VoIP Vs VoLTE – Which network is better for transferring voice data?

VoIP and VoLTE are the two highest recommended networks for use when transferring voice data. Which one will best suit your user needs and requirements?

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) and VoLTE (Voice over LTE network) are two of the most widely used network technologies in transferring voice data between users. VoIP was introduced to the network market in the 1990s, gaining immense popularity for its speed and efficiency in transferring voice calls across wide distances, compared to the then present means like PTSN. VoLTE was made based on VoIP in the early 2000s, by substituting the Internet Protocols with advanced SIP protocols and widening the network to depend on 4G, which was faster. Their major difference is their technology which translates to their ability to appeal to different users based on their priorities; connectivity, availability, speed, call quality, and other parameters. This comparative review highlights these areas of difference and similarities to allow a potential user to objectively identify the better network for them.

What are the differences between VoIP and VoLTE?

Feature	VoIP	VoLTE (Winner)
Meaning	Voice Over Internet Protocol	Voice Over LTE Network
Support	Web and VoIP phones	Modern smartphones
Data packets	N/A	Special priority
Network	2G and 3G	4G
Coverage	Globally widespread	4G and rolling out
Subscribers	Over 30 million	Around 280 thousand

VoIP Vs VoLTE- How do they compare?

Connectivity

As highlighted in the table, VoLTE is supported by modern headsets while VoIP is supported by VoIP phones and the web. A common thought would be that modern headsets would be more common than VoIP phones, which is not true. In fact, most phones dating as far back as the early 2000s are VoIP enabled, making their number larger and their availability higher than the modern VoLTE enabled phones. This high availability put together with its ability to work supported by the web, makes the VoIP network easier to connect to and more accessible to a wider range of users.

It is also notable that a VoLTE connection only guarantees high voice quality in a call if both users use VoLTE enabled devices, otherwise, the call is of standard quality, like VoIP.

Bandwidth

VoIP can only be used across either a 3G or 2G network, while VoLTE works exclusively over LTE and other 4G networks. The direct implication of this coupled with the use of the advanced SIP protocol in the VoLTE network, give it a higher bandwidth. Its higher bandwidth and SIP protocol ensures that calls over a VoLTE network have better quality sound.

Battery life

Due to its ability to run on both a 3G and 2G network, a VoIP connection constantly switches between both networks depending on which one is faster or more efficient at the time, which has a great toll on the device’s battery life. VoLTE on the other hand, consistently uses only one reliable network, which has less strain on the device’s functions and consequent battery drainage, making it a better pick in consideration of battery life.

Reliability and security

VoIP transmits calls by sending packets of data over the internet, voice or otherwise, in no particular order and observing no priority. VoLTE on the other hand sends voice data in high definition, without digitizing it like VoIP does, and gives the packets high priority. This ensures that the data sent over the VoLTE network is more secure and the transmission is more reliable than through VoIP.

VoIP Vs VoLTE – A comparison review

VoIP

VoIP is an acronym for Voice over Internet protocol. It is technology that is used to deliver data and voice over networks that are internet based, using IP protocols. It is used on the 2G and 3G networks and is supported by VoIP enabled phones, which is basically any phone that has 2G or 3G connection, as well as through the web, which allows its use on a wide range of devices aside from phones and including computers. When using a phone, it can be used by Wi-Fi and cellular data network to send voice data from one phone to another, allowing it to be used in applications like WhatsApp, Skype and Messenger. The system is designed to be dependent on wall power, which becomes an issue of concern in the case of power outages. However, this can be negated by using devices like UPS to eliminate the dependency and make it suitable for other power sources.

Pros

• The network is easy to establish and to use
• It does not have a limit on the number of users in a given network connection service
• Its cost of communication is low because it only requires the internet
• The service is portable; it can be used from anywhere globally dependent on access to a VoIP enabled phone or computer
• Messages and calls can be done at the same time when using the service
• There is free and open IP to IP communication, inclusive of computers and phones
• It has advanced services like call ID, call back, call forwarding and 3 way call services.

Cons

• It does not support calling global emergency numbers
• Phone calls may be of poor quality characterized by echo or voice loss due to poor transmission
• The network is susceptible to hacking, worms and viruses
• Its call quality is bandwidth dependent hence requires high and dependable internet connection to be reliable

VoLTE

VoLTE, Voice over LTE network, is a technology that is used to send voice data over cellular data networks like 4G. Its use of the 4G network and SIP protocols ensures that the users on both ends get high quality voice output and secures the data. It also ensures that the data makes it safely across to the other side, reducing the chances of data loss in network transit. VoLTE makes use of  features on radio access networks to improve error correction in its fringe areas and ensure low latency of transmission. It uses a short DRx, which increases the efficiency of the device in use and reduces the consumption of its battery life.

Pros

• It makes faster calls than on 2G or 3G networks
• It offers better quality of service and security than 2 G and 3G networks
• It increases the functionalities of basic VoIP protocols
• It gives a better capacity when using SPS and RoHC protocols
• It uses TTI building to improve UI coverage
• Its GSMA defined protocols enable easy availability and roaming of handsets
• It uses fewer resources thus a minimal effect on internet bundles and battery life

Cons

• It does not work on either end in the absence of 4G signalling or active data connection
• The feature may not be supported on older handsets
• A high definition voice call can only be made between two handsets that support VoLTE

Conclusion

VoLTE and VoIP both have a lot to offer in regard to voice data transfer. VoIP is more accessible and can be used on a wide range of devices, spanning a global reach. VoLTE offers better security for the voice data in question, while offering high definition and quality of voice. These factors make VoIP suitable to a user whose priority is to make calls and have a wide number of users be able to receive them, while VoLTE is better suited for a user who prioritizes security and call quality.

Verdict- So which is better, VoIP or VoLTE?

VoLTE has better voice call quality due to the high definition services when compared to the standard quality offered by VoIP networks, making it the better pick of the two for voice quality.

FAQs

Is VoIP a 4G?

No it is not. The traditional form of VoIP is only available on 3G and 2G networks, making it unavailable on 4G networks. However, mobile operators commonly make use of a specific profile of VoIP that utilizes the SIP protocol according to the IP multimedia system, offering VoLTE over their 4G networks which actually offers faster connection and better call quality for the users.

Are VoLTE calls free?

With respect to the minutes that would typically be charged by your network provider, yes. However, these calls require an active Wi-Fi or 4G network, where the cost of internet connection would be charged through the cost of internet data or other forms of internet billing. It is however, notably cheaper than a regular call while offering the same or better voice quality.