VoLTE (Voice over LTE) is a technology that enables voice calls to be transmitted over LTE (Long Term Evolution) data networks, offering several advantages over traditional voice calls made over 2G or 3G networks.
Benefits of VoLTE:
Higher quality voice: VoLTE utilizes HD Voice technology, delivering clearer and more natural-sounding audio.
Faster call setup times: VoLTE calls are established significantly faster than traditional voice calls, minimizing call setup delays.
Seamless call switching: VoLTE calls can seamlessly switch between LTE, 3G, and 2G networks without interruption, ensuring continuous connectivity.
Concurrent data and voice usage: VoLTE allows simultaneous use of data and voice services, enabling users to browse the web or use apps while on a call.
VoLTE Call Flows:
A typical VoLTE call flow involves the following steps:
UE Registration: The User Equipment (UE) establishes a connection with the LTE network and registers with the Evolved Packet Core (EPC).
IMS Attach: The UE initiates an attachment to the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), responsible for managing multimedia services like VoLTE calls.
Call Initiation: The UE sends an INVITE Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) message to the IMS network to initiate a call.
Call Setup: The IMS network routes the INVITE message to the called party’s UE. The called party’s UE responds with an ACK SIP message to accept the call.
Media Session Establishment: The IMS network establishes a media session between the UE and the called party’s UE using Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP).
Voice Transmission: Voice data is exchanged between the UE and the called party’s UE using RTP packets.
Call Termination: The call is terminated when either UE sends a BYE SIP message, indicating the call end.
GBR Info (Guaranteed Bit Rate):
GBR info is a Quality of Service (QoS) parameter that ensures VoLTE calls maintain a consistent and reliable data rate. It guarantees a minimum bit rate of 135 kbps for VoLTE calls, preventing call drops or choppy audio.
VoLTE KPIs (Key Performance Indicators):
VoLTE KPIs are metrics used to evaluate the performance of VoLTE calls. These KPIs include:
Call Setup Success Rate (CSSR): The percentage of VoLTE calls successfully established.
Call Drop Rate (CDR): The percentage of VoLTE calls terminated unexpectedly during the call.
Mean Opinion Score (MOS): A subjective measure of VoLTE call quality, ranging from 1 (worst) to 5 (excellent).
Average Call Duration (ACD): The average length of VoLTE calls.
VoLTE Optimization Techniques:
Network operators employ various techniques to optimize VoLTE performance, including:
Network Planning and Deployment: Optimizing network coverage, capacity, and handover mechanisms to ensure seamless VoLTE connectivity.
Traffic Engineering: Managing traffic distribution across the network to minimize congestion and improve call quality.
Resource Allocation: Efficiently allocating network resources, such as bandwidth and spectrum, to prioritize VoLTE traffic.
Device Optimization: Collaborating with device manufacturers to optimize VoLTE performance on specific devices.
Performance Monitoring: Continuously monitoring VoLTE KPIs and network performance to identify and address potential issues promptly.
By implementing these optimization techniques, network operators can ensure that VoLTE delivers a consistently high-quality voice experience for their users.