Key Difference Between VoIP & VoLTE

What is the Difference Between VoIP and VOLTE?

we're going to explore VoIP and VoLTE, what they are, their similarities and their differences.

?What is VoIP?

VoIP is the modern method for making and receiving calls. Traditionally, voice calls use the PSTN; however, VoIP uses the internet. This means that you don't have to have multiple telephone lines. All you need to make and receive VoIP calls is a broadband connection.

Businesses using VoIP is becoming increasingly common. With 70% of business owners looking to move away from their traditional on-site PBX, to a VOIP Based Telephone .

VoIP is an emerging technology and more and more people are now using it for communication purposes. If you don't know about this technology yet then don't worry because here we are to help you with that. Basically with VoIP operations data is transferred into small packets from one caller to another and you can only connect your call if you have a good Wi-Fi connection with you.

What is VoLTE?

VoLTE stands for Voice Over LTE (Long Term Evolution) is VoIP, but over a mobile network. Whereas a VoIP connection uses your broadband or fixed line, VoLTE uses your mobile phone and 4G/3G data connection. As you're probably aware, LTE is the technical name for data connectivity using the mobile network.

It takes the support of the latest LTE and 4G network technologies. As mentioned earlier Though VoLTE technology is not as advanced and widespread as VoIP phone platforms, it does offer added advantages of higher speeds and better bandwidths. Let’s understand how VoLTE phone technology works to get a clear picture. In VoLTE, call data packets are given top priority in order to enhance the quality of voice calls. It is an advanced technology that offers three times more data and voice capabilities than 3g networks. It also frees up bandwidth space for users, as the data packets that are used for calls are much smaller than those used by VoIP phone systems.

VoLTE calls are reported to have crystal clear quality – much higher than existing 3g or 4g calls, and even rank better than high definition Skype calls. VoLTE calls can be initiated in a speedy manner, and connect much faster than normal 3g calls. VoLTE technology is efficient and uses scarce resources on both handsets and the network. This translates into longer battery life for users and leads to a much more productive communication network for telecom service providers.

What are the differences between VoIP and VoLTE?

Despite VoLTE and VoIP being similar technologies, they do have their differences.

VoIP is more common

In 2019, VoIP is a more common method of telephone calls by businesses. With more and more businesses moving the a cloud-based telephone system, The rise in VoIP traffic has been significant in recent years. But that's not to say that VoLTE is uncommon, as many businesses also use VoLTE to keep in touch with staff who are out and about and on the road.

VoLTE only uses mobile devices

Mobile devices use VoLTE, deskphones and PC's use VoIP. It's arguably the main difference between the two. Because VoLTE uses your GSM or cellular data connection, it cannot be used by devices that don't have a SIM card. Mobile phones and some tablets have LTE capabilities, and are therefore able to use VoLTE. Whereas many businesses have deskphones and PC's in their office that use VoIP, not VoLTE.

VoIP is more reliable

Another difference between VoIP and VoLTE is the reliability. VoIP requires a fixed line, which is typically more reliable, especially with fibre optic broadband.

Major Differences Between VoIP and VoLTE

Meaning: VoIP means ‘Voice over Internet Protocol’ whereas, VoLTE stands for ‘Voice over LTE network’.

Technology: The major difference between VoIP and VoLTE is based on the technology they both use. VoIP uses a web-based network such as 3G, wifi or ADSL to transfer voice data. These modes of transfer of data are commonly used as they are easy to access. VoIP is very common among smartphones and computers, however; there are a few barriers which users have to face. Whereas, VoLTE is using LTE network technology such as 4G for transferring voice data from one place to another. It has a faster bandwidth and speed which helps to attract more people in using this network. Due to the efficiency of VoLTE, it is preferred over VoIP. Most modern smartphones are supporting VoLTE technology for transferring voice data.

Network: VoIP is using networks such as 2G and 3G whereas, VoLTE is using 4G for transferring voice data.

