Being an all-IP network architecture designed for data, LTE does not yet adequately support legacy circuit-switch (CS) domain services, which is a problem insofar as these applications account for more than 80 percent of global mobile service revenues, and may be more profitable than data.
Analysts claim that the availability of standardized voice will help LTE take off more quickly. Voice over LTE is completely IP-based and uses SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) to set up the call. It works like a regular phone call, but for the industry it is an important step.
Moreover, circuit-switch fallback and dual-radio devices will serve as useful interim mechanisms for some operators in the context of a ten-year LTE planning horizon, making the transition to IMS-based call control achievable.
This way, operators can introduce VoLTE without having to fully implement IMS, and then evolve the network over time as end-user requirements and demand for rich media become clearer and as technology matures. |
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Similarly, handset makers can create devices that support 3GPP Release 8 and Release 9 functions that work with a VoLTE network and are also prepared for network and service evolution.
Today, the GSMA Voice over LTE Initiative, under the leadership of the GSMA, works on the VoLTE specification. Next September, a number of handset and network vendors will get together under the MultiService Forum banner to do interoperability tests.
However IMS provides a framework and is only the starting point for VoLTE. The industry needs requirements to deliver trusted, first-class VoLTE and multimedia communications over all broadband networks—fixed and mobile.
These requirements include security issues at all borders – LTE, Internet and interconnect, IMS realization options, interworking requirements to accelerate time to market, 3G hand-off for voice continuity and, finally, quality and cost controls to maximize experience and profitability
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If IMS is the preferred choice of mobile operators to support voice service in LTE networks, many operators remain set against IMS, claiming it still has huge limitations. They refer to another VoLTE approach, backed by the VoLGA Forum.
- Which VoLTE standard will be implemented?
- Will VoLTE match the service capability of
the existing circuit-switched domain used in 2G and 3G networks?
Responses will be given during the VoLTE conference to be held in Paris Roissy CDG next 08 to 10 November 2011.
On November 8th, the tutorial day covers CSFB and VoLTE deployment issues together with security aspects.
The two days conference on November 9th and 10th, address architecture & protocols, services, VoLTE solutions descriptions, capacity and deployment issues and VoLTE building blocks. |
