Underlying packet-based networks need to be optimized for VoLTE delivery
OTT VoIP applications (ex. Skype) run over an LTE best effort data network, and thus cannot guarantee quality of service, as they share bandwidth with web browsing, gaming, and audio/video streaming. VoLTE will use dedicated bandwidth that enables better voice (and video) call quality compared to OTT VoIP-based solutions. As a result VoLTE will place greater demands than ever before on mobile network performance and end-to-end quality of service.
The VoLTE quality of experience for the end-user is dependent upon the underlying end-to-end network with respect to packet loss, inter-packet delay, and inter-packet jitter. To enable high quality voice with low latency and a realistic experience, alongside value added services such as video calling, mobile operators must invest strategically in VoLTE hardware and software.
To handle the traffic loads a new class of metro Ethernet platforms is needed that combine carrier-grade Ethernet with coherent 100G+ transmission technology. Of particular importance will be an end-to-end packet-based network that offers very low latency, jitter, and loss to ensure a competitive quality of experience; attributes that legacy router based-networks are not able to deliver. These investments will become even more important as operators remove the legacy TDM networks used for synchronization of 2G/3G based voice services.
Additionally, the core network supporting VoLTE services will need to be agile to respond to traffic patterns, small-cell deployments, and the evolution towards cloud RANs. It should also easily scale to meet capacity requirements. As VoLTE gets established, we can expect to see fully SDN-enabled mobile network infrastructure that then serves as a “platform” for new kinds of application and services delivery.
As they plan for the launch of VoLTE services, mobile operators must invest now in an underlying network architecture that delivers high quality, and enables flexibility, programmability, and scalability, all while keeping transport costs to a minimum.
Karl Horne, Chief Technology Officer, Asia Pacific, Ciena