What is an LTE network and how does VoLTE work?
Many of us have heard about the terms LTE, VOLTE and related words. How many of you would like to know what these words stand for and how they are connected to our daily lives? Today, as per requests from our readers, we are going to simplify these terms and give you a small brief on how the systems work. So let us begin.
What is LTE?
LTE Stands for Long Term Evolution. This is, in simple words, nothing but a reliable mobile communication standard. As the name describes, this standard is here to stay for a long, long time. Compared to the previously seen wireless communication standards, LTE makes it possible to transfer huge amounts of data at very high speeds.
Experts say that the introduction of 5G is not going to affect this long term standard. In fact, LTE is the stepping stone to building a reliable 5G network across regions. The third generation of mobile communications is the“Universal Mobile Telecommunications System” (UMTS). LTE is the continuing version with many more enhancements to the standards involved.
- Interesting facts
- LTE is also known as “4G-(Fourth generation of mobile communications)
- An IP network architecture is the foundation of LTE Network.
LTE network – how does it work?
The antenna technology used in LTE is Multiple Input, Multiple Output-MIMO. With a bandwidth of 20 MHz and low latency, voice services are easily enabled.
Parameters of LTE include:-
- 300 Mbit/s downlink
- 75 Mbit/s uplink
- Latency- under 20 milliseconds.
Germany’s first LTE antennas were set in Kyritz/Brandenburg. In June 2020, these got upgraded to the latest 5G technology.
Which is the first LTE network? On December 14, 2009, the very first LTE Network started operations in Stockholm and Oslo.
What is VoLTE?
VoLTE is essential for voice services across networks. It works as the mainstream network technology which enables interoperable IP-based voice services globally. It uses IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) to make this possible. It is possible to obtain HD voice experiences across various devices with VoLTE.
Benefits of VoLTE
- High-quality voice calls
- Rapid call connection
- High definition video calling
- Better battery life
- Enhanced VoIP functionality
- Instant switch between video and voice calls
What is the difference between LTE & VoLTE?
We have had a brief about what LTE and VoLTE stand for. So what is the difference between these two? Is one better than the other? If so, what are the major difference points? These are queries anyone will have. We have done our best to provide an accurate study on the various factors that are directly related to the users.
The main differences between LTE and VoLTE are in the following parameters.
- Voice Quality
- Data Connection
- Internet Dependability
- Call Set-Up Time
- External Software
To make things easier and clear for you, we have prepared a comparison table on the dereferences between LTE and VoLTE networks.
| LTE | VoLTE |
|---|---|
| LTE stands for ‘Long Term Evolution. | ‘VoLTE stands for Voice over Long Term Evolution. |
| External software is required in order to make video calls on the LTE networks like Skype, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger etc. | No external software is required in order to make video calls. All that is needed is a phone number to enable video calling |
| LTE may not always support voice calls as well as data services together. | VoLTE always supports voice calls as well as data services together. |
| LTE focuses on increasing data rates with 4G bandwidth only. | VoLTE focuses on both internet data and voice calling. They do not affect each other. |
| LTE takes about 7 seconds to connect calls on 3G networks. | If both consumers are on a VoLTE network, only one second is required for connection. |
| Airtel launched LTE in India. | Jio launched VoLTE in India. |
| LTE was launched in 2012. | VoLTE was launched in 2016. |
| Voice quality may be affected when using data and voice services together. | Voice quality will not be affected when using data and voice services together. |
| Third-party apps are necessary to enable video calls. | Third-party apps are not required to enable video calls. |
VoLTE Vs LTE
LTE and VoLTE are NOT the same. VoLTE is a way through which a voice call is converted to many digital packets and sent across the LTE network. We can also say that VoLTE is a subdivision of LTE technology.
LTE networks utilise Packet Switching whereas 2G/3G are circuit-switch based. That means when a call is made in a 2G/3G network, the quantity of network bandwidth assigned to the particular call is like a pipeline, there are no breaks till the call is over. However on the VoLTE network, these voice calls are converted into small packets of data, then sent over the pipeline and reconstructed at the receiving end. This is why the bandwidth is way superior and you get excellent voice call quality.
Mobile service providers in India
Airtel VoLTE
Provides Clearer, better conversations with high speed.
Benefits of VoLTE
- HD Voice Calls
- Instant Call Connect
- Efficient Multi-tasking
To enable Airtel VoLTE services, kindly get assistance from the Airtel customer support team.
Jio VoLTE
It has been clearly proven that Reliance Jio has established itself as a network with the widest Jio LTE coverage in India. This network has been the first of its kind to launch VoLTE services in international calls.
Jio HD Voice provides
- Superior High Definition voice calling experience
- Connecting calls in half the time the connection takes on a 2G/3G network
- Easy switch between Voice & Video calls even during a current call with a single click
- Simultaneous data browsing and calling at 4G speeds
- Multi-party audio /video conferencing enabled
- Call forwarding, call hold call waiting, call line identification, call line restriction offered
Vodafone Idea VoLTE
You get to experience High Definition voice calls with Vi™ VoLTE
Benefits include
- Assured and Quality Service
- Super-fast voice call setup time
- Simultaneous voice and 4G data
Conclusion
From what we have seen, VoLTE is a refined version or we can also say an improvement to the 4g LTE services. So we recommend that if you are planning to upgrade your phone, do make sure that the new phone has 4G VoLTE support. You will be able to enjoy uninterrupted services with the latest technology.