9 4g voiCe

Understanding Voice in 4G

the role of iMS, volte and RCS

ince the inception of the modernday telephone nearly 150 years ago, voice calls have traversed the Public Service Telephone Network on dedicated communication channels using circuit-switching infrastructure. Though successful in meeting communication needs to date, networks require a complete overhaul in order to efficiently accommodate growth in traffic and user demand for high-quality experiences, especially as 4G networks proliferate. Read on for an introduction to the key components of voice in 4G and discover the new, richer ways end users will soon be able to communicate. iP multimedia subsystem (ims) IMS is the simplified architecture that is replacing legacy network infrastructure. In a 4G environment, voice calls will be carried as a packet across an IP pipe in the same manner data is transported in legacy networks. How does it work? In essence, voice becomes data and consequently will share the same pipe other data and messaging applications use. Although these varying types of activities are sharing a channel for the first time, the packets are so small and move so efficiently through the pipe that all kinds

of information can be accommodated. Plus, the new IMS pipe has massive bandwidth, allowing users to stream HD video while simultaneously uploading photo albums without clogging the network. Voice over Lte (VoLte) VoLTE is the industry initiative aimed at delivering common standards for supporting voice roaming across LTE networks. It leverages IMS to deliver an enhanced, all-IP voice experience to end users and helps ensure users always enjoy the highest possible class and quality of service with little-to-no service interruption. IMS is also used in HSPA and EvDO 3G networks, making VoLTE a slightly misleading term. Perhaps a more accurate term would be voice over data enabled by IMS, as it is equally applicable across these technologies. rich communications suite (rcs) The real benefits of VoLTE become apparent when looking at the role of RCS. Recently branded by the GSMA as joyn, RCS is a core part of VoLTE services as the next wave in personal mobile communications, enabling consumers to use instant messaging, live

By MArTin GuilFoyle Vice President Advanced Solutions

video sharing and file transfer across any device, on any network, with anyone in their mobile address book. Perhaps most intriguing is how joyn uncovers the opportunity for Over-The-Top (OTT) providers and mobile operators to interwork with each other. The walls of existing siloed platforms can come down, enabling interoperability across previously non-connected communities. This benefits end users who will be able to communicate seamlessly regardless of the platform types in use. These are three vital components that make up the new 4G voice world. To ensure long-term success, it will be essential to ensure each is deployed to deliver a seamless end-user voice experience that is interoperable across 4G and legacy technologies.