VoIP and VoLTE both use an internet connection to make and receive calls. These technologies are an upgrade from the traditional landline phone systems because they don’t require the heavy framework setup, a variety of devices, and high costs.
Considering the similarities between VoIP and VoLTE, it can get difficult to differentiate between them. To address this problem, this blog is focused on pointing out the major differences between them so you don’t mix them up. Before getting into it directly, we’ll go through the definitions to refresh our knowledge of VoIP and VoLTE.
What is VoIP?
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) allows its users to dial and pick up calls via the internet. On a basic level, it only requires an internet connection and a digital device. Other than voice calls, it offers modern features as well, like video conferencing, queuing and recording calls, messaging over the internet, reporting call analytics, and many more. Depending on your service provider, you can access multiple other advanced features too.
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Understanding the working of a VoIP system
The working of VoIP is a simple process that is easy to understand. As we already know, VoIP works by transmitting calls over the internet in the form of digital signals. To be specific, the process starts by first converting the analogue signals of your voice into digital signals. They are then carried to the VoIP service provider’s network. After being converted into IP packets, the data gets on its way to the receiver. In the process, codec technology is used to compress and decompress the digital signals so more data can be sent in less bandwidth. Finally, the digital packets get converted back into analogue signals, which is the sound we hear in the speaker.
An important point to note is that VoIP can use any internet connection (3G, 4G, 5G, or WiFi). Also, the device using the VoIP technology can be any smartphone, tablet, laptop or deskphone. Both of these factors make this option feasible to use for all businesses. The flexibility of not using any specific hardware and internet connections makes it a popular option for SMEs in the UK.
What is VoLTE?
VoLTE stands for voice over long-term evolution. The working principle of VoLTE is similar to that of VoIP, as in both transmit data by converting the voice signals to IP packets but there are also a few exceptions. The major one is that VoLTE directly uses the 4G LTE capability of a network provider to make calls. This means VoLTE only works on a mobile phone with:
- The capability to support a 4G LTE connection.
- A network provider that offers VoLTE.
- A SIM card.
What is 4G LTE?
We’ve already mentioned ‘4G LTE’ a couple of times in this blog, so it’s important to briefly explain the term. As far as VoLTE is concerned, you only need to know that 4G LTE is a type of mobile data connection which provides faster internet speeds as compared to a regular 3G and 4G connection. So, we can say that VoLTE is a type of VoIP that only supports calls over a specific mobile data connection (4G LTE).
How does VoLTE work?
VoLTE also work by back and forth transformation of data into digital and analogue signals. However, since the 4G LTE connection is itself faster than others, it enables VoLTE to offer calls with better quality.
The higher quality of calls is achieved by the prioritisation of VoLTE IP packets over other types of internet traffic. This means even if there are lots of people using the internet at the same time, your call won’t be interrupted as much, because the network considers voice calls as more important, compared to other data.
What are the differences between VoIP and VoLTE?
To get a better understanding of our discussion, we have presented the differences between VoIP and VoLTE in a table.
| Features | VoIP | VoLTE |
|---|---|---|
|
Network Type |
Uses any internet connection (Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G). |
Uses 4G/LTE mobile data connection. |
|
Devices |
Can be used on devices like smartphones, tablets, or computers with internet. |
A device with a SIM card and 4G/LTE support. |
|
Call Prioritisation |
No. |
VoLTE prioritises call traffic over other data. |
|
Parallel Use |
Cannot use other data services during a call. |
Can use 4G services while making a call. |
|
Call Quality |
Call quality varies with the internet connection. |
Higher call quality due to 4G/LTE network. |
|
Usage |
Ideal for voice calls, conference calls, or VoIP business systems. |
Ideal for mobile voice calls on 4G/LTE networks for remote teams. |
Is there any similarity between VoIP and VoLTE?
Yes, the process through which the call data is transmitted is quite similar in both cases.
- Step 1: The voice signals are converted into digital signals and sent to the network via the internet.
- Step 2: These signals are converted into IP packets, which are transferred to the receiver side.
- Step 3: At the last stage, the digital packets are converted back into analogue signals.
Key takeaways
A simple example to summarise our understanding of VoIP and VoLTE can be:
- When using an IP softphone to make a call over the internet, you’re using VoIP because the call is made through a VoIP application over any internet connection (Wi-Fi, 4G, etc.). VoIP can also be used with physical desk phones that directly connect to the internet without needing an application.
- When using 4G mobile data with LTE connection from your mobile carrier and phone, you’re using VoLTE because the call is made directly through the cellular network. It just uses the phone’s built-in LTE features for better call quality without needing any other application.
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FAQs
Yes, VoIP can work on any internet connection, including Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G, and mobile data. As compared to VoLTE, it doesn’t require any specific internet connection to work.
Yes, VoIP and VoLTE can work together in many cases. For example, if you’re using Wi-Fi to make calls in your office, your phone is using VoIP. But if you leave the office and switch to mobile data, your call might continue over VoLTE—if your phone supports it. Please note that this switch isn’t always automatic and depends on your phone settings and network provider.
No, you need a SIM card from a mobile network provider that supports 4G LTE to use the service. Without a SIM, your phone cannot connect to the mobile network for calls.
