In the rapidly evolving world of telecommunications and IoT, the need for reliable voice communication remains paramount for some security or safety-critical applications. Whether it’s lone worker solutions, elevators, telehealth, secure door entry systems, or alarm systems, robust voice connectivity is essential to ensure safety, security, and efficiency. As we transition away from 2G and 3G networks, the question arises: should you opt for Voice over LTE (VoLTE) or Voice over IP (VoIP) for your voice communication needs?
The Importance of Voice Communication in IoT
Voice communication is a critical component in many IoT applications, where timely and clear audio transmission can make a significant difference. For instance:
Lone Worker Solutions: Ensuring the safety of workers in isolated environments relies heavily on the ability to communicate swiftly and effectively in case of emergencies.
Elevators: Voice communication is vital for passengers to seek help quickly if they are stuck or facing an emergency.
Telehealth: Remote healthcare services depend on clear and reliable voice communication for consultations, diagnoses, and monitoring.
Secure Door Entry Systems: Voice verification adds an additional layer of security, ensuring that access is granted only to authorized individuals.
Alarm Systems: Immediate and clear communication with emergency services can be life-saving during incidents.
With the impending sunset of 2G and 3G networks, the industry must adapt to new technologies that can support these critical voice communication needs. Check out our 2G/3G Sunsetting Toolkit after this short comparison between VoIP and VoLTE.
VoIP: A Universal Solution
Voice over IP (VoIP) is a technology that allows voice communication to be transmitted over IP data connections. It offers a highly versatile and universal solution for various applications:
Flexibility: VoIP can be implemented over any IP-based data network, making it a universal solution.
Cost-Effective: Utilizing existing IP infrastructure can reduce the need or dependency on additional hardware investments.
Scalability: VoIP systems can be easily scaled to accommodate growing communication needs.
From a network services perspective, VoIP just requires a data connection. It is perhaps useful to think of WhatsApp at this point. It runs on iOS or Android and the vast majority of the world’s smartphones. Like WhatsApp, there is a requirement for software services on the device and on the server in IoT solutions. Many embedded operating systems (OS), middleware and application layer software stacks designed for the applications listed above will support VoIP out-of-the-box so there is rarely a requirement to develop all this from scratch.
VoLTE: The 4G Alternative
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) is a technology that leverages 4G LTE networks to provide superior voice communication and offers several distinct advantages:
Superior Voice Clarity: VoLTE provides high-definition voice quality, ensuring clear and crisp communication.
Faster Data Speeds: VoLTE supports faster data transmission, enabling more efficient communication and data sharing.
Extended Battery Life: IoT (eg: telehealth, lone-worker) devices utilising VoLTE can benefit from extended battery life due to more efficient use of the radio network.
VoLTE is increasingly well-supported in 4G LTE core networks, and roaming agreements are steadily growing, making it an increasingly good choice for many applications. There are important considerations to keep in mind however:
Network Support: VoLTE is only supported on certain mobile operator networks. Ensuring compatibility with your deployment footprint is crucial.
Hardware Compatibility: Not all cellular modules and bearers support VoLTE. Careful hardware selection is essential to ensure seamless operation.
Bearer Service Limitations: For completeness, it is worth noting that Narrowband-IoT (NB-IoT), a popular LPWAN technology was not designed for and does not support VoLTE but the other 4G LTE technologies will (this includes LTE-M, LTE Cat-1 BIS and Cat-1/4/6)
Making the Right Choice
With the technology landscape still in transition, choosing between VoIP and VoLTE requires careful consideration of your specific deployment needs and future plans. Here are some key steps to guide your decision:
1 : Evaluate Your Application Needs: Assess the criticality of voice communication in your IoT application and the specific requirements for voice quality, latency, and reliability.
2 : Consider Network Availability: Determine the availability and coverage of 4G LTE networks with VoLTE support in your deployment regions. Remember that VoIP will be a more universal option.
3 : Assess Hardware Compatibility: Ensure that your chosen cellular modules and devices are compatible with VoLTE, or alternatively, that they can support VoIP implementations.
4 : Consult with Experts: Engage with experts to discuss your deployment footprint and hardware selection plans. They can provide valuable insights and recommendations based on the latest technology trends and network capabilities.
In conclusion, both VoIP and VoLTE offer robust solutions for voice communication in a post-2G/3G world. The choice between them hinges on your specific application needs, network availability, and hardware compatibility. By carefully evaluating these factors and seeking expert guidance, you can ensure that your IoT deployment remains reliable, secure, and future-proof. Start that evaluation using our 2G/3G Sunsetting Toolkit.
