VoLTE: Revolutionizing Communication on your mobile phone
Author: Nico Maes, Product Manager Mobile
In the fast evolving world of telecommunications, innovations continue to reshape how we connect with one another. A groundbreaking advancement that we introduced with Dstny in September 2023 is VoLTE, an evolution that promises to revolutionize conventional voice communication. VoLTE introduces a fresh perspective to voice calls by utilizing high-speed data networks to deliver remarkable call quality, advanced features, and seamless integration with data services.
Understanding VoLTE
VoLTE, short for Voice over Long-Term Evolution, refers to a technology that enables voice calls to traverse the 4G LTE data network, contrasting with the traditional circuit-switched networks utilized for regular voice calls. Unlike its predecessors, such as 2G and 3G networks, which relied on separate pathways for voice and data, VoLTE converges voice calls through the same robust data network, designed for high-speed data communication and that powers internet services on smartphones. This synergy of voice and data brings many advantages that redefine our communication experiences and behavior.
Benefits of VoLTE
- Crystal Clear HD Voice Quality
Among the most prominent benefits of VoLTE is the astonishing enhancement in call quality. VoLTE boosts High Definition (HD) Voice, resulting lifelike conversations. Advanced audio codecs and background noise reduction mechanisms ensure that both participants engage in a distraction-free and immersive call. - Swift Call Setup
Traditional circuit-switched calls often encounter noticeable delays during setup. VoLTE substantially reduces this lag, facilitating quicker call initiation and connection establishment. - Seamless Multitasking
VoLTE empowers users to engage in voice calls while concurrently utilizing data services like browsing the web, streaming videos, or sending messages. This seamless multitasking benefits the user experience and productivity, eliminating the need to pause ongoing activities during a call. You’ll be able to call and use your Waze at the same time.
- Extended Battery Life/strong>
VoLTE can contribute to prolonged battery life compared to conventional voice calls. By operating network resources more efficiently, VoLTE reduces the drainage of device batteries, leading to extended periods of connectivity. - Future-Proof Technology
As global network operators shift towards 4G and 5G networks, VoLTE becomes a fundamental element of modern communication infrastructure. Adoption of VoLTE ensures compatibility with upcoming network upgrades and technological advancements. - Enhanced Network Efficiency
VoLTE optimizes network resources, enabling more effective utilization of available bandwidth. This results in reduced network congestion, enhanced call quality, and an improved overall data connectivity experience for all users on the network.
VoLTE works by utilizing packet-switching technology, as opposed to the traditional circuit-switching technology used in older 2G and 3G networks for voice calls.
How VoLTE works in more detail:
- Packet-Switching Architecture
In traditional circuit-switching networks, a dedicated path or circuit is established between the caller and the recipient for the duration of the call. This is an efficient approach for voice calls but can lead to underutilization of network resources when only voice is being transmitted. On the other hand, packet-switching, commonly used in data networks, breaks down data into smaller packets and sends them separately. VoLTE leverages this packet-switching approach for voice calls, making more efficient use of network resources. - VoIP technology
VoLTE employs Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to convert the caller's voice into data packets. These packets are then transmitted over the 4G LTE network alongside data packets used for internet browsing, streaming, and other online activities. This convergence of voice and data traffic allows operators to allocate network resources more flexibly and efficiently, optimizing the utilization of the available bandwidth. - IMS Integration
VoLTE relies on the integration with IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem), a framework that enables the delivery of multimedia services, including voice and video, over IP networks. IMS manages the complexities of VoLTE, such as session setup, call control, and handling various types of media streams. - Quality of Service (QoS)
VoLTE networks prioritize voice traffic by assigning a higher Quality of Service (QoS) level to voice packets compared to other data packets. This ensures that voice packets experience minimal delay and are given priority over other network traffic, maintaining call quality and reducing latency. - End-to-End Encryption
Security is a fundamental aspect of VoLTE. The voice data, like other data sent over the internet, is encrypted to ensure privacy and prevent unauthorized access.
Conclusion
VoLTE stands as a prime illustration of how technology continually reshapes and enriches our communication landscape. By using the potential of high-speed data networks, VoLTE redefines voice communication with unprecedented benefits such as exceptional call quality, rapid setup times, multitasking prowess and more. As smartphones have become the center of our communication -in the broad sense of the word- in our personal and professional lives, the integration of VoLTE not only improves call experiences but also sets a course towards a future where voice and data harmoniously coexist on a single network. With its capacity to deliver substantial value to users but also to network operators, VoLTE plays an not to underestimated role in modernizing and future-proofing voice communication.
Glossary of used terminology:
VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolution): Technology that makes calls better by using fast data networks, unlike old phone networks.
4G LTE (Fourth Generation Long-Term Evolution): Fast data network technology for phones.
Circuit-Switched Networks: Old-style phone networks with dedicated paths for calls.
Packet-Switching Technology: Breaking data into bits for better network use.
Packet-Switching Architecture: Breaking data into bits for networks.
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol): Technology changing voice to data for networks.
IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem): System for voice and video on networks.
Network Congestion: Too much network traffic slowing things down.