Is VoWiFi just VoIP over WiFi?
Is VoWiFi just VoIP over WiFi?
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Is VoWiFi just VoIP over WiFi?
What is the difference between VoLTE, VoWiFi and VoIP?
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Traditional voice services work on a circuit switched (circuit switched, CS) network, while LTE is a packet switched (PS) network only, and cannot handle CS voice.
In order to solve the voice service problem in the LTE network, one solution is to drop the voice to 2G/3G, which is called CSFB (CS fallback).
The biggest disadvantage of CSFB is that it needs to rely on the CS core network and 2G/3G wireless network.
Another solution is VoLTE, which transmits voice entirely on the LTE network, independent of the 2/3G network.
However, VoLTE requires an additional IMS network. On the LTE network side, LTE regards voice and related signaling as other data and packs them into data packets (only with higher priority);
the IMS network receives and processes these data packets and distinguishes the signaling of these data packets. The command and voice data part manages the voice control plane (IMS signaling) and user plane (IMS traffic).
Because LTE is a network that only transmits data, and WiFi also transmits data, some people wonder, can WiFi be used as an access network to access IMS like VoLTE? sure.
The figure below is a 4G network structure diagram where VoLTE and VoWiFi coexist. The green part is called trusted WiFi (operator’s own WiFi), and the red part is called untrusted WiFi (for example, your home WiFi or Starbucks’ public WiFi).
Of course, you have also seen that whether it is a trusted WiFi or an untrusted WiFi, they all end up accessing the IMS domain.
So, what is the difference between VoWiFi and VoIP?
VoIP (Voice over IP) refers to the transmission of voice data over the internet, such as Skype. Some people think that VoWiFi is VoIP over WiFi, but this is not accurate!
With the popularity of smart phones, many VoIP applications are applied to mobile phones, which we call mVoIP (mobile VoIP). You can use mVoIP through 3G/4G network, and you can also use mVoIP through WiFi, but this is different from VoWiFi.
As shown in the figure above, VoWiFi only uses WiFi as an access network, and ultimately accesses IMS, which is an IP voice service that operators can control and manage.
Here is a table that clearly describes the differences between VoLTE, VoWiFi, and VoIP. Those who are interested can zoom in and read it carefully.
Simply put, VoIP offers the best quality, VoWiFi (SIP VoIP) comes next, and VoIP is the worst. Of course, the worst cost is also the lowest.
What’s VoLTE?
VoLTE stands for Voice over Long-Term Evolution, which is a technology that enables voice calls to be made over an LTE network.
LTE is a 4G wireless communication standard used by most mobile carriers worldwide, and VoLTE allows voice calls to be transmitted over this high-speed data network rather than through the traditional circuit-switched networks used for voice calls.
With VoLTE, voice calls are transmitted as packets of data over the LTE network, providing higher-quality voice calls, faster call setup times, and improved battery life compared to traditional voice calls.
VoLTE also enables simultaneous voice and data usage, meaning that users can browse the internet or use other data-intensive apps while on a voice call without experiencing any reduction in call quality.
To use VoLTE, both the mobile device and the carrier’s network must support the technology. Most modern smartphones support VoLTE, and many carriers have deployed VoLTE on their networks.
What are the advantages of VoWiFi over VoLTE and VoIP?
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Improved coverage: VoWiFi allows users to make and receive calls from areas with weak or no cellular network coverage, such as indoors or in remote areas. As long as there is a WiFi connection, the user can make a call.
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Cost savings: VoWiFi calls can be made without incurring any cellular network charges. This is particularly beneficial for international calls, where VoWiFi can be significantly cheaper than making a traditional call.
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Seamless handover: VoWiFi can seamlessly handover calls between WiFi and cellular networks, ensuring that the user can maintain a call without interruption as they move between areas with different network coverage.
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Better call quality: VoWiFi can provide better call quality than VoIP because WiFi networks generally have a higher bandwidth and lower latency than mobile networks.
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Simplicity: Unlike VoIP, which requires a separate app and login, VoWiFi can be integrated directly into the user’s phone dialer, making it a more seamless and user-friendly experience.
In summary, VoWiFi offers improved coverage, cost savings, seamless handover, better call quality, and simplicity over VoLTE and VoIP. However, it’s worth noting that VoWiFi requires a stable and reliable WiFi connection, which may not be available in all situations.
What equipment or device support VoWiFi?
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Smartphones: Most modern smartphones support VoWiFi, including iPhones, Android phones, and Windows phones. Users may need to check their device settings or contact their carrier to enable VoWiFi.
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Tablets: Many tablets also support VoWiFi, including iPads and Android tablets. Users may need to download a VoWiFi app or enable VoWiFi in their device settings.
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Laptops: Some laptops, such as those running Windows 10, support VoWiFi natively. Users may need to enable the feature in their device settings.
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Landline phones: Some landline phones, such as those from Panasonic and Gigaset, support VoWiFi. These phones require a WiFi connection and a VoWiFi-enabled router.
It’s important to note that not all devices support VoWiFi, and the availability of VoWiFi may depend on the user’s carrier and location.
Users should check with their carrier and device manufacturer to determine if their device supports VoWiFi and how to enable it.
Is VoWiFi just VoIP over WiFi?