Establishment: VoIP was introduced in the 1990’s and had immense popularity as it helped people in transferring voice messages from one place to another without any problem, however, there were a few hurdles due to the lack of internet range whereas, VoLTE was established in 2000’s and since then it has been improved in many ways to help people communicate with each other without having to face any hurdles.

Connectivity: VoIP is supported by web and VoIP phones whereas; VoLTE is supported by the modern smartphones. As compared to VoIP, VoLTE has a higher bandwidth and it offers a better quality. VoLTE sends high definition voice data from one place to another however, VoIP sends the packets of data which is the actual voice digitized in the form of data through the internet from the sender to the receiver. These packets of data are not given any special priority whereas; the VoLTE packets are given special priority.

Meaning and Emergence: As we know, VoIP stands for voice-over-internet-protocol, whereas the term VoLTE stands for voice over LTE network. VoIP works by sending sound packets of actual voice digitized to data over the Internet, from the initiator to the receiver. In VoLTE technology also the voice packets are sent over the Internet, however, the major difference is that these sound packets are given priority. This leads to much superior call quality and seamless business communication. Another major difference between VoIP and VoLTE technology is the time of emergence. Voice-over-internet-protocol was invented in the 1990s whereas VoLTE technology is more recent in its origin. Voice over LTE network emerged in the 2000s. hence it is at a nascent stage and set to grow at a faster pace.

Service Quality Level: Undoubtedly, this is the most fundamental difference between VoIP and VoLTE technology. VoLTE maintains a very high service quality as it requires that a separate radio frequency is maintained to transmit the voice packets on priority. The quality of service component ensures that there are no line disturbances, jitters, and provides dedicated bandwidth to users. While VoIP technology may give problems at times, VoLTE ensures that there are no latency issues, time lags, and reduces any uptime errors. The quality factor is the prime reason that organizations are transitioning towards VoLTE phone systems from the previously widely used VoIP phone systems.

High-Definition Voice Quality: One of the biggest advantages of VoLTE phone service over VoIP technology is that it can support high definition audio quality. It works on a simple principle where LTE networks encode the wideband audio – this is necessary to carry forward the HD voice. It utilizes novel IMS technology to enable users to make apex quality HD voice calls. However, HD voice calls can only be facilitated when users at both ends use HD-enabled devices. Hence, if the receiver is not using an HD-supported device, the audio quality may not be high definition.

Network Technology: This is another major differentiating factor between VoIP and VoLTE technology. VoLTE is a highly advanced telecommunication technology that is designed to utilize 4g LTE networks. On the other hand, VoIP uses slightly primitive technology as it supports 3g or 4g phone networks. This gives VoLTE technology a definite edge over VoIP phone systems. Most smartphones are nowadays supporting VoLTE technology, so users can avail of its various benefits for both personal and business communication.

Target Audience: This is another area that service providers use to differentiate VoIP and VoLTE technology. Voice-over-internet-protocol was initially targeted at corporate users and used through web or VoIP phones. VoLTE technology is broader in its scope; hence it has a much wider and generic audience. Most of the newer models of smartphones support VoLTE technology, hence we can expect the target audience base to grow leaps and bounds in the coming few years.

Reliability: Reliability is an important criterion that is super important when it comes to choosing phone systems. VoIP phone networks provide good quality of voice communication, however, if there is any kind of stress, it drops sound data packets. This leads to disturbances and poor audio call quality. This is not the case with VoLTE technology as it has higher bandwidth. VoLTE enabled phone systems are much more reliable as a channel of communication, as there is only a minimal chance of any kind of call disturbance or latency.

The telecommunication field is constantly evolving with tons of new technologies coming out frequently. Any business has to leverage the power of these novel new tools to keep up in the competitive corporate ecosystem and leverage the power of speed, flexibility, and agility in business communication.

?Types of VoIP Communication

These three types of VoIP services will enhance your communication experiences.

