LTE vs VoLTE | difference between LTE and VoLTE, Voice Over LTE
This page compares LTE vs VoLTE (Voice Over LTE) and describes difference between LTE and VoLTE (Voice Over LTE).
Introduction:
LTE has been developed to support data based applications. It is also possible to use it for voice calls.
LTE is all IP network and hence there are two options to support voice calls through LTE network.
The first option is using voice over IP (VoIP) with IMS support.
The second option is legacy fall back to other cellular networks such as 2G/GSM or 3G/CDMA.
All the mobile phones do not support VoLTE and hence LTE to VoLTE converter applications are required to be installed in order to use the VoLTE feature.
• VoLTE supports fast call setup compare to 2G/3G networks.
• The battery life has been enhanced.
• HD voice calls can be made using VoLTE.
The figure-1 depicts VoLTE using VoIP protocols. Refer VoLTE basics >> and VoLTE originating call flow >>.
Following table summarizes difference between LTE and VoLTE.
| Specifications | LTE | VoLTE |
| Full Form | Long Term Evolution | Voice over LTE |
| Main application | It is developed to support data only applications.
LTE = Only Data Transmission |
It is developed to support both voice and data transmission. VoLTE = Call + Data Transmission |
| Quality of Voice transmission | Quality of voice reduces when data connection is ON. | Voice quality remains excellent in the presence of data connection. |
| Switching Type | LTE uses packet switching only. | VoLTE utilizes existing packet switched LTE network to provide HD voice calls. |
| Call setup | It is slower compare to VoLTE. | It is much faster compare to LTE. |
| External application software | It requires external app. such as skype/Whatsapp for video calling. | With VoLTE one can directly call anyone irrespective of external app. |
| Free calling | Continuous internet data is needed to make free calls. User can not switched it OFF. | User can make free calls even if internet connection is switched OFF. |
| Battery | Data and battery are highly drained. | Data and battery are not much drained unlike LTE. |
LTE and VoLTE RELATED LINKS
This tutorial section on LTE basics covers following sub topics:
LTE tutorial
LTE features
LTE terminologies
Frame
TDD FDD
Channel types
PHY
stack
throughput
CA
cell search
network entry
Timers
PSS vs SSS
Security
LTE Bands
EARFCN
Hotspot
router
What is VoLTE
VoLTE originating call flow
VoLTE UE attach and registration procedure
Difference between LTE Advanced vs LTE Advanced Pro vs 5G Links
Article on LTE Advanced>> LTE-a vs LTE-a Pro>> 5G vs LTE Advanced Pro>>
What is Difference between
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Difference between SISO and MIMO
Difference between TDD and FDD
Difference between 802.11 standards viz.11-a,11-b,11-g and 11-n
OFDM vs OFDMA
CDMA vs GSM