Today it is impossible to imagine the life of people without mobile communication. If we consider the history of the development of cellular communications, then it began in the 80s of the last century. Initially, first-generation analog cellular networks were used. Digital technology originated in the 90s. 4G mobile networks are gaining popularity today. The review will focus on one of the functions of 4G networks - technologyVoLTE, which is just beginning to develop in Russia. The Megafon company, in turn, has developed a special service " VoLTE", Which opens up new possibilities in voice communication at high speed 4 G +... This service has become available in a series of tariff plans " Turn on».

This feature provides fast dialing, clear sound, the function of simultaneous use of voice communication and the Internet. Today we will get acquainted with the features and purpose of this service, its cost and conditions of provision.

This feature is the transmission of voice over networks LTE... Many will say that they use this 4G network, and do not see anything unusual in this. This network began to be introduced on Megafon relatively recently, and has many advantages, therefore, with a full transition to this system, communication will reach a new higher level.

When you activate the function VoLTE on a mobile device, you will feel that the connection is faster, and if the second user with whom you are communicating uses a phone compatible with this service, then the sound during the conversation will be clearer. During communication, you can check your mail, save photos, turn on the navigator - while the Internet does not stop working.

When communicating with the connected service in question, its icon or LTE icon is visible on the phone screen. In each phone model, such icons differ in shape and image.

VoLTE Megaphone advantages

Of the advantages of the LTE network, the following factors should be noted:

1. The quality of voice transmission changes significantly, it has no extraneous noise, is more voluminous and clear.
2. Many users will be able to use the services of the main station. During equipment overload, it is often impossible to receive a call or get through. For example, on a big holiday, all people congratulate each other on the phone, and cellular stations cannot handle all the subscribers who are calling at once. This causes an interruption in communication. The new technology increases the network capacity by several times.
3. Voice and mobile traffic are transmitted at the same time. In a 3G network, this is also possible, but the load on the network is too large, therefore, during communication, access to the global network is temporarily suspended. Network LTE allows you to remove this restriction.
4. The connection time delay is reduced, the connection is almost instantaneous.
5. Reduces the consumption of the battery of the mobile device. This is due to the fact that the smartphone used to switch to make a call from one network to another, for which additional energy was spent.

Disadvantages of VoLTE

There are negative aspects that limit the use of this network:

1. This is primarily due to the fact that not all mobile devices support LTE technology. This problem needs to be solved at the hardware level. Only well-known popular brands of mobile devices can work with it, and their price is often beyond the reach of ordinary users.
2. Another disadvantage is that in order to create a high-quality voice connection, both interlocutors must have this function during a conversation. Otherwise, no merits of this connection will be seen.

VoLTE service to Megafon

This technology was launched without restrictions on Megafon at the end of 2016 in the Moscow region. With it, smartphone owners were able to make voice calls with high voice quality.

At this time, the option is valid only in the Moscow region. VoLTE Megaphone option is not available in international and national roaming. Also, not every mobile device can work in this network. On the website of the operator Megafon there is a special section http://shop.megafon.ru/mobile/-volte.html, where you can see the entire list of models of mobile devices, in which you can choose a phone with the necessary functions at an affordable price.

Smartphone firmware must also meet the requirements of the new communication technology. Fresh information on this issue can be found on the web resource of the operator Megafon. If the device and software has the ability to support this technology, you just need to make the appropriate settings for the mobile network. This section in the settings of mobile devices may have different names, depending on the type of phone: “ ChallengesLTE», « Turn onLTE», « VoLTE», « Mode 4GLTE»And other names.

The manual for the phone should be accompanied by detailed instructions. This service does not need an additional connection, and is provided to all Megafon users by default. The only limitation can be a SIM card that does not support the 4G network. This can be verified by sending a USSD request * 507 # by clicking on the call.

If we consider the cost of this service, then many are wondering whether there is a traffic expense or double payment due to the transmission of voice over the Internet in a packet way? In this case, the specialists of the Megafon operator claim that the payment will not increase, the money will be charged under the terms of the tariff plan, and the mobile Internet is not paid during the call. If the 4G network disappears, the conversation with the subscriber will not stop, as the network will be reconfigured to lower quality parameters - 3G or 2G. In this case, all the advantages of the new technology disappear.