·       Computer-to-Computer

·       Computer-to-Phone

·       Phone-to-Phone

The different VoIP services offer businesses options and variety like never before. It lets you make calls anywhere as long as you have a stable internet connection. It grants your business the ability to communicate your way. The internet is more than a place where we make search queries, it has become a modern system where we can connect with others on multiple levels. VoIP is a new way of doing business.

Examples of VoIP?

Here are the most common examples of VoIP apps:

·       Nextiva

·       Aircall

·       Zoiper

·       Skype

·       WhatsApp

·       Google Hangouts

·       Viber

·       Facebook Messenger

·       Google Voice

What are the similarities between VoIP and VoLTE?

As you can probably imagine for two technologies that essentially do they same thing, there are quite a few similarities between VoIP and VoLTE.

They use the same technology

Both VoIP and VoLTE use 'packet switching'. This means that they transfer your voice calls using data (that's binary 1s and 0s), rather than the traditional analogue method. Using packet switching enables higher quality voice calls, as well as a more reliable connection. But it does require a decent broadband connection.

Both work in tandem

VoIP and VoLTE work seamlessly side-by-side in the real world. In fact, many people will be using VoLTE without even realising. If you've ever made a Whatsapp, Facetime or Facebook messenger call using your mobile while you're not connected to Wi-Fi, then you're using VoLTE. And if your business has a VoIP phone system and you call one of your mobile users while they're out and about, then chances are you're using VoLTE and VoIP together as one.

VoIP and VoLTE can improve your telecoms

In case you haven't realised, both VoIP and VoLTE can save your business money, time and improve your telecoms. By removing the need for costly on-site hardware, small businesses can benefit from no maintenance, free upgrades, free handsets, 5,000 included minutes as well as a wealth of great features. Check out our VoIP phone systems here.

Why VoLTE Matters

1.     The quality and speed of VoLTE calls greatly exceed the existing 3G and 4G voice calls.

2.     VoLTE calls have been rated higher quality than high-definition Skype even over a congested or loaded VoLTE network.

3.     A VoLTE call uses fewer resources on both a handset and over the network, offering longer battery life and a more efficient network for the mobile resulting in longer battery life for end users and a more efficient network for mobile operators.

4.     More exclusive benefits VoLTE brings to enterprises can be learned here.

VoLTE technology carries high expectations among network operators and consumers that it will be leaps and bounds ahead of what we have today in terms of call quality and resource efficiency. It will take some time before the full potential of VoLTE is achieved, however, as the technology has not been rolled out all over the world for all people to make VoLTE-to-VoLTE calls with each other, it’s still difficult to measure and appreciate the full impact that VoLTE will provide.

VoLTE & QoS Components

When VoIP services send voice and data, it gets transferred like any regular type of data on the internet. VoLTE has a QoS (Quality of Service) component which allows for a stronger internet connection and less errors with data being sent. Therefore, it can be a smoother way of making calls using the internet. 

To ensure that the quality of the calls are up to a high standard, there’s a dedicated radio frequency available too.

SR-VCC

The SR-VCC component is a critical part of VoLTE systems. If you use your phone outside of the area that VoLTE can cover, the SR-VCC comes into play and is automatically activated. 

Upon this activation, it connects you back to the VoLTE system as well as a legacy network which is older but ensures that you have a connection again. The radio frequency helps during this process by implementing the IMS system to let you continue using the VoLTE services.

What is IMS?

IMS stands for IP Multimedia Subsystem. The IP (internet protocol) operates with a wireless or landline system. When it’s being used with VoLTE, it helps with strengthening how the digital data and voice packers are transmitted.

Voice Quality

One of the features that VoLTE users can really take advantage of is how their voices are transmitted in high definition. This is because VoLTE systems enable voice data to be encoded with a wideband audio that lets your voice be heard in high quality. The IMS system also helps your voice to be heard in high definition by keeping the transmissions of digital voice packets strong. VoLTE voice calls are usually higher quality than VoIP phone calls. Having said that, the high definition voice features can only be appreciated if the people on the other end have phones that are capable of listening to voices in HD. if not, the high definition voice quality won’t make a difference to whoever you’re speaking to.

