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Overview
While making a voice call may seem simple, largely depends on the scenario where the
user is, and alternatives available for its completion. So it is necessary to understand
well what are all the possibilities and the most important concepts of these key
scenarios.
In the first generation of cellular networks, the communication through voice calls was
the main goal, and was based on a circuit switched topology or 'Channels' (CS Circuited
Switched).
Over time, the need for data services has emerged. Voice calls also have come into
existence with these new services. As demand increased, these new services were
supported by a new domain, the IPbased PacketSwitched (PS). The following figure
shows how these two domains work.
In LTE (4G) system we had another great change: the CS domain has been
extinguished! (Ruled Out/ No CS domain). LTE networks are based exclusively only on
the PS domain, and voice services should be carried out in other ways (as we shall see).
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7/29/2016 Part-1: What happens when a user performs a voice call from an LTE/4G network? | Niranjan Revilla | Pulse | LinkedIn
But as we mentioned, regardless of network topologies, voice services are still needed.
(Of course, they slightly decreased compared to a few years ago, but are still significant,
i.e. their demand continues).
With the continued growth of LTE networks, let's try to understand a little more the
concepts, alternatives and solutions for any user to make a voice call on an LTE
network?
First of all, we need to understand how, when and where voice calls can occur.
In the 2G legacy networks, voice calls are made practically only on circuits for each
call (CS domain).
In 3G legacy networks, voice services can use the CS domain, but can also be made
through OTT (Over The Top) solutions, applications that encapsulate the voice and
transport via an IP domain (PS), but who lack the QoS requirements needed to ensure
good communication with the NonGBR type of services (no bit rate guarantee).
For Example: Skype.
Note: It is very unusual, but it is also possible
to make OTT voice calls on 2G networks. In
fact, there may be OTT solutions in any
technology it can be used in legacy networks,
and also in others such as WiFi which are
already commonly used for VoIP.
And in LTE networks, voice calls can be fully IPbased, can use OTT solutions via 4G,
or be transferred to the legacy 2G/3G.
As we begin to see, there are many alternatives. As usual, we will easily see each one.
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Note: We will always refer to voice calls
(Mobile Originating (MO) and/or Mobile
Terminating (MT)); However, SMS services
are also included.
And the best way to understand the alternatives or possibilities of making voice calls in
LTE network (4G), it is to start from a 2G3G4G network topology very simplified
considering only the main elements involved.
As we can see in the following figure, the LTE (EPC) has no direct 'link' to the CS
network as we have seen, it is designed to take care of purely IP (PS) calls. It has no
Media Gateway directly connected, so no CS call is supported by the MME.
In other words, if the user or UE (User Equipment) is on a LTE network, as shown in
the topology above, we cannot make a voice call.
Note: As mentioned before and according to
the topology above, the only way to have voice
services in LTE would be through OTT services
such as Skype. However, this solution is not
discussed here.
If we understand this, it is also easy to realize that in order to have voice services in
LTE, changes need to be made. There are some alternatives, and below we have the
main ones:
VoLGA (Voice over LTE via Generic Access): Use legacy 2G/3G as a generic
access, 'packaging' voice services, and delivering via LTE.
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VoLTE (Voice over LTE): Make voice over LTE itself. In this case, the voice is
pure IP VoIP LTE.
SRVCC (Single Radio Voice Call Continuity): Ensure that purely LTE (VoLTE)
calls are transferred (via handover) to the legacy networks in a transparent manner.
Note: Notice that the SRVCC is an option when
the voice call has been established in LTE. I.e.
it is a conditional alternative considering
that VoLTE option has been used.
Even without knowing very well the options presented, it is easy to imagine that the
'best' solution would carry voice over their own LTE network. But like everything in
life, it also has the other side, the pros and cons.
To deliver voice services in LTE network is necessary to have an infrastructure that
support it. In other words, there needs to be exist an IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem or
IP Multimedia Core Network Subsystem). If an IMS is available, then the voice over
LTE may be provided as long as a minimum set of IMS functionality and entities also
are present.
Note: IMS is much more complete, and have
more other purposes than the voice. The voice
is just one of the 'applications' of IMS, as we'll
see soon.
This minimum set of features and entities of the IMS (called VoLTE or One Voice) was
standardized to enable LTE operators to provide voice services without having to make
very radical changes in the network (without having to invest in a complete IMS, with
all entities and functionality).
In any case, it requires investment.
And therefore the first two alternatives become attractive based on legacy network CS
infrastructure. But if on the one hand such alternatives require less investment in LTE
network, these alternatives depend on the existing 2G/3G networks.
Let's talk a little more about each of these possibilities, but always trying to maintain the
overview, in the simplest possible way to understand. Remember that our goal is to
learn the concept, in order to enable a deepening on the subject, if desired, more easily.
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Happy reading !!!.
Please keep sharing to reach many learning aspirants. :)
Niranjan Revilla
LTE Engineer Follow
4 posts
3 comments Recommended
Arindam Ghosh 1h
Engineer at Qualcomm
Nice written...
Like Reply 1
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