wireless communication is different from cellular and VoIP technologies.
What sets VoLTE apart from other communication methods is its ability to deliver high-definition voice quality, making it easier to understand the nuances of speech. This is particularly beneficial in noisy environments where clarity is essential. Moreover, VoLTE differs significantly from both cellular and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technologies, providing a unique blend of reliability and quality that enhances the overall mobile communication experience.
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Defining Voice over Long-Term Evolution (VoLTE)?
Voice over Long-Term Evolution allows phone calls over a device’s 4G or 5G LTE data connection. VoLTE uses data packets to transmit calls in a way similar to how websites, emails, and social media content are transmitted over the internet.
Smartphones, smart watches, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and data terminals capitalize on VoLTE high-speed wireless communication, allowing users to use voice and data concurrently.
It uses the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) framework combined with the capabilities of the 2G General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) networks with 3G or 4G LTE networks. The GPRS networks are wireless communication networks that allow mobile networks to send data to external networks like the Internet.
GPRS networks enable features such as Short Message Service (SMS) and Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) messaging, advanced phone features, and always-online functions, which allow users to connect to different internet data-based services. General Packet Radio Service enables users to access mobile internet browsing, although GPRS is slower than some newer technologies.
Read more: VoIP vs. Cellular: What’s the Difference?
How does VoLTE work?
VoLTE only works on mobile devices with Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) gateways (SIM cards) installed. It prioritizes voice calls, and operates by connecting a mobile device to a cellular tower. It works by transmitting voice data packets through the 4G/5G LTE mobile network without using the typical Wi-Fi or broadband Internet connections like VoIP phones.
VoLTE is based on the IMS framework that delivers multimedia services over IP networks, including mobile and fixed networks. The IMS framework is based on the Internet Protocol and uses VoIP. The IMS framework provides VoIP, video conferencing, cloud gaming, instant messaging, virtual reality, and IoT services.
The IMS framework plays a significant role in transitioning from traditional switched networks to IP networks, and it supports 4G and 5G technologies. The IMS framework is the core network that VoLTE uses.
When a user calls VoLTE, their device sends a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) to the IMS network that acts like a proxy server. The IMS network establishes the call using the phone number and routes it over the LTE network using Real-Time Transport Protocol (RTP).
The IMS system uses numbers to indicate the status of a call. For example:
- 100 indicates the IMS acknowledges receipt of the call
- 180 indicates ringing
- 200 OK indicates the dialed phone number has answered the call
- ACK is a confirmation receipt that 2-way communication is established
- The voice media is transmitted between the two devices using RTP
- BYE indicates the call has ended
Read more: Best VoIP Software Buyer’s Guide
VoLTE vs. VoIP vs landline
VoLTE and VoIP use an internet connection to make calls, but these technologies execute those calls differently. It uses the 4G or 5G mobile network, while VoIP must use a broadband or fixed line connection. VoLTE calls are limited to LTE-capable mobile phones, whereas VoIP can be used on any internet-enabled device.
Data transmission is also different for each of these two communication technologies. VoLTE uses separate streams for each data type, such as voice, email, and audio, while VoIP combines all data into one stream.
VoLTE prioritizes audio quality using a Quality of Service (QoS) that reduces quality degradation problems like packet loss, network jitter, and high latency. VoIP packets are sent in one stream, regardless of data type. VoLTE uses IMS and a separate radio frequency that helps maintain the equality of the transmission.
Landlines use a telecommunication connection by a cable laid across the land by either telephone poles or underground. VoLTE and VoIP technologies can support services like instant messaging and video calls, making them somewhat similar to conventional landlines.
VoLTE offers many advantages over VoIP and landlines. It provides improved audio quality, extended battery life, and the ability to make calls and use data concurrently.
Other advantages include:
- Conference calls: allows up to a six-way conference call
- Mobility: allows users to make and receive business calls on personal devices
- Network management: simplifies network management, making it easier for developers to access
On the flip side, there are some limitations to using VoLTE technology. Several older devices may not be compatible with the technology, so to take advantage, users will need to upgrade or purchase a new mobile device. Not all mobile service providers have fully deployed VoLTE networks, which may limit users’ ability to use it in their local area.
VoLTE can also drain a phone battery due to its complex signaling process requiring more power. Interoperability issues may arise because 2G and 3G use different signaling protocols.
Read more: VoIP vs. Landline: The Pros & Cons for Business
Key Benefits
There are numerous benefits of using VoLTE, and the most notable is the crystal-clear voice quality compared to circuit-switched traditional calls. It’s suitable for mission-critical communications that ensure an improved user experience when conversing.
Other benefits of VoLTE calls are:
- Faster call setup: VoLTE calls connect three times faster than other calls
- Seamless handover: VoLTE calls can seamlessly switch between different networks, such as LTE to 3G or LTE to Wi-Fi, with no degradation or interruption of the call
- Rich Communication Services (RCS): VoLTE is capable of multimedia messaging, file sharing, location sharing, and real-time chats during calls while allowing the user to simultaneously be on a VoLTE call and browse the web at the same time.
- Global interoperability: VoLTE is an international standard that provides consistent service quality and seamless call connectivity across different networks and countries.
- VoLTE to VoWiFi: VoWiFi is a complementary technology to VoLTE, and it is used to help overcome indoor signal coverage issues in business offices or homes
- Smartphone battery life: VoLTE can save a mobile phone’s battery life by up to 50% when making calls over LTE-only
- VoLTE can distinguish VoLTE traffic from normal data: So it can prioritize that VoLTE trafficwhen network congestion occurs
Businesses and consumers can reap many benefits from using a VoLTE solution. For small businesses, the phone bill will be lower by making faster calls versus negotiating calls using circuit-switch technology. The technology also removes the need for voice and data networks. Additionally, the technology can be easily integrated with a PBX system that uses VoIP technology, which can be cost saving for small businesses.
Consumers or businesses are no longer required to keep a dedicated call plan as voice calls are made using VoLTE. Users also have the option to send text messages at no additional cost. VoLTE technology consumes data only, so bill tracking becomes simple and easy for consumers or businesses.
Requirements for using VoLTE
To enable VoLTE services, service providers must enable voice services on their LTE cellular network and create profiles that must-have information for each service provider. Device manufacturers must update their devices with each operator’s profile. After the manufacturer updates each operator’s profile, the operating system (OS) will automatically enable the customer’s device.
Customers can enable VoLTE in their device’s settings or check the compatibility of their mobile device using this tool from Videotron.
Enabling on iPhone/iOS devices
- Tap Settings
- Tap Cellular
- Verify that the Cellular Data switch is in the ON position
- Tap Voice and Data
Enabling on an Android
- Tap Settings
- Tap Network & Internet (or Connections)
- Tap Preferred Network Type (or Network Mode)
- Select LTE or 5G
Future of VoLTE and Mobile Communication
As VoLTE technology is becoming more popular and implemented in the business world, security enhancements are increasing dramatically to protect voice calls using robust authentication protocols to safeguard communications over LTE networks.
Emerging trends like IoT and VoLTE convergence have only heightened the need for strong security protections for LTE networks. It can improve IoT applications and interaction with devices that require two-way communications for medical alert devices and security systems.
Expert Tip
The continued improvement of voice call quality and operational efficiencies allows technologies like Enhanced Voice Services (EVS), a super-wideband speech audio coding standard, to be integrated with VoLTE. The EVS technology optimizes network resources, allowing operators to receive more calls using the same spectrum.
Expanding the global roaming features of VoLTE will enable users to make voice calls while traveling globally without using older network technologies. Integration with 5G networks provides a more reliable connection, seamless voice services, and faster data speeds.
Finding the right solution for your business
Only mobile devices with a GSM sim card can use the VoLTE network and resources. Companies or consumers can upgrade a compatible mobile device or purchase a new one with the pre-installed hardware to operate in a VoLTE environment. You can review the URL link in this article for compatible devices.
A VoLTE solution benefits any business, particularly an international or a small business. As technologies continue to emerge, companies can use this technology to improve business operations while generating cost savings. Yeastar is an example of an IP PBX service provider offering an integrated VoLTE solution with their VoIP PBX systems. Several mobile network operators (MNOs) offer VoLTE services, such as Verizon Communications, AT&T Mobility, and T-Mobile.
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