Speed & Energy Efficiency

VoLTE systems allow you to have your calls connected on their 4G network faster than VoIP services can on 3G networks. Even if you’re on a congested network, VoLTE services are still able to provide you with a high quality voice call experience. Furthermore, the digital data packets that are sent with VoLTE are more compact which means that less energy is used up. So, you can be sure to get more battery life out of devices with VoLTE systems.

Considerations for VoLTE Implementation

Service providers require important services to make the VoLTE environment operate efficiently. Below are key services that should be considered when implementing VoLTE.

Aggregation of SIP Messages

Aggregation ensures that SIP messages are exchanged only between the handset and the correct SIP server.

Load Balancing

Message-based load balancing provides a message-by-message look within the SIP communications to determine and maintain the correct client-server connections. This is important to establish the proper quality of service (QoS).

Compression

Using compression, service providers can reduce the amount of data being transmitted, increase the throughput, and generally improve performance by up to 20 percent.

Call Flow Blocking

When call flow blocking occurs, service providers must wait for one piece of information to be retransmitted. This can cause all subsequent information to wait. By using a multi-stream construct, service providers can continue processing communications without waiting for a response from the first session.

Subscriber Location

Service providers can achieve more efficient routing by deploying Diameter Routing and Edge Agents with subscription locator functionality.

Interworking Function

The deployment of a Diameter Routing Agent with the Interworking Function (IWF) solves the problem of subscribers roaming from an LTE/EPC Diameter signaling protocol network to a non-LTE network. The IWF provides the translation and mapping capability required for communication between Diameter-based networks and SS7 based networks.

Network Simplification

The quantity and complexity of inter-network and intra-network routing can be reduced by placing a centralized Diameter Routing Agent (DRA) in the core of the network. Since the routing responsibility is removed from individual network elements, their expensive resources are freed up to perform their primary function, thus reducing network-wide capital expenditures.

PCRF Binding

The Policy Charging Rules Function (PCRF) is becoming increasingly more important in managing network operator resources. The PCRF is used for the authorization of a subscriber’s bandwidth allocation. By deploying a DRA with PCRF binding capabilities, multiple PCRFs can be provisioned in the network.

Policy Charging

The DRA can be a policy-charging environment, capable of changing policies and charging rules many times throughout the duration of a call. This accounts for the different services being used and prevents subscribers from being double charged for both data and voice. Session binding capabilities ensure that the DRA routes all billing data to the same charging system.

Topology Hiding

Topology hiding increases the security of network nodes by hiding them from foreign nodes. The deployment of a DRA provides a single point of interface to all interconnected networks. This single point of contact enables topology hiding.

VoLTE represents a large transformation in the mobile industry, serving as the core component for a new set of services being defined for all-IP networks. The objective is to make these services as ubiquitous and accessible as voice and SMS are today, yet also open to interaction with web and Internet applications.

VoLTE is a foundation that is essential to the future of service provider business models. Service providers need to develop a suite of richer, unified communications services. VoLTE is the voice element to make them more competitive with Internet application innovators (over-the-top [OTT] providers).

Devices, the radio network, packet transport, the Evolved Packet Core (EPC), and the IMS service core all have to be aligned. The network must reserve bandwidth of sufficient performance across the call path using LTE QoS mechanisms. The registration to the IMS core relies on SIP and Diameter signaling for mobility, roaming, scalability, and security, placing demands on provisioning voice call setup and control.

Conclusion

 Where VoIP currently proves to be the better choice when compared to VoLTE, analysts believe that as soon as the prevalence of 4G LTE increases, the true prowess of VoLTE will start becoming apparent. VoIP currently offers an extended set of multimedia and communication features whereas VoLTE offers superior call quality with limited call coverage in case 4G LTE networks aren’t available. With more pros than cons, VoIP stands out as the superior choice in so many ways that you absolutely cannot go wrong with choosing this as your first choice of business communication.