Possible problems with VoLTE Megaphone connection

Many users are faced with the problem of an error called “ Server connection Error". This means that there was an error connecting to the server. In this case, you need to know how to act in this case. Usually, when the smartphone is launched for the first time, the system prompts the subscriber to install update packages. You must agree to the updates. However, the volume of updates can be very large and often exceed 500 MB. Therefore, it is advisable to update via Wi-Fi to reduce the likelihood of crashes and latency.

The user should check the firmware version on the mobile phone. This can be done by opening the main menu and going to the section " Settings". Then you need to go to the section " About the device”, And see the displayed name of the firmware version.

Attention : the first valid firmware supporting the functionVoLTE on smartphonesSonyXperia is named with this code - 39.2.A.0.327.

If there are updates, the system needs to be updated and the service will start functioning. Megafon VoLTE service will not work in conjunction with options such as " eMotion», « Personal dial tone". The service is not supported by smartphones with the system DualSIM... Smartphones with the Android system made for Russia support this technology.

If the service VoLTE connect on a smartphone without the support of this function, the service will not be connected. If you have previously connected this function, and you moved the SIM card to another smartphone that does not support this option, then it is better to disable this service.

Expert opinion and reviews

This operator's service deserves attention. Today there are many restrictions, and only a few subscribers will use this opportunity. However, a similar situation arose with 4G mobile traffic. At first, it started only in the Moscow region, there were still a few smartphones with 4G technology support, but today it is difficult to surprise with mobile Internet at high speed.

In our review for users, the theoretical part was laid out. If you study the feedback from users of the VoLTE Megafon service, you can immediately see that subscribers are satisfied with the high speed of traffic and connections with the interlocutor. But for some reason, no one notes the improvement in the quality of voice in a conversation. This is often due to the fact that one interlocutor has access to this service, while the other does not, or does not support a mobile device.

There were no reviews about saving battery power either, although according to theoretical calculations it should be. Subscribers respond positively to this service in the sense that it does not need to be connected, and no subscription fee is provided for it. Simply created a free opportunity to communicate with improved communication and voice quality.

Faced a problem - poor quality of communication, due to the fact that the reception is poor in the premises. Sometimes not at all.

Found a description of the technology Wi-Fi Calling or Mobile VoIP or VoWi-Fi and as one of the branches of VoLTE development.

As providers say, the advantage of this technology is the implementation of a seamless transition between Wi-Fi and mobile networks during a conversation (the conversation will not be interrupted).

Demonstration of VoLTE in the Beeline network from Mikhail Slobodin on September 14, 2015:

But more clearly about these technologies from LG

In Beeline, the SIP phone service is provided within the "cloud PBX" and only for corporate clients, Megafon within the Multifon framework for both private and corporate clients.

Username: 79260000000 (your number in the Megafon network)

Password: ****** (your password to the Multifon service)

Server: multifon.ru

Advanced settings

Username:

Display name:

Proxy server address: sbc.megafon.ru

Port number: 5060

Protocol: UDP

Send keep-alive: automatically

Who cares how to set up a phone in MTS

Who cares how to set up a phone.

VoLTE is officially supported by Beeline only for devices:

• Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3 5.5 (6045Y)
• ZTE Blade L4
• Beeline Fast +
• Samsung

Galaxy Alpha (SM-G850F)
Note Edge (SM-N915F)
Galaxy S6 (SM-G920F) - B7, B20
Galaxy S6 Edge (SM-G925F) - B7, B20

• Huawei

Honor 6 (H60-L04)

Ascend Mate 7 (MT7-L09)

VoLTE working conditions in Russia are as follows:

1. A SIM card with an ISIM or USIM program is required (SIM, USIM, ISIM are not cards, these are programs). You can get a SIM card from the operator.
2. The processor on the phone must support this technology. For example, LG Nexus 5x has Snapdragon 808 (LTE Cat6) supports this technology.
3. This technology must be enabled in the OS of the mobile phone (as a rule, at the request of the provider, the manufacturer enables this option in his phone and releases the firmware - more on that below) + then call the contact center and ask you to enable this service for you (Beeline calls this service "Enabling technical capability" SOC or VoLTE)

Here is an example of an update for Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3 5.5 (6045Y) from Beeline:

4. An access point (APN) has been created with special parameters (these settings must be provided by the operator) and enabled Link aggregation(Carrier Aggregation). More details about Qualcomm modems can be found

Here is what the Beeline support service writes about this:

VoLTE account registration data:
login: volte_ *
password: *****

Instructions for setting up a VoLTE (SIP) account using the example of Android OS
Settings-> Calls-> Internet Call Settings-> Accounts-> Add Account.
Username: volte_ *
Password: ****
Server: m.sip.beeline.ru
As the main account. entry: do not check the box (well, or as desired)
Extra options:
Authentication name: [email protected]
Display name: Same as username
Outgoing proxy address: 10.255.76.20
Port number: 5060
Transmission type: UDP
Send keep-alive: automatically
To activate your account, put a tick in the Accept incoming box.

Login and password, you must be given by the operator!

here is another answer from the support team, but the information is contradictory (but in any case, you need a unique username, password, SIP URI):

Dear Client, good day and good mood to you and your loved ones!

The VoLTE product can only be used with Softphone. You download the Softphone application yourself, the Company does not provide it.

The set with this tariff plan provides instructions for setting up "Softphone" and a unique login, password and SIP URI.

To establish a connection via VoLTE service, it is necessary that the “Softphone” application be activated for the Subscriber making and receiving a call. If a Subscriber makes a call to a Subscriber whose Softphone application is closed (inactive), then he hears an answering machine about the Subscriber's unavailability in the network.

But the most interesting thing is how to set up VoLTE in Beeline on a Nexus 5x (LGH791) device - I haven't found it yet. There are other Nexus 5x phone models. But, in Russia, only the LG-H791 model is relevant (LTE Cat6 700/800/850/900/1700/1800/1900/2100/2600 (Bands 1,2,3,4,5, 7 ,8,9,17,18,19,20 , 26,28), TD-LTE 2300/2500/2600 (Bands 38,40,41)).

In theory, everything should look like this:

1. Will launch Phone app (Dialer) on your phone and dial *#*#4636#*#*.
2. Choose Phone information.
3. Next enable the flag Turn ON VoLTE Provisioned Flag... (I can't do it)
4. Reboot telephone.
5. Open Customization »More» Cellular networks and enable Enhanced 4G LTE Mode and then everything will turn on

UPD: For VOLTE to work, you need to make the operator's config of the device's modem and slip it into the device. In it, you must enable the mode Read IMS ISIM SETTINGS... You can do this yourself through QXDM for Qualcomm devices, or find the operator's config for the device in the form (mcfg_sw.mbn) Follow the link VOLTE config for Beeline.

/firmware/image/modem_pr/mcfg/configs/mcfg_sw/generic/eu/ee/consumer/mcfg_sw.mbn

This is an elf file, you need to decompile it, get xml from it (make changes), and then compile it under ARMv8

Digital technologies evolve relentlessly portable gadgets are constantly being improved, and their capabilities are immeasurably increasing, which allows you to comfortably use smartphones and tablets without any difficulties. However, many consumers want a high-speed wireless connection over cellular networks. For this, not so long ago, such a communication standard as LTE was introduced to the Russian market. A large number of global manufacturers have begun to actively produce their own devices with an additional LTE option, thereby expanding the technical characteristics of the device.

If you want to make phone calls in and other city networks, then you have to connect to 3G in order to establish a voice connection. An alternative solution to a common problem is 4g volte technology, which is gradually gaining popularity among numerous consumers.

VoLTE is a cutting edge technology based on the transmission of voice over LTE networks. The name is interpreted as Voice over LTE, and the most accurate translation is “voice over LTE”. Now you will have a great opportunity to make your usual phone calls, but at the same time, there is no need to switch communication technologies. Now the developers are actively developing their brainchild and improving it so that the technology will bring a lot of benefits to absolutely all owners of various gadgets. Some popular operators have already implemented VoLTE in Russia, due to which voice communication has become better and has numerous advantages, which we will discuss below.

Distinctive advantages

VoLTE technology is becoming more and more popular every day due to its advantages. If you are not yet using this option for its intended purpose or have not had time to purchase a smartphone that supports this communication standard, then we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the list of advantages of the above solution. The list of positive aspects consists of the following points:

1. voice quality has improved markedly - the main disadvantage of second and third generation networks is the limitation of the audio data transfer rate, whose indicator usually does not exceed 16 Kbps, this is not enough to be considered high-quality voice transmission; therefore, VoLTE was created to add volume to any voice by reducing noise;
2. simultaneous voice and data transmission - 3G and GSM are not capable of transmitting data at the moment when you call someone; if a call comes from another subscriber, then the working Internet connection is instantly "frozen" until the end of the telephone conversation; due to the considered option, the usual restrictions and load on the network can be avoided, leaving the communication quality at a high level;
3. increased capacity of cellular networks - the total number of subscribers simultaneously maintaining communication with a certain base station is no longer limited, but, on the contrary, is increased by 3 times;
4. the connection speed does not decrease and always remains high - when a call is made, a dial-up connection is established by switching the device to 3G and GSM, which leads to a 20-second delay; VoLTE does not provide for the use of a switching connection, so you will be very surprised when you find out how high the connection speed is;
5. make free calls - voice is transmitted through a special packet data transmission system; when a phone call is made, only Internet traffic is spent; this means that the subscriber will be provided with free calls, but on condition that he has an unlimited Internet connection and the selected telecom operator supports VoLTE.

Main disadvantages

VoLTE protocol is not perfect, as it may seem at first glance, because it has minor drawbacks that you should be aware of in advance before connecting. First of all, I would like to note the increased load on the smartphone. For this reason, not all manufacturers add this option to the characteristics of their devices. In order to reduce the expected load, it is necessary to perform additional work on the implementation of the protocol at the chipset level, and this requires impressive efforts and costs.

In most cases, VoLTE is found in Apple products, flagship models from Samsung, for example, also did not stand aside. If you want to buy a smartphone with the presented technology from Chinese manufacturers, then before buying you need to clarify this issue so as not to be disappointed later.

Today, not all telecom operators are connected to VoLTE - this is also a significant drawback, because high quality of communication is achieved only when this condition is met. It is hoped that this technology will function optimally if all operators decide to implement it, but so far this has not happened.

Perhaps you will be interested in our article on determining the location of the subscriber -

VoLTE and telecom operators

Megafon has already introduced a new service called Call 4G. which provides HD voice over VoLTE or 4G networks. Thus, multitasking is ensured, data transmission during a telephone conversation does not stop. This means that during a call, the owner of the smartphone can surf the Internet and search for necessary information on third-party websites. At the moment, Megafon and Beeline provide access to this free service only to residents of Moscow and the Moscow region, but in the future it is planned to expand the number of cities involved.

Another well-known operator, MTS, intends to add a similar VoLTE option in 2018. This year, it is planned to conduct large-scale testing in various regions to determine the performance of the entire idea in practice. Based on the test results, a final decision will be made regarding any possible improvements.

The operator "Tele2" also did not stand aside and became interested in VoLTE. The company's management claims that initially this protocol will be available for two branded LTE and Tele2 Midi LTE. These devices will attract the attention of many consumers because they belong to the budget segment due to their low cost, which reaches 5 thousand rubles. But, so far, the technology under consideration is available exclusively for Muscovites.

Hopefully, you now understand how volte works and what it is in a phone. The presented protocol is really irreplaceable, because it allows you to perform several actions at the same time. Before connecting, you need to purchase a mobile device that supports the appropriate communication standard, as well as familiarize yourself with the tariff schedule of operators who have already added this option for their customers.

As it became necessary to transmit data over long distances, the pursuit of speed began. Megafon was one of the first to establish a new connection format in its communications. Voice over distance technologies have reached a new level, and now it has become possible to make calls using LTE technology. And this is done using VoLTE technology. What is VoLTE, what is it for, what are the advantages and disadvantages, as well as how to start using, you can learn from this article.

What is VoLTE technology and why is it needed?

VoLTE (VoiceoverLTE - literally "voice over LTE") is a fourth-generation communication technology that allows you to make calls over 4G networks.

Until recently, even in the 4G coverage area, calls were made according to the following scheme: the phone switched from 4G to 3G or 2G mode, packet data transmission was stopped until the end of the call, and then resumed. Now, thanks to VoLTE technology, data transmission does not stop, and the call is made directly over 4G networks.

As we can see from the graph, VoLTE technology is gaining more and more popularity around the world.

Less than a year ago, she reached Russia. At the moment, four largest operators are engaged in its provision: Megafon, MTS, Beeline and Tele2... Megafon was one of the first to start transmitting voice signals via LTE and is rightfully considered one of the leaders in high-quality voice signal transmission.

At the moment VoLTE technology is available only in Moscow and the Moscow region... When going into roaming, it is recommended to disable VoLTE in the phone settings in order to reduce the load on the phone, which will look for 4G if it is not deactivated.

Many people may have a question: if the technology uses 4G connectivity, does that mean you can make free calls over the internet? and is traffic being used during the voice call?

No... Calls can still be made free of charge, but only through third-party programs, such as Skype, a call over a 4G network is made and charged in the same way as a call on 2 / 3G networks, and when using it, no Internet traffic is consumed.

The technology works like 3G, works automatically and does not require a separate connection. However, not all smartphones support it. Below you can find list of smartphones supporting VoLTE technology:

• iPhone - from iPhone 6 and up;
• Google Nexus - starting with Nexus 5;
• Samsung - starting with Galaxy S4;
• Sony Xperia - starting with Xperia Z2 and many other phones as well.

VoLTE technology not compatible using the services " Personal dial tone», « AntiAON" and " One-time AntiAON».

Advantages

1. High sound quality compared to others: in second and third generation networks, the transmission rate and sound quality are limited to 16 Kbps. The use of HD Voice technologies in VoLTE technology can improve sound quality, add volume to the voice and reduce the amount of interference and noise.
2. Simultaneous data and voice transmission: in 2 and 3G networks, operators did not allow simultaneous calls and use of Internet services, since this increased the load on the network and significantly reduced the quality of communication. Now it is possible to transmit voice via LTE directly due to less capacious manipulations with transmission networks.
the technology of voice transmission over LTE allows to reduce the load on the network by 3 times compared to 3G transmission and 6 times compared to 2G. This is due to the larger amount of data that telephone base stations can receive. The lower the communication generation, the less data is subject to simultaneous processing.
3. Higher connection speed: When using 4G while making a call, the phone should have switched to 2 / 3G mode depending on the called party. This transition can take up to twenty seconds. With VoLTE technology, the need for this transition is eliminated, and the connection takes place in 2-4 seconds.

Flaws

But, VoLTE also has disadvantages that are not visible at first glance:

1. Increased load on the phone: in order to take on the simultaneous load of receiving a call and transferring data, the phone must have a powerful filling, so only users of the latest generation of smartphones can use VoLTE technology.
2. The need for the ability to call via VoLTE for both subscribers: No, those who use VoLTE can make calls to other networks, but then the declared sound quality, which is positioned as an advantage, is not guaranteed. With different networks of use, the connection speed will increase, access to the Internet will be opened, but the sound quality will remain the same.

On a phone without VoLTE support, it simply will not connect, even with the capabilities of a SIM card.

How to start using

To start using VoLTE technology, you just need to buy a Megafon SIM card and have a phone with its support available. Most of the SIM cards sold now are equipped with the latest generation networks, which are activated when they get into the coverage area.

To find out if your SIM card supports 4G technology, you can use the service team * 570 # [call button].

For 4G calls, you need to change your phone settings:

• iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Data options → Turn on LTE → Voice and data.
• LG Stylus 3, LG X Power 2, LG K10 2017: Settings → Networks → Advanced → Mobile networks → VoLTE.
• Samsung Galaxy: VoLTE is automatically enabled with new firmware.
  Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → VoLTE calls.
• Sony Xperia: VoLTE is automatically enabled in new firmware.
  Settings → More → Mobile network → Enable VoLTE or
  Notification panel → Quick options → Enable VoLTE.

You can determine that you are in a 4G coverage network and make a call through it by the following icons on the phone screen:

Video: VoLTE technology

You can get acquainted with the webinar, in which you will have the opportunity to learn the technical component of VoLTE technology, in the document attached